What Is the Webster Technique? A Prenatal Chiropractor in Cumming Explains

Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC
Medically reviewed by Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: June 2026.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment method used during pregnancy to address sacropelvic alignment and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Peer-reviewed literature supports the use of chiropractic care for managing common musculoskeletal discomforts of pregnancy, such as low back pain and pelvic girdle pain [1]. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner is Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and offers prenatal chiropractic care for expecting moms throughout Forsyth County and the surrounding communities.

What Is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic protocol developed specifically for use during pregnancy. It involves a careful analysis of the sacrum — the triangular bone at the base of the spine — along with the surrounding pelvic structures and soft tissues. The goal is to identify and address sacropelvic misalignment and the muscle and ligament tension that often accompanies it.

Pregnancy places unique demands on a woman's musculoskeletal system. As the uterus grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, the lumbar curve deepens, and the sacroiliac joints — which connect the sacrum to the pelvis — absorb significantly more load. The round ligaments, which support the uterus, can become stretched and tender. These changes are normal, but they often contribute to low back pain, pelvic discomfort, and hip tightness that many pregnant women experience, particularly in the second and third trimesters [1].

The Webster Technique specifically targets this dynamic. It combines a low-force adjustment of the sacrum with a gentle soft-tissue release of the round ligaments and surrounding musculature. The technique is taught and certified through the ICPA, and chiropractors who carry this certification have completed additional coursework in the specific protocols, anatomy, and safety considerations involved in prenatal care.

It is important to understand what the Webster Technique is — and is not. It is a musculoskeletal technique aimed at improving pelvic function and reducing physical tension during pregnancy. It is not a medical procedure designed to directly reposition a baby, and it should never be presented as a substitute for obstetric care. Any conversation about fetal positioning should happen with your OB or midwife.

How Does the Webster Technique Work?

Can the Webster Technique help with pregnancy discomfort?

The short answer is: many pregnant women find it helpful for the musculoskeletal symptoms that come with a changing body.

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes the ligaments throughout the pelvis to loosen in preparation for labor. While this is a necessary physiological process, it also makes the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis more susceptible to imbalance and dysfunction. When the sacrum is not moving symmetrically, or when the soft tissues on one side of the pelvis are significantly tighter than the other, it can create the aching, pulling discomfort that many pregnant women describe as "pelvic girdle pain."

The Webster Technique works by applying a low-force, precisely directed adjustment to the sacrum to restore more balanced movement through the pelvic joints. This is paired with a gentle release of tension in the round ligaments — two thick bands of connective tissue that run from the uterus down through the groin. When these ligaments are chronically tight or asymmetric, they can contribute to uterine torsion (twisting), which may limit the space and symmetry available in the lower uterine segment.

A cohort study found that pregnant patients with low back pain who received chiropractic care commonly reported subjective improvement over the course of their care [2]. While this does not establish causation, it supports the general clinical observation that many pregnant women do experience meaningful relief.

At Arise Family Chiropractic, a Webster Technique session typically runs 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. Cortner uses positioning supports specifically designed for pregnant patients, so you can lie comfortably face-down without placing any pressure on the abdomen. The adjustment itself is low-force and targeted — most patients describe it as gentle and relaxing.

What to Expect at Your Webster Technique Visit at Arise

What does a Webster-certified chiropractor do differently?

A chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique has completed specialized training through the ICPA that goes beyond general chiropractic education. That training covers the biomechanical changes specific to pregnancy, the anatomy of the sacropelvic region in the context of a growing uterus, and the soft-tissue component of the protocol — specifically the round ligament release.

Your first visit at Arise Family Chiropractic is scheduled for 45 to 60 minutes. It includes a thorough health history review, a focused examination relevant to your stage of pregnancy, a review of any available imaging if applicable, and your first adjustment. We almost always adjust on the first visit — there's no preliminary-only appointment. Your care recommendations are reviewed in detail at a follow-up visit so Dr. Cortner can tailor the plan to where you are in your pregnancy.

After your initial assessment, follow-up Webster sessions run 15 to 20 minutes. At these visits, Dr. Cortner re-evaluates sacropelvic alignment, performs the sacral adjustment, and addresses any soft-tissue tension that has developed since the prior visit. Because pregnancy is a moving target — your body is changing week to week — the assessment at each visit is genuinely individualized, not a cookie-cutter repeat.

Arise is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B in Cumming — just minutes from Northside Hospital Forsyth and the Windermere and Vickery neighborhoods. If you're coming from Alpharetta or Johns Creek, we are a straightforward drive up GA-400. Parking is easy and the office is street-level, which matters more than you might think in the third trimester.

Is the Webster Technique Safe During Pregnancy?

Safety is the first question every expecting mom should ask — and the right question to ask.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy, when provided by a trained provider using techniques appropriate for the prenatal stage, is described in the literature as generally well-tolerated [1]. The Webster Technique specifically uses low-force adjustive contacts and avoids any high-velocity thrust or rotation of the lumbar spine. The soft-tissue component is a gentle myofascial release, not deep-tissue pressure.

Dr. Cortner's Webster Technique certification through the ICPA means she has been trained in the specific precautions and contraindications for prenatal chiropractic care. These include knowing when to refer — for example, if a patient presents with placenta previa, preterm labor risk, or other obstetric complications that require close medical management. Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every pregnancy, which is exactly why a properly trained provider matters.

Most patients at Arise report no soreness after a Webster session. When any mild tenderness does occur — which is uncommon — it typically resolves within 24 hours and is comparable to mild post-stretch muscle awareness, not pain. Significant or persistent soreness after a session is not expected, and Dr. Cortner will always walk you through what to expect before you leave the office.

If you have an existing obstetric care team (OB, midwife, or maternal-fetal medicine specialist), Dr. Cortner is happy to coordinate. Many of her prenatal patients bring a note from or have had a conversation with their provider before starting care, and she welcomes that collaborative approach.

When Should You Start the Webster Technique?

Many patients ask whether they need to wait until the third trimester. The answer is: no. The Webster Technique can be used throughout pregnancy, and many chiropractors recommend beginning care earlier rather than later.

The first trimester is often when the foundations of pelvic tension are laid — before visible symptoms become significant. Starting care in the first or second trimester means Dr. Cortner can monitor sacropelvic alignment as your body changes, rather than trying to address accumulated tension late in the third trimester when discomfort may already be affecting sleep and daily function.

That said, many patients do begin care in the third trimester — often referred by a midwife or after a friend's recommendation — and still find it helpful. The best time to start is when it makes sense for your pregnancy and your body.

Comparison: Webster Technique vs. General Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Not all prenatal chiropractic visits are Webster Technique visits. Here's how they differ:

When to Seek Other Care

Chiropractic care is one tool, not a complete solution. There are situations where Dr. Cortner will refer you to or encourage you to remain in close contact with your obstetric provider:

• Preterm labor symptoms — cramping, contractions, or pressure before 37 weeks should be evaluated by your OB or midwife immediately.
• Severe or worsening pelvic pain that does not respond to conservative care over several visits may require imaging or specialist evaluation.
• Fetal positioning questions — if your provider has told you your baby is breech or transverse and you are approaching 36 weeks, that conversation belongs with your OB or midwife. A chiropractor can address the musculoskeletal component, but decisions about fetal version or delivery planning are medical decisions.
• New neurological symptoms — numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or significant unrelenting pain should be evaluated medically.
• Any obstetric complication — placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or other high-risk pregnancy conditions require your obstetric team to be in the lead.

Dr. Cortner does not practice in isolation. She works alongside your birth team, not instead of it.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Cumming, GA and Forsyth County

Arise Family Chiropractic is located in South Forsyth, close to some of Forsyth County's fastest-growing residential areas — Windermere, Vickery, and the communities along Bethelview Road. If you're expecting and live near the Sawnee Mountain Preserve area, Coal Mountain, or in the neighborhoods feeding into Cumming City Center, the office is a short, easy drive.

Dr. Cortner serves prenatal patients not just from Cumming but from Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Suwanee, and as far north as Dawsonville. The practice opened in 2018 and has developed a particular focus on family care — prenatal through pediatric through adult — because Dr. Cortner trained with that continuum of care in mind from the start.

Forsyth County's growth means there are a lot of young families in the area, and a lot of first-time and experienced moms navigating pregnancy without a clear sense of what conservative prenatal care options exist. The Webster Technique is one of those options — one that is specific, certifiable, and focused on helping your body adapt to the physical demands of pregnancy as comfortably as possible.

If you are pregnant and experiencing low back pain, pelvic tightness, round ligament discomfort, hip tension, or simply want to be proactive about your pelvic alignment before symptoms develop, a consultation at Arise is a reasonable first step. The Webster Technique may be a helpful part of your prenatal care — and Dr. Cortner is well-positioned to evaluate whether it is right for where you are in your pregnancy.

Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webster Technique in chiropractic?

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol developed for use during pregnancy. It focuses on the sacrum — the bone at the base of your spine — and the surrounding pelvic joints, muscles, and ligaments, including the round ligaments that support the uterus. The goal is to reduce sacropelvic tension and improve pelvic balance as the body adapts to pregnancy. Chiropractors who use it have completed specialized certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

Is the Webster Technique safe during pregnancy?

The Webster Technique uses low-force adjustive contacts and a gentle round-ligament soft-tissue release — no high-velocity thrusting or lumbar rotation. Chiropractic care during pregnancy, when provided by a trained and certified provider, is described in the literature as generally well-tolerated. Dr. Cortner's ICPA certification includes training in prenatal contraindications and when to refer. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or obstetric complications, always discuss chiropractic care with your OB or midwife first.

When should you start the Webster Technique during pregnancy?

You can begin the Webster Technique at any point in pregnancy. Many patients start in the first or second trimester to stay ahead of pelvic tension as the body changes, while others begin in the third trimester after discomfort develops. Earlier is generally advantageous because it allows Dr. Cortner to monitor alignment through the arc of your pregnancy rather than addressing accumulated tension late in the third trimester. There is no single right answer — your stage of pregnancy and current symptoms both factor into the conversation.

Does the Webster Technique turn a breech baby?

The Webster Technique is a musculoskeletal technique, not a medical procedure for repositioning a baby. Its purpose is to reduce sacropelvic tension and improve pelvic balance, which may create more symmetrical conditions in the lower uterine segment. Decisions about fetal positioning, external cephalic version (ECV), or delivery planning are obstetric decisions that belong with your OB or midwife. Dr. Cortner addresses the musculoskeletal component and works alongside your birth team, not in place of it.

How often should you get the Webster Technique?

Frequency is individualized and discussed at your follow-up visit after Dr. Cortner has completed your initial assessment. In general, care recommendations during pregnancy depend on your trimester, the degree of sacropelvic tension present, and how your body responds to initial adjustments. Some patients come weekly; others come every two to three weeks. Dr. Cortner re-evaluates alignment at each visit because pregnancy is dynamic — your care plan may shift as your due date approaches.

What does a Webster-certified chiropractor do differently?

A Webster-certified chiropractor has completed additional coursework through the ICPA specifically covering the biomechanical changes of pregnancy, sacropelvic anatomy in the context of a growing uterus, and the two-part protocol — the sacral adjustment plus the round ligament release. General chiropractic training does not include this specific protocol or the detailed prenatal safety precautions covered in Webster certification. At Arise, Dr. Cortner also uses specialized positioning supports designed for pregnant patients.

Is prenatal chiropractic covered by insurance?

Coverage varies significantly by plan. Many health insurance plans that cover chiropractic care cover prenatal chiropractic visits at the same rate as standard chiropractic visits. Some plans require a referral; others do not. We recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card and asking specifically whether chiropractic care during pregnancy is covered, how many visits are allowed, and whether a referral or pre-authorization is required. Our team at Arise can help you understand your benefits when you call or visit.

Can the Webster Technique help with round ligament pain?

Round ligament pain — the sharp, pulling sensation many women feel in the lower abdomen or groin during pregnancy — is one of the specific soft-tissue components the Webster Technique addresses. The protocol includes a gentle myofascial release of the round ligaments themselves, in addition to the sacral adjustment. Many of Dr. Cortner's prenatal patients come in specifically because of round ligament discomfort, and she often finds that a combination of the sacral adjustment and soft-tissue work provides noticeable relief.

How long does a Webster Technique session take at Arise Family Chiropractic?

A Webster Technique session at Arise typically runs 15 to 20 minutes. Your first visit is longer — 45 to 60 minutes — because it includes a health history review, examination, and your first adjustment. Detailed care recommendations are reviewed at a follow-up visit. After the initial visit, the 15-to-20-minute follow-up format allows for a real-time re-evaluation of sacropelvic alignment and the targeted adjustment, without requiring a large block of time out of your day.

Do I need a referral from my OB to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?

In most cases, you do not need a formal medical referral to begin prenatal chiropractic care at Arise. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy — including placenta previa, preterm labor risk, or other complications — Dr. Cortner will want to know about your obstetric situation and may recommend that you get clearance from your provider before beginning care. Many patients choose to mention their chiropractic care to their OB or midwife as a courtesy, and Dr. Cortner welcomes a collaborative relationship with your birth team.

If you're pregnant and experiencing pelvic pain, round ligament discomfort, low back tension, or simply want to be proactive about your prenatal musculoskeletal health, Arise Family Chiropractic is here to help. Dr. Caitlyn Cortner is Webster Technique certified through the ICPA and has focused her practice on prenatal, pediatric, and family chiropractic care since opening in Cumming, Georgia in 2018. Schedule your initial visit online or call us at (770) 406-8208. You can also learn more about our full prenatal care approach at Prenatal Chiropractic Care at Arise.

References

[1] Borggren CL. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. J Chiropr Med. 2007;6(2):70-74. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004
[2] Peterson CK, Muhlemann D, Humphreys BK. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up. Chiropr Man Therap. 2014;22(1):15. - https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-709X-22-15

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.