Sometimes an old injury will resurface in an unusual manner.
A patient had many visits of therapy years ago and felt great after completion. She has come in once a year for the past three years just for maintenance.
Recently, she presented with a nagging plantar fasciitis pain in her left foot. At the same time she was having some left neck and shoulder issues, and her left TMJ was starting to click.
Being curious, I wondered if they were all connected in space and time. I worked on her foot until it was “clear” and then asked her to hold her neck and jaw pain areas.
The foot strain immediately reappeared and traveled up to her hip, neck, and head. I then went to her neck and shoulder areas and asked her to hold the pain in her foot. The neck and shoulder immediately responded in a deep strain down the left side of her body.
No one really thinks in terms of the body quietly holding on to old fascial strains. No one also thinks that a strain can easily extend from one part of the body to affect another part.
Old scientific beliefs need to die. I can feel great, but, at any time, my body can decide that it wants to deal with an old trauma in space (different areas of my body connecting together) and time (after conception).
I am always so grateful when this phenomenon happens to me. I realize that, even at my age, my body still has the capability to heal itself.
No, I did not sleep wrong or move incorrectly—my body is just going into a deep healing mode. It may be uncomfortable in the short term, but I know it will be best in the long term.
Maybe that is why, at 77, I still am active with seeing patients and writing posts. I understand that my body is healing itself beautifully 24/7, and I do everything I can to support that healing.
In the Gillespie Approach, there is no healing on demand. I always trust the wisdom of the body that it knows best how to heal itself.
We need to think differently about our minor aches and pains. Maybe our bodies are gallantly attempting to heal and deserve our understanding and support. Gillespie Approach Training can unlock the healing door for patients.
The Patient Speaks
“This session revealed so much connectedness up the left side of my body, which had been getting my attention intermittently with plantar fasciitis in my left foot, left neck pain and left shoulder strain. After the session, I immediately felt relief of the pain and tension and felt more balanced.
“My gait even improved as it felt like I was finally putting equal weight on both feet. I left Dr. Gillespie’s office feeling more grounded, in better contact with the earth, yet lighter in my steps.”
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.
