Spinal Galant Primitive Reflex and Stress Urinary Incontinence

There are numerous anecdotal reports of a neurological association with bladder voiding and the presence of the Spinal Galant Reflex. The same exists for a relationship and bladder control in children.

I have been investigating and using Primitive Reflexes for over 15 years and I have not come across a journal article or book describing this neurological association. I have not looked at alternative medicine theories for this. Note: If you look on "Professor Google" you will find this is a common association.

Does it make sense?

• There is an association with primitive reflexes that pull the trunk towards the pelvis and scoliosis (i.e. asymmetrical tonic neck reflex and spinal).
• I have clinically measured the sensation of a pelvic floor contraction (traditional) and asymmetry in the levator plate at rest and with contraction before and after treatment with primitive reflexes and seen signification improvements.
• We have measured superficial EMG of the trunk muscles and seen significant differences in motor control when positions of primitive reflexes were replicated.
• During dissection, I observed key relations between the fascia bladder and various trunk muscles - not all documented in anatomical texts
• Very often, SIJ tests (with acceptable reliability and validity) from being positive to negative just from changing and limb orientation to mimic primitive or inhibiting the reflex with treatment.
• Several dog breeders have told me that rubbing along the spine of male puppies encourages them to urinate in the traditional male dog manner! 
• So yes, there is reasonable bioological plausibility here. I recommend using a battery of reflexes rather than treat just one though since it would be unusual to have just one reflex and they tend to work together in groups.

The Spinal Galant

Although the traditional response to assessment of the Spinal Galant in children can be seen in adults (minus the male dog peeing motion!), it is uncommon. Rather, we look for remnants. These are extremely common in people with motor control deficits

Primitive Reflex Inhibition is a new and exciting way to influence muscle tone around the body and trunk. There are numerous ways primitive reflex inhibition can be used by pelvic health therapists:

• Normalize muscle tone of the pelvic floor and trunk
• Stimulate pelvic floor contractions
• Improve sensation of pelvic floor contractions
• Improve and normalize symmetry of the levator plate at rest and during contractions
• Improve motor imagery of the pelvic floor

 
Testimonials
“I can't recommend Sean Gibbons and Smarterehab courses enough. I have found the sub-classification system to be easy to use and revolutionary in removing a lot of the guesswork in my patient management. The courses have been transformative in my practice in that it has wide applicability across a spectrum of conditions that would normally constitute ‘difficult’ patients. I can't recommend these courses highly enough!  
Chris Barber MCSP BSc (Hons) Musculoskeletal & Sports Physiotherapist, Director: Advanced Physiotherapy Centres Ltd.

As a clinic owner and have seen a trend in Canadian physiotherapy towards spinal manipulation and needling techniques. While these techniques are valuable, the transformative learning that takes place in a SmarteRehab course is the direction I am dedicated to bringing our profession. As Physiotherapists, if we wish to distinguish ourselves from chiropractors, massage therapists, athletic therapists, osteopaths etc., we need to move away from technique based therapy. Sean is masterful at explaining the complex relationship between Central Sensitization, Central Pain, Sensori-Motor Function and how it relates to Motor Control dysfunction and pain. No other approach I have seen, heard of, or even read about does such a complete job of integrating neurological rehabilitation techniques and treatment. I now have junior therapists who are able to reason their way through the most complex of chronic pain cases and can formulate treatment plans that are effective and get results. Most importantly they can explain to these patients the nature of their problem in a way that they can understand. It is so rewarding to see patients, empowered with this knowledge, resolve problems that have sometimes existed for decades. Equally as rewarding is watching a junior Physio quickly solve by identifying the underlying movement dysfunction and easily explaining it’s cause. Thank you for what you have done and continue to do for our Profession.  
Dave Holmes Owner and Physiotherapist at Tower Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine 

If you find yourself stuck and frustrated with chronic, generalized, weird pain patients who don't respond to usual treatments, this is what this course is all about. Sean's courses are truly unique and bring practical, guidelines that are untouched by other institutions. Places are limited. 
 Jean-Michel Cormier, Physiotherapist Max Health Institute, Shediac, NB, Canada

The courses that I have taken with Sean have completely changed my pelvic floor practice and the way I practice as a physical therapist! Sean's courses are a must in order to help a variety of clientele and especially those who do not respond to conventional treatments! He has researched and developed new techniques that are essential for pelvic floor therapists.  
Erica Lafontant, pht, B. Sc, M.Sc.A Rééducation périnéale et . Action Physio. Ville Mont-Royal, QC,

Sean Gibbons graduated from Manchester University in 1995. He has been rehabilitating movement patterns and chronic pain his whole career. His PhD was on the development of a prescriptive clinical prediction rule for specific motor control exercises in low back pain. Key new sub-classifications were identified: Neurological Factors, which are related to extremely poor movement and motor skill learning; Body Image & Body Image Pain; and Chronic Low Grade Systemic Inflammation which is the cause of most chronic disease. His current work aims to further validate the screening tools and understand the underlying causes of each subgroup. The importance of individual factors such as the therapeutic relationship and patient beliefs are also considered. His dissection and research into psoas major, gluteus maximus and other muscles has led to the development of new rehabilitation options. He has presented his research at national and international conferences and has several journal publications and book chapters on related topics. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster's Advanced Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal / Manipulative Physiotherapy Specialization and lectures at Manchester Metropolitan University's Masters in Advanced Physiotherapy program.