In the 1980s, John Barnes, P.T., and I used to lament about the lack of scientific testing for fascial strain. The medical, insurance, and legal institutions demanded concrete proof of a physical problem. There still is no quantitative test to check for fascial strain; you actually have to hold a body to feel it.
To gently work around this issue at birth, we want to stress to the world that newborns should be naturally relaxed from their difficult 40-week journey. Instead of focusing on all of the health/well-being positives later in life, we just want to present the initial concept that a calm strain-free newborn can more likely be a happy, healthy, and thriving baby.
We use the Baby Brain Score (BBS) to see if the meninges can allow excellent brain expansion and contraction and the sacrum to move well. We do the Gillespie Approach at birth to help free up the tight craniosacral fascial system.
We understand that there will probably never be any medical testing for neonatal fascial tightness. We hope that everyone will intuitively see that soft tissue looseness is important at birth.
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.

