TLR and Vestibular Functioning

I have found that checking the TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex) is often a way to measure vestibular functioning (gravity sense). However, vestibular functioning can be affected by other movements that do not have to do with the tilting of the head. Sucking on a crazy straw and blowing a faceted bead can activate the inner ear and the vestibular system. Jaw clenching can also stress the vestibular system. Today a client used a crazy straw and did 8 consecutive suck/swallows. A few seconds later, ears began to blaze, which is a state change sign, and he got rather disregulated. It took 20 minutes for him to re-regulate. This client had a strong head movement vestibular measure. Obviously ocular-vestibular activities alone are not the entire story.

Trunk Extension Reflex

As I was doing research into the Trunk Extension Reflex, I came upon this study that links the ability for volitional Trunk Extension and hip stability.

Dynamic iso-resistive trunk extension simulation: Contributions of the intrinsic and reflexive mechanisms to spinal stability
Journal
Technology and Health Care
Publisher IOS Press ISSN 0928-7329 (Print) 1878-7401 (Online) Issue
Volume 15, Number 6 / 2007 Pages 415-431
Subject Group
Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology

As I am always looking for ways to stabilize the hips to improve vestibular functioning and balance, this information intrigued me. Extending the heels and crown and sustaining for a 7 seconds stretch, appears to be one of the most powerful integration tools in postural reflexes, especially for adults. Those with retained ATNR, Moro, Spinal Galant, Perez or a number of other reflexes find that the Trunk Extension stretch is an important addition to their program.

Visit to the Neurobehavioral Dept. of Skokie Hospital

Just back from my quarterly visit to Chicago. Lee Rodin, a HANDLE screener and near-practitioner and I presented at the hospital about the HANDLE Approach. We had 45 minutes to communicate a presentation that usually takes 1 to 2 hours to a very mixed audience. Some of the neurologists were very reserved, but the therapists were much more lively. No one was impolite. Lee presented the vestibular and proprioceptive systems with great wisdom and clarity. The questions at the end were very bread and butter, BUT....we were invited to speak and no one left. To me that signals a breakthrough in the allopathic world.