# Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

##  Restoring Foot Function, Pain Relief, Relaxation

   May 16, 2024

## Rhythmic movements help with chronic mobility and muscle issues.

This yoga therapist used rhythmic movements with a number of clients experiencing long-term loss of foot mobility, muscle tension, and other physical challenges to gain functionality and reduce pain.

*Submitted by Sue Kruszewski, Certified Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher*

![Therapist stimulating a client's foot reflex. Text: Restoring foot function, pain relief, relaxation](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SuKr_ANON.webp)

 | Before | After |
|---|---|
| One client's feet were almost disassociated from his body, with no movement or sensation | Now able to move and bend toes and ankles |
| Another client was experiencing pain | Knots have disappeared |

I have used reflex assessment and integration \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations program](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Primitive reflex integration, top-rated CEU course")\] with some of my 1:1 clients. When they do the work, changes happened very fast. I can think of 2 clients I worked with particularly on the foot reflexes—their stability, balance and confidence changed along with their gait.

For one, within a few minutes of stimulating then integrating his foot reflexes it helped him make more of a connection of his feet belonging to his body.

**"It seemed like his feet were almost disassociated from his body due to a condition 20 years back for which he received chemo and radiation, which damaged nerves or connections in his feet. He watched as his toes were able to bend again! I was so shocked too at how quickly he got movement and sensation back."**

He continues to work on the foot reflexes himself at home, and now I have noticed that he even is beginning to have better movement in the the ankles too…it’s working its way up! It was astounding. He was very shocked. I was thrilled for him.

In my yoga classes, I have incorporated rhythmic movements in every class. Comments after doing the rocking/rhythmic movements include:
"I feel so relaxed",
"I could go to sleep",
"I feel more alive and awake in a good calm way"

And what is most interesting is that even the people who attend my classes whom I have not seen for 1:1 yoga therapy that includes reflex integration, even those people are seeing shifts in their body. The yoga therapy movements have remained the same.

**"The only different factor in my group classes since June are the rhythmic movements. I know in my being that this is the piece that is changing these people."**

In one lady, her knots have disappeared completely (she is SO HAPPY -- she’s had those knots for several years!), or function becomes better, or pain decreases … it is contributing and enhancing the therapeutic yoga work that I do and it’s truly obvious and amazing.

\[Edited for length and clarity; emphasis added\]

Sue Kruszewski,
Certified Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher
Elemental Motion

- [ Pain Relief ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/pain-relief)
- [ Teens & Adults ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/teens-and-adults)