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

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

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol designed for pregnant women, focusing on the sacrum, pelvis, and associated soft tissues to support pelvic balance throughout pregnancy. Research on interventions for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain suggests that manual therapy may offer relief for common musculoskeletal discomforts of pregnancy, though evidence quality varies [1]. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner is certified in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and has been providing prenatal chiropractic care to expecting moms across Forsyth County since 2018.

What Is the Webster Technique in Chiropractic Care?

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic protocol developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). It is designed specifically for pregnant patients and focuses on two interconnected structures: the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the round ligaments of the uterus.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes rapid and significant changes. The pelvis widens, the center of gravity shifts forward, and the hormone relaxin softens ligaments to prepare for birth. These changes are natural and necessary — but they can also lead to sacral misalignment, pelvic imbalance, and tension in the soft tissues surrounding the uterus. The Webster Technique addresses these specific structural changes using a gentle, pregnancy-adapted chiropractic adjustment paired with light soft-tissue work on the round ligaments.

The ICPA formally defines the Webster Technique as a specific sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which may contribute to uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms including low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, and round ligament pain. Only chiropractors who have completed the ICPA's formal Webster Technique certification training are authorized to practice and promote this protocol by name.

It is important to understand what the Webster Technique is — and what it is not. It is a musculoskeletal intervention for the pregnant person, not a medical procedure to directly reposition a baby. Any discussion of fetal positioning is outside its defined scope, and scope-appropriate language matters here. We'll address the breech question specifically in the FAQ section below.

How Does the Webster Technique Address Pregnancy Discomfort?

Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort is extremely common. Low back pain affects a substantial proportion of pregnant women, often beginning in the second trimester and intensifying as the pregnancy progresses [2]. Round ligament pain — the sharp or aching sensation along the sides of the lower abdomen — is another frequent complaint, especially during the second trimester. Hip and sacroiliac joint discomfort often follow as the pelvis continues to adapt.

The Webster Technique approaches these issues through two components performed together in a single session:

Sacral adjustment: The chiropractor performs a gentle, specific adjustment to the sacrum to address misalignment or restricted motion at the sacroiliac joints. With a pregnant patient, this is typically performed side-lying or on a specially designed pregnancy table with a drop-away center section that allows the abdomen to be fully supported — never face-down. The adjustment is low-force and adapted to the changes relaxin has already produced in the ligaments.

Round ligament release: After the sacral adjustment, the practitioner applies light fingertip pressure along the round ligaments to reduce tension and encourage balance in the soft tissues supporting the uterus. This portion is gentle — comparable to light massage pressure — and is generally well-tolerated even in the third trimester.

The combination is intended to support the body's natural structural balance during a time when rapid change creates significant mechanical stress. A narrative review of chiropractic use during pregnancy found the available literature generally favorable for musculoskeletal symptoms, while also noting the limitations of existing research [2]. A systematic review of interventions for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain concluded that manual therapy approaches may provide some relief, while underscoring that the overall evidence base remains limited [1].

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not a replacement for obstetric care — it works alongside your OB or midwife, not instead of them.

What Can You Expect at Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming?

At Arise Family Chiropractic, a Webster Technique session with Dr. Catie Cortner typically runs 15 to 20 minutes for established patients. Here is what a visit looks like in practice:

Your first visit is longer — 45 to 60 minutes — and includes a thorough health history review, a physical examination, a review of any imaging or records you bring, and your first adjustment. We almost always adjust on the first visit. If you have questions about your pregnancy, your symptoms, or what to expect from care, this is a great time to ask. Detailed care recommendations are reviewed at a follow-up visit so that your first appointment is focused on getting you some relief.

Follow-up visits are efficient — typically 10 to 15 minutes for a standard chiropractic follow-up, or 15 to 20 minutes when the full Webster Technique protocol is performed. The office is welcoming and unhurried; patients describe the atmosphere as feeling like "treat u like family" rather than a clinical assembly line.

Dr. Cortner completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life University in Marietta, Georgia (2016) and holds her Webster Technique Certification through the ICPA — the certifying body that establishes the standards for this protocol. She has been practicing in Cumming since 2018, serving expecting moms from across Forsyth County and surrounding communities including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Suwanee, and Dawsonville.

The office is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B — easy to reach from South Forsyth, Windermere, and the Vickery area, and not far from Northside Hospital Forsyth, where many of our prenatal patients deliver.

What about comfort during the visit? The adjusting table is specifically set up for pregnant patients. Most expecting moms find the sessions comfortable, and many report feeling relief from pelvic pressure, hip tightness, or round ligament discomfort either during or shortly after their visit. A small number of patients notice mild, temporary soreness — similar to mild post-exercise tenderness — that typically resolves within 24 hours. Significant or persistent soreness is not expected; if it occurs, we want to hear about it.

When to Seek Other Care or Talk to Your OB

Prenatal chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique, is a musculoskeletal support — it is not obstetric management, labor coaching, or a medical treatment for pregnancy complications. There are situations where chiropractic is not the appropriate first call:

• Placenta previa, placental abruption, or ectopic pregnancy — these are obstetric emergencies; contact your OB immediately.
• Pre-eclampsia symptoms (severe headache, vision changes, rapid swelling) — call your OB or go to the ER.
• Preterm labor signs (contractions before 37 weeks, rupture of membranes) — seek obstetric care right away.
• New numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control — see your physician before continuing any manual therapy.
• Symptoms that worsen significantly after a visit — contact us and your OB.

Dr. Cortner works collaboratively with OBs and midwives in the Cumming and Forsyth County area. If she identifies anything during your assessment that warrants a referral or a conversation with your obstetric provider, she will tell you directly.

Webster Technique in Cumming, GA: Serving Forsyth County and Beyond

Arise Family Chiropractic is located in the heart of Cumming, just off Bethelview Road — a central location for families throughout Forsyth County and North Fulton. Expecting moms come to the practice from neighborhoods like Windermere, South Forsyth, and Coal Mountain, as well as from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton.

Forsyth County's population has grown significantly over the past decade, and with that growth has come a surge in young families and expecting parents looking for integrative, family-centered care. The Webster Technique fills an important gap: it is one of the few chiropractic protocols designed specifically around the pregnant body, taught through a structured certification program, and backed by an established professional association (ICPA).

For expecting moms who work at local employers like the Forsyth County School System or Forsyth County Government — or who spend their days on their feet at home — pregnancy-related back pain and pelvic discomfort can make daily life genuinely difficult. The Webster Technique sessions at Arise are designed to fit into a busy schedule: the 15-to-20-minute session length means most patients can visit during a lunch break, before school drop-off, or after work.

If you are considering prenatal chiropractic care and want to confirm that your provider is Webster-certified, you can search the ICPA's online practitioner directory. Dr. Cortner's certification is current and verifiable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webster Technique in chiropractic?

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol developed for pregnant patients. It focuses on the sacrum and pelvis to address misalignment or restricted motion at the sacroiliac joints, paired with gentle soft-tissue work on the round ligaments of the uterus. It is performed only by chiropractors who hold a formal Webster Technique Certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

Is the Webster Technique safe during pregnancy?

The Webster Technique is adapted specifically for pregnancy — it uses low-force adjustments, pregnancy-appropriate table positioning (side-lying or on a drop-away table), and light soft-tissue techniques. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered a low-risk conservative option for musculoskeletal symptoms. As with any care during pregnancy, you should inform both your chiropractor and your OB or midwife that you are receiving it. Certain pregnancy complications are contraindications; Dr. Cortner will screen for these at your initial visit.

When should you start the Webster Technique during pregnancy?

Many pregnant patients begin chiropractic care in the second trimester, when pelvic and low back discomfort often becomes more pronounced, though care can begin at any stage of a healthy pregnancy. Some patients start in the first trimester, especially if they experienced low back or pelvic issues before conceiving. There is no single universally 'correct' start point — visit timing and frequency are individualized based on your symptoms, pregnancy stage, and how your body responds to care.

Does the Webster Technique turn a breech baby?

No — the Webster Technique is not a procedure designed to turn a breech baby. It is a musculoskeletal intervention for the pregnant patient, targeting sacral alignment and soft-tissue balance. Version procedures (external cephalic version, or ECV) are obstetric procedures performed by physicians. Chiropractors using the Webster Technique are working on the mother's spine and ligaments, not directly repositioning a fetus. If you have concerns about fetal positioning, your OB or midwife is the appropriate provider to consult.

How often should you get the Webster Technique during pregnancy?

Visit frequency is individualized and is discussed at a follow-up appointment after your initial visit. Some patients benefit from weekly sessions during periods of acute discomfort; others do well with biweekly or monthly maintenance visits as pregnancy progresses. Dr. Cortner will make specific care recommendations based on your symptom pattern, trimester, and how your body responds to initial sessions.

What does a Webster-certified chiropractor do differently?

A Webster-certified chiropractor has completed formal training through the ICPA specifically in the sacral analysis, adjustment protocol, and round ligament technique that make up the Webster method. This certification means the provider has demonstrated proficiency in this specific prenatal protocol — it is distinct from general chiropractic training. At Arise Family Chiropractic, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner holds a current Webster Technique Certification (ICPA) and has focused significantly on prenatal and pediatric chiropractic since opening the practice in Cumming in 2018.

Is prenatal chiropractic covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for prenatal chiropractic care varies widely by plan. Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care in general, but coverage for prenatal-specific visits depends on your individual benefits and whether the visit is coded for a covered musculoskeletal condition (such as low back pain). We recommend calling your insurance provider before your first visit to ask about chiropractic benefits and any visit limits. Our front desk can also help you understand your coverage.

Can the Webster Technique help with round ligament pain?

Round ligament pain — the sharp or aching discomfort along the sides of the lower abdomen, common in the second trimester — is directly addressed in the Webster Technique protocol. The soft-tissue component of the technique applies gentle fingertip pressure along the round ligaments to reduce tension. Many patients report relief from this specific symptom. Results vary by individual, and the technique is not a guaranteed fix, but round ligament tension is one of the key targets of the Webster method.

How long is a Webster Technique session at Arise Family Chiropractic?

A Webster Technique session for established patients at Arise Family Chiropractic typically runs 15 to 20 minutes. Your initial visit is longer — 45 to 60 minutes — and includes a full health history review, examination, and your first adjustment. Detailed care recommendations are discussed at a follow-up visit. Many patients find the session length fits easily into a workday or around school schedules.

Do I need a referral from my OB to see a Webster-certified chiropractor?

In Georgia, you do not need a physician referral to see a chiropractor. However, we strongly encourage you to let your OB or midwife know you are receiving prenatal chiropractic care — good communication between your providers supports the best outcome for you and your baby. Dr. Cortner is happy to coordinate with your obstetric team and will refer you back to your OB if she identifies anything during your assessment that warrants it.

If you are expecting and dealing with low back pain, pelvic pressure, round ligament discomfort, or general pregnancy-related aches, a Webster Technique visit may be a helpful addition to your prenatal care team. Dr. Caitlyn Cortner is Webster-certified (ICPA) and has been caring for expecting moms in Cumming and across Forsyth County since 2018. To learn more about prenatal chiropractic at Arise Family Chiropractic or to schedule your first visit, visit our Prenatal Care page or call us at (770) 406-8208. We'd love to support you through your pregnancy.

References

[1] Liddle SD, Pennick V. Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD001139. - https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
[2] 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

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