Rhythmic Movement Therapy in Bedford

RMT or Rhythmic Movement Therapy deals with the integration of Primitive Reflexes. These are the repetitive automatic movements essential for the development of head control, muscle tone and sensory integration. These help us go from being a helpless curled up foetus to an upright walking being. When a baby has developed naturally and freely, these reflexes develop and are integrated fully, allowing the next stage of development to occur efficiently.

If these reflexes remain inactive, then difficulties can emerge and may be a contributing cause of poor co-ordination, learning difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD and autism.

RMT movements help the integration of these reflexes by mimicking the developmental movements that babies and infants naturally make as they grow. These movements are also essential for the development of head control, improved muscle tone and helping the growth of neural pathways in the brain - so are very important for learning and behaviour.

Lack of integration may be caused by:

• stresses during pregnancy or birth trauma
• lack of proper movements in infancy due to excess use of car seats/ baby walkers and other supports
• illness, trauma, chronic stress, injury, environmental toxins, dietary imbalances or sensitivities

Reflexes that may have been integrated in childhood can later become inactive again due to trauma, injury or stress.