Before I present an insightful essay by Feyza Celik, I want to make two points about “tight muscles.” Every muscle cell (about the diameter of a hair) is encased in the fascial web. Therefore, in the myofascial complex, fascial strain from trauma can cause muscle tightness.
Secondly, the fascial web is a full-body phenomenon. Since any part of the web can strain into the pelvic floor, full-body Gillespie Approach needs to be done.
From Feyza Celik
The newborn cone head is becoming increasingly common in vaginally born babies as a sign of tightness and tension around the baby’s body.
Contrary to common opinion, the cause of cone head is not a vaginal delivery. If anything, a vaginal birth helps compensate any tension as it mobilizes all of a baby’s joints and fascia during the birthing process.
I believe the cause is weak or tight pelvic floor muscles. Due to the increased stress and tension levels in today’s society, as well as sitting and driving a lot, women tend to have unresponsive pelvic floor muscles.
When pelvic floor muscles are tight, they can hold the fetus back from passing through the birth canal. In the worst-case scenario, the mother is "diagnosed" with failure to progress and descend, indicating a cesarean delivery. Impatience by obstetricians has become increasingly common over the past several decades as well.
We don’t want pelvic floor muscles to be too tight or too loose. We want supple, responsive, and functionally strong tissues to maximize the possibility of a pain-free pregnancy, an efficient birth, a smoother postpartum recovery, and more enjoyable sex.
Working with a Body Ready Method pro or a skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can help you gain the required suppleness and strength. Receiving bodywork like the Gillespie Approach can also make your body-balancing process more efficient.
