A mother emailed me about her nine-month-old who had torticollis and plagiocephaly. Her history was unusual in that she had open-heart surgery, two spinal surgeries (a tethered cord and a dehisence), and a colostomy with anal reconstruction.
When I read this surgical history, my first thought was that there would be considerable fascial strain and tightness throughout her body. I was anticipating many visits to help release her tissues.
She presented with a zero-second brain cycle, the typical torticollis strain, and mild plagiocephaly. On evaluation, I was shocked not to feel any surgical strains anywhere in her body. After double-checking my findings, she was clear.
After I spent the visit working on her head and neck areas, her brain cycle opened to an amazing 100 seconds. The only tissue talking was from the torticollis strain and not from any surgical scarring.
Admittedly, no conclusions can be drawn from one case. But as a scientist asking questions for over sixty years, it seemed highly unusual that the fascial web was so quiet after so many surgeries.
My first thought was that, at birth, the cellular structure could be more plastic and differentiate more readily. After surgery, that connective tissue could heal more effectively. Eventually, that window of healing opportunity seems to close as the tissues mature with age.
I remember reading in The Body Electric by Dr. Robert Becker about some cases of young children regrowing fingertips after an accident. When surgeons tried to reattach the tip, it failed. The doctors discovered that if they did nothing, the body often grew a new fingertip and nail.
At a very young age, some cells appear to have the capability to differentiate. With basic science research, that concept may hold true for newborn fascia.
After almost 50 years, this work continues to amaze me. I am convinced that Gillespie Approach Training is a must for all newborn providers.
