Since the fascial web connects every cell of the body, the Gillespie Approach can have a broad clinical application.
A mother brought her two-week-old newborn for evaluation. I had worked with her first child, who did well as a one-year-old.
Mom was determined to have this newborn seen as soon as possible. The local pediatrician was unsure of a possible genital condition and recommended a specialist’s opinion.
The infant presented to me with gas and discomfort. He was born with the cord wrapped around his neck and had a vacuum extraction—both red flags for our work.
He had a zero-second brain cycle and severe lower-body fascial strain twisting through his back into his neck and head. This entire area was tight from compressive fetal positioning. Even though the tissues were straining fiercely, there was some release at the first visit.
At my second visit, mom said the specialist diagnosed a torsion of the testicular appendage of his right testicle. This doctor wanted a urologist to also see this baby in three weeks before deciding on a definite treatment plan.
If the torsion cuts off the blood supply, testicular swelling, redness, and pain can result. This torsion factor aligned perfectly with his fascial strain presentation.
At my visit, the baby continued to express a deep fascial spinal twist and was releasing well. While his grandmother held his right testicle, the fascial strain pattern was pulling hard into just that testicle. Interestingly, it was not pulling into his left testicle, penis, or groin.
Because of this assessment, I felt there was a fair possibility that therapy could be helpful. I told her I would try to get him as strain-free as possible without any outcome expectations before the urologist’s visit.
Many children are falling through the cracks of the medical system at birth. Gillespie Approach Training is a must for newborn providers.
