These take over from the early reflexes and are controlled from the higher brain instead of operating involuntarily from the brain stem, indicating maturity of the nervous system. The postural reflexes are, in effect, transformed versions of the primitive reactions. They remain for life, facilitating fluid movement, balance, posture and stability. When the foetal and primitive reflexes fail to inhibit however, the development of postural reflexes can be hindered. I test for the presence of postural reflexes, and invariably find that they have not fully developed (and in some instances are almost completely lacking), while early reflexes remain. Treatment normally stimulates early reflexes to integrate and inhibit, allowing postural reflexes to develop. Below are some of the more significant postural reflexes.
Adult Plantar – takes over from Infant Plantar, allowing foot to fully engage with the ground, in turn affecting balance and coordination
Adult Startle (Strauss) – takes over from the Moro, a brief tensing of muscles and a conscious check for source of disturbance
Amphibian – allows free-flowing movement of limbs, facilitates cross-pattern movement
Head-Righting Reflexes (HRR), Occular and Labyrinthine – to do with balance and spatial awareness. Tension in the neck and shoulders, and slouching posture, may be symptoms of underdeveloped HRR, due to a persistent TLR and ATNR
Segmental Rolling Reflexes (SRR) – take over from the Spinal Galant. Allow rolling from prone to supine and vice-versa, sitting, kneeling and standing. Essential for integration and fluidity of cross-lateral movements such as walking, running, skipping.
