PERTH · FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE
Spinal Galant Reflex in Children
The spinal galant reflex is one of the primitive reflexes babies are born with. When the skin along one side of the lower back is touched, the baby’s hip moves towards that side. When it is retained, it is often linked with fidgeting, trouble sitting still and bedwetting after toilet training.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. This page explains what the spinal galant reflex is, the signs that can come with a retained spinal galant reflex, and how integration works.
What is the spinal galant reflex?
The spinal galant reflex, sometimes just called the Galant reflex, is one of the primitive reflexes. When a baby is lying on their tummy and the skin along one side of the spine is stroked, their hips move towards the touch. It is thought to help with movement during birth.
As the brain matures it is meant to integrate, usually in the first year of life.
You can read about other primitive reflexes on my Moro reflex, ATNR and STNR pages.
What is a retained spinal galant reflex?
When it is retained, touch or pressure around the lower back and waist can keep setting it off.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs that often come with a retained spinal galant reflex
Fidgeting and wriggling, especially when sitting on a chair
Disliking tight waistbands, labels or belts
Trouble sitting still to concentrate at school
Bedwetting after toilet training, or night time toilet training taking a long time
Poor posture, or leaning to one side
Every child is different, and there can be many reasons for each of these. If several sound familiar, an assessment can show whether a retained reflex is part of the picture.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Try loose, soft clothes and waistbands
- Lots of floor play: crawling, rolling and “snow angels” on the carpet all move the body in helpful ways
- Movement breaks during homework, rather than asking for long stretches of sitting still
- Keep it calm and shame free. Children cannot control a reflex they do not know is there
When it is worth getting it checked
Bedwetting can have many causes, and some need a medical check. If your child has pain, is suddenly wetting after being dry for a long time, or you have any concerns, please see your GP or paediatrician first. If sitting still is getting in the way at school, talk to your child’s teacher as well. My work is movement based and sits alongside medical care, not instead of it.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, including the spinal galant reflex, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks, and sooner when the home play is done regularly.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
When should the spinal galant reflex integrate?
It usually integrates in the first year of life, as the brain matures.
Does the spinal galant reflex cause bedwetting?
Bedwetting has many causes. A retained spinal galant reflex is one of the connections I see often in my work, and it is worth checking alongside a visit to your GP. You can read more on my bedwetting page.
Is fidgeting always a sign of a retained reflex?
No. There can be many reasons a child finds it hard to sit still. If it comes with some of the other signs on this page, an assessment can show whether a retained reflex is part of the picture.
How long before we see a difference?
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks. Practising the exercises at home between sessions helps the new pathways strengthen faster.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in Perth and also offer online appointments.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.