# Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

##  Woman with Incontinence Goes from Three Diapers a Night to Zero

   September 08, 2026

## Innate rhythmic movements help with severe bedwetting

This woman with a trauma history experienced extreme nighttime incontinence, requiring diaper changes three times each night. Her therapist began providing rhythmic movements from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Primitive Reflex Integration Online Course"), and within three months her bedwetting reduced so much that she no longer needed to use incontinence supplies!

Submitted by Staci, LPC (Behavioral Health Therapist)

![Woman waking up and stretching. Text: 26-year-old experiences huge changes](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_StAn_ANON.webp)

 | Before | After |
|---|---|
| Severe bedwetting, required 3 diaper changes per night | Diaper-free, only has small accidents (not requiring bedding changes) 1-2 nights per week |

26-year-old female, with a diagnosis of PTSD, and polydipsia behaviors as a result of medication. Patient struggled with incontinence and was wearing adult diapers at bedtime. For unknown reasons, patient’s incontinence during the night had increased to needing to change 3 times per night; her goal was to decrease use of incontinence products/bedwetting.

We began passive rhythmic movements \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Help for incontinence")\] because of the age of trauma onset and possible developmental interruptions during this stage of life. We started 2 of them on 3/4/26; then introduced the others on 4/29/26. These were taught last due to back discomfort the patient experienced in March.

There was a period where her accidents increased, although she had moved locations. She continued using all 4 rhythmic movements; we created a modified tracking sheet to increase memory and engagement. Progress gradually improved at the beginning of May, decreasing to 1 diaper per night, **and as of session 5/27/26, patient reports not wearing incontinence supplies at night**, and only experiences small accidents (not requiring bedding changes) 1-2 nights per week, and **waking completely dry (“no dribbles”) at least 1 night per week.**

I learned from this case that it would be easy to stop adding reflex integration, once symptoms subside, but to obtain the most benefits continue progression of skill development. She continues using these exercises and we will continue to add exercises to integrate the Fear Paralysis and Moro reflexes to support continued success, based on her traumatic experiences.

Patient attends sessions every two weeks. Patient shares she engages in her home movement program 1-2 times a day, 5-6 days per week.

**Email update from 9/4/26:** Hand Reflex integration and Fear Paralysis Reflex integration \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Help for bedwetting")\] have been added to her program, and **she continues to be diaper-free**.

(Edited, emphasis added)

- [ Teens & Adults ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/teens-and-adults)
- [ Trauma ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/trauma)
- [ Bedwetting, Bladder, & Bowel ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/bedwetting-bladder-bowel)