In our field, providers need to be alert for anything.
A young woman presented with discomfort in her occipital area. She felt a lot of popping and cracking there.
Her doctor suggested that she may have a connective tissue problem like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). He wanted to start testing for its presence.
Her history was unremarkable. She had her wisdom teeth removed and had a recent root canal. As a casual aside, she had nipple piercing done two years ago but had the jewelry removed after one year.
She presented with a zero-second brain cycle and tight neck and upper-body fascia. I unexpectedly found fascial strain running from her nipples into her neck and head.
In therapy, she had a tremendous whiplash pulling from her nipples. After numerous sessions, her upper body began to release, and her brain cycle opened to a great 100 seconds. I will continue to work with her to free her fascial web.
I agreed with the doctor that there was a fascial problem, but I questioned the EDS diagnosis. I suggested to her to hold off on any testing until the end of therapy.
Any cutting into the fascial web can create a scar that can bind down the tissue in time. I believe this was what happened to the patient.
The fascial web can be quite sensitive to any surgical invasion. Gillespie Approach Training can be helpful for patients with so many varied conditions.
The Second Visit
She did so well after the first session that she spilled the beans and mentioned more body piercings to hopefully feel even better. We spent the visit on the tongue, nose, and navel piercings in addition to the nipple piecing.
I discovered that each of the piercings was creating strain on her neck and head. I expect the patient to do well with continued therapy.
My suggestion for Gillespie Approach providers is beware of any invasion of the fascial web.
The Patient Speaks
“The second session was very helpful, as we discovered lots of strain related to a variety of piercings. I am so grateful for this therapy! With each session, I feel more uplifted, and my symptoms continue to significantly improve.”
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