Spinal Galant Reflex

The information presented on this webpage is printed with permission from Harkla.co

baby demonstrating spinal galant reflex

More facts about the Spinal Galant Reflex

  • The Spinal Galant is triggered by stimuli to the back.

  • This can be done by stroking down one side of the spine (while the infant is laying on their stomach), facilitating hip movement away from the stimuli.

  • This can also be done while the child is on all fours.

  • The Spinal Galant Reflex contributes to the development of the inner ear, which facilitates the process of hearing and balance.

  • It supports development of the muscles on the back of the body.

  • It prepares the child for crawling, standing, and walking by supporting gross motor skill development and coordination.

  • Urination is frequently associated with a retained Spinal Galant Reflex. It has also been observed in adults suffering from IBS.

  • If both sides of the spine are stroked simultaneously from pelvis to neck, the Pulgar Marx reflex is elicited, which consists of both legs moving into flexion, lordosis of the spine, elevation of the pelvis, arm flexion, lifting the head, crying, and emptying of the bladder.

  • This is why we often see night-time bed wetting in older children when this reflex is retained.

  • The Pulgar Marx Reflex should be integrated by 2-3 months.

  • The Spinal Galant Reflex also plays a role in developing the vestibular system and is connected to the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), which also plays a role in the birth process.

  • During labour, contractions stimulate the lumbar region (the lower back), which causes movement in the hips, thus helping the baby move down the birth canal.

  • Additionally, it also contributes to the development of the range of movements of the hips needed for crawling and walking.

     

What is the Spinal Galant Reflex?

Signs of a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex in an older child or adult:

  • excessive fidgeting, restlessness

  • bedwetting beyond the age of 6 years

  • hypersensitivity to clothing and textures

  • ticklish along the spine

  • ADHD-like symptoms

  • troubles standing/walking/running

  • challenges with climbing stairs

Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING

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Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING 〰️

How We Can Help

Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Dr. Laurence Dion, Dr. Leah Robinson from Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie and North Calgary, AB

Both children AND adults can have Retained Primitive Reflexes

Dr. Melanie, Dr. Laurence and Dr. Leah have taken extra courses and seminars to learn how to assess and treat people with retained primitive reflexes

  • We will have you fill out a comprehensive intake form that will help us to focus on which reflexes might be retained

  • We will do a thorough chiropractic and neurological exam

  • We will make an individualized plan for you and/or your child that will include chiropractic adjustments and home exercises

    These home exercises must be done twice a day for at least 30 days for your nervous system to integrate the retained primitive reflexes

  • Then we will re-exam to assess and plan again

If you would like more information, or to
make an appointment with one of our Doctors,
please call us at 403-945-2422

To help integrate the Spinal Galant Reflex, you will need to do

Every morning for 30 DAYS

20 repetitions of the Snow Angels
20 repetitions of at least ONE FUN Exercise that you can choose from the second pdf download

(Of course, you can do as many of the fun exercises as you like!)

Every afternoon or evening for 30 DAYS

20 repetitions of the Snow Angels Exercise
20 repetitions of at least ONE FUN Exercise that you can choose from the second pdf download

(Do as many of the fun exercises as you like!)

Here are your downloads for the Spinal Galant Reflex Integration Exercises

Click Here to print the instructions for the Snow Angels

Click Here to print the instructions for 16 Additional FUN Exercises you can choose from

Click Here to see 16 videos of the Additional FUN Exercises - click on the Spinal Galant Functional Activities folder

Click Here to print a 30 days exercise Tracking Calendar

Exercises to Integrate
the Spinal Galant Reflex

Examples of the Snow Angels Exercise that we’ve found on YouTube

Dr. Melanie, Dr. Laurence and Dr. Leah have taken many courses about retained primitive reflexes. One course, offered by Harkla, called Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes Master Level was created by Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, both occupational therapists

We have been given permission by them to post their very thorough information on our website and to give their handouts to our patients

For more information about Harkla’s courses for
professionals and parents, please click here

Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill from Harkla