Plantar Grasp Reflex

What is the Plantar Grasp Reflex?

The Plantar Grasp Reflex is one of Baby’s earliest reflexes and plays a key role in helping them learn balance, standing, and walking.
When gentle pressure is applied to the sole of Baby’s foot, their toes naturally curl downward — this reflex helps Baby develop foot strength, ankle stability, and postural awareness.

As Baby grows, the Plantar Grasp Reflex supports their ability to:

  • Learn to stand and balance upright

  • Build confidence with movement and coordination

  • Develop the foundation for running, jumping, and active play

When the reflex integrates properly, it allows Baby to use their feet for balance, explore textures, and develop a healthy, stable gait.

Signs of a Retained Plantar Grasp Reflex

If the Plantar Grasp Reflex remains active beyond infancy, it can affect balance, posture, and confidence in movement. Signs may include:

  • Flat feet or walking on the outer edges of the feet

  • Loose ankles that are prone to sprains

  • Tension in the legs, hips, ankles, or toes

  • Toe walking or awkward gait

  • Clumsiness or poor coordination

  • Gravitational insecurity (fear of falling or poor balance)

  • Difficulties with speech and language development

Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING

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Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING 〰️

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Dr. Laurence Dion, Dr. Leah Robinson from Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie and North Calgary, AB

At Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie and North Calgary, our chiropractors—Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Dr. Laurence Dion, and Dr. Leah Robinson—help families support healthy brain and body development through gentle, movement-based chiropractic care.

When retained primitive reflexes are suspected, we:

  1. Perform a thorough chiropractic and neurological examination.

  2. Review a detailed intake form to identify which reflexes may be active.

  3. Create a personalized care plan that includes gentle chiropractic adjustments and home-based movement activities.

  4. Recommend daily exercises to help the nervous system learn new, more coordinated patterns.

  5. Re-evaluate progress regularly to monitor changes and refine care.

Every nervous system is unique. While many people respond well to chiropractic adjustments and home movement activities, progress depends on each individual’s ability to adapt and integrate new information.

📞 Call Blessingways Family Wellness at (403) 945-2422
to book your appointment or learn more about our family chiropractic services in Airdrie

Best Beginnings: Infant Massage and Movement Program

Ready to nurture your baby’s growth from the very beginning?

Our Best Beginnings Program teaches parents hands-on ways to support healthy growth and brain development, calm Baby’s nervous system, and encourage reflex integration through touch and play.

You’ll receive:

● Over 20 hours of guided video tutorials

●Simple, science-based activities you can do at home

● Practical home organization tips

● Exclusive downloadable guides and printable resources

● Unlimited lifetime access

Exercises to Help Integrate the Plantar Grasp Reflex

These simple daily activities help strengthen the feet and support reflex integration.

For Babies and Children – Every Day for 30 Days

  • Let your child go barefoot as much as possible on different surfaces such as carpet, grass, hardwood, or cement.

  • Massage or rub Baby’s feet gently to stimulate sensory awareness.

  • Tickle the soles of Baby’s feet to encourage movement and laughter while strengthening sensory input.

For Adults – Every Day for 30 Days

  • When possible, walk barefoot indoors and outdoors to activate the foot muscles and balance centers.

  • Use foot rollers or massage balls under your bare feet while sitting at your desk or watching TV.

  • Take a soft makeup brush and gently stroke the soles of your feet to increase sensory feedback.

  • After a shower, rub the towel firmly over your feet to stimulate the reflex and awaken circulation.

  • Continue to use foot rollers or massage balls daily to maintain healthy foot function.

foot rollers that stimulate plantar grasp reflex

These kinds of foot rollers and foot massage balls can be purchased on Amazon

(we are not affiliated with the company who sells this product and we do not receive any monetary incentive if you purchase it)