Chiropractors taught me in the 1970s that TMJ starts in the hips and pelvis. If the pelvis does not have good alignment, then the neck, jaw, and head can be off balance.
I found that concept to be true through the Lancaster infant research. I believe that most TMJ problems start at birth where pelvic fascial strain causes neck, jaw, and head misalignment issues.
After I had worked with her two sons four years ago, a mom decided to have some therapy. She did so well in treatment that she decided to take Gillespie Approach Training to work on her family.
She recently presented with a right TMJ problem that was not going away with any treatment. As I asked about her other issues, her right hip became the point of contention.
She had deep strain in that area and just tried to live with it over the years. She mentioned that “her right hip had always been higher and tilted back, which led to my right foot always being turned out.”
We know that every cell in the fascial web is connected to every other cell in space and time. On my examination, I found that fascial strain was running from her right hip and was pulling into her right TMJ.
For infrequent readers, I was trained as a TMJ periodontist in 1975. If I had seen her 50 years ago, I would have treated her the conventional dental way. But now I am looking at the function of her craniosacral fascial system.
Current TMJ dental care can involve many expensive aspects. Orthodontics can be especially costly, but the mother lode would be full mouth reconstruction or capping all the teeth to “correct” the occlusion and balance the TMJ. Meanwhile, the root of the problem is left untreated down in the pelvis.
I am trying to find the cause of her jaw problem and help the body heal it instead of managing it with oral “fixes.” As some confirmation, she said by email that her jaw felt in better alignment after the first visit.
My hope is that dentistry will open to the concept of integrating the craniosacral fascial system. Oral tissues are not functionally isolated from the rest of the body.
The best approach is to do the work at birth to clear the tiny body of strains. Gillespie Approach Training is needed for all birth providers.
Sign up for Gillespie Approach Training Opportunities
Foundation Trainings
Gillespie Approach Foundation Training is designed for students to work with children and adults.
2026 Dates:
- January 22–24 | Melbourne, FL
- March 19–21 | Greenville, SC
- May 14–16 | Westfield, IN
- June 25–27 | Bozeman, MT
- August 6–8 | Boise, ID
- October 1–3 | Olathe, KS
- November 9–11 | Newtown Square, PA
- November 12–14 | Newtown Square, PA
Infant Trainings
Gillespie Approach Infant Training is designed for students to work with infants.
2026 Dates:
- January 25–27 | Melbourne, FL
- March 22–24 | Greenville, SC
- May 17–19 | Westfield, IN
- June 28–30 | Bozeman, MT
- August 9–11 | Boise, ID
- October 4–6 | Olathe, KS
- November 15–17 | Newtown Square, PA
New to Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?
Read a collection of articles handpicked by Dr. Barry Gillespie to help you grasp core information and understand training and treatment options.
Make a Gillespie Approach Appointment to Get the Help You Need
Talk About the Gillespie Approach With Our Community on the Gillespie Approach Forum
Catch Every Story! Get a Free E-book and Infographic With Your Email Newsletter Subscription
Explore Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Articles Based on Hundreds of Health Conditions and Anatomical Regions
Enjoy Many Powerful Testimonials for Babies, Children and Adults
From fussy babies experiencing breakthroughs and children excelling in school to adults emerging triumphant over mystery health conditions, get inspired by these heartwarming and soul-stirring testimonials.
