The TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex): What It Is, Signs of Retention, and How to Support Balance, Posture, and Nervous System Regulation

---

The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is an early postural reflex that helps the nervous system understand gravity and body position. When retained beyond infancy, it can contribute to poor posture, balance challenges, low muscle tone or stiffness, fatigue, and coordination difficulties. Nervous system-focused chiropractic care may help support improved postural control, stability, and regulation at any age.

The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is a foundational primitive reflex that plays a crucial role in early postural development, balance, muscle tone, and spatial awareness. When it integrates on time, it helps the nervous system understand where the body is in space and how to move efficiently against gravity.

When the TLR does not integrate, however, it can have far-reaching effects—contributing to poor posture, balance difficulties, coordination challenges, low muscle tone or excessive stiffness, sensory overwhelm, and fatigue that can persist into adolescence and adulthood.

At Nomad Chiropractic, we commonly assess retained TLR patterns in babies, children, teens, and adults across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, particularly in those with postural collapse, balance issues, motion sensitivity, or difficulty with sustained physical or cognitive effort.

---

What Is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?

The TLR emerges around birth and is driven by the vestibular system (inner ear balance organs) in coordination with the brainstem. It is activated by the position of the head relative to gravity.

There are two components of the TLR:

• TLR (Forward / Flexion):
  When the head bends forward, the body tends toward flexion (curling inward)

• TLR (Backward / Extension):
  When the head tilts backward, the body tends toward extension (arching backward)

In early infancy, this reflex helps the baby:

• Develop basic muscle tone

• Learn how gravity affects the body

• Begin the foundations of rolling, lifting the head, and early movement

When Should the TLR Integrate?

The TLR should integrate by approximately 3–6 months of age, as the brain matures and higher centres begin to regulate posture and movement.

When integrated, the nervous system can:

• Maintain upright posture without excess effort

• Adjust muscle tone appropriately

• Balance efficiently

• Separate head movement from whole-body movement

If the reflex remains active, posture and movement can remain gravity-dependent and inefficient.

Why a Retained TLR Matters

A retained TLR means the body continues to respond reflexively to head position rather than using mature postural control.

This can lead to:

• Poor posture (either slouched or overly rigid)

• Balance and coordination difficulties

• Low muscle tone or excessive stiffness

• Fatigue with physical or mental tasks

• Sensory sensitivity and motion sickness

These patterns are often misunderstood as poor fitness, clumsiness, or low motivation—when in reality they are signs of neurological immaturity.

Signs and Symptoms of a Retained TLR

In Babies

• Difficulty lifting or controlling the head

• Poor tolerance for tummy time

• Stiff arching or floppy posture

• Delayed rolling or sitting

In Children

• Slouched or collapsed posture

• Poor balance or frequent falls

• Difficulty learning to swim or ride a bike

• Motion sickness

• Low stamina for physical activity

• Sensory sensitivity

In Teens

• Ongoing poor posture

• Fatigue during sport or school

• Balance challenges

• Neck and upper back tension

• Reduced coordination

In Adults

• Chronic postural fatigue

• Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain

• Poor balance or spatial awareness

• Difficulty with activities requiring coordination

• Feeling physically exhausted by daily tasks

Many adults discover that their long-standing posture or balance issues may be linked to a retained TLR rather than injury alone.

How the TLR Affects the Nervous System

When the TLR remains active:

• The vestibular system continues to drive muscle tone reflexively

• The body struggles to stabilise against gravity

• Postural muscles fatigue quickly

• The nervous system uses excess energy for basic positioning

This can interfere with:

• Efficient movement

• Endurance

• Focus and attention

• Sensory regulation

Over time, the body adapts by either becoming overly stiff or chronically collapsed, both of which increase strain on the nervous system.

Home Care Strategies to Support TLR Integration

Professional assessment is essential, but consistent home support significantly improves outcomes.

1. Encourage Anti-Gravity Movement

• Tummy time (for babies)

• Crawling and climbing

• Playground activities that challenge balance

2. Balance-Based Play

• Standing on one foot

• Balance boards

• Slow controlled movement through space

3. Postural Awareness

• Avoid prolonged slouching or rigid sitting

• Encourage regular movement breaks

• Support neutral head and spine positioning

4. Reflex-Based Movement Exercises

Specific exercises designed to gently re-pattern the TLR help the nervous system learn to stabilise without reflexive responses. These exercises should be:

• Slow

• Controlled

• Gravity-aware

• Practised consistently

(Always follow the guidance of a trained practitioner.)

Chiropractic Care and the TLR

Chiropractic care supports TLR integration by improving vestibular-spinal communication and postural input to the brain.

At Nomad Chiropractic, our nervous system-focused approach includes:

• Gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic adjustments

• Support for spinal and vestibular pathways

• Postural and movement assessments

• Techniques suitable for babies, children, teens, and adults

• Integration of tailored home-based reflex exercises

This approach is especially valuable for:

• Children with balance or coordination challenges

• Teens with postural fatigue or sporting difficulties

• Adults with chronic posture-related pain or fatigue

Families across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches often seek us out specifically for this developmental and neurological focus.

Why Early Support Matters

When the TLR remains active:

• Posture remains inefficient

• Balance and coordination take more effort

• Physical and mental fatigue increase

Early identification can:

• Improve posture and balance

• Increase physical confidence

• Support learning and attention

• Reduce long-term strain on the nervous system

That said, integration is still possible later in life, and many adults experience meaningful improvements once this reflex is addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can TLR affect balance and coordination?

Yes. The TLR is closely linked to the vestibular system and plays a major role in balance and spatial awareness.

2. Is poor posture always caused by TLR?

Not always—but retained TLR is a commonly overlooked neurological contributor to postural problems.

3. How long does integration take?

This varies depending on age and nervous system stress. Many people notice changes within weeks to months others take longer with consistent care.

The TLR is designed to help us learn how to live in gravity—not struggle against it.

If you or your child experience poor posture, balance issues, fatigue, or coordination challenges, a retained TLR may be part of the picture.

At Nomad Chiropractic, we focis on nervous system-based chiropractic care, supporting primitive reflex integration for families across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, while educating families worldwide.

---

Homecare Movement Tips

We have a lot of homecare tips on our website here. But before you start doing every exercise under the sun we recommend getting checked and adjusted because some may integrate without the need of an extensive home-care regime with chiropractic care.

📲 FOLLOW SANDY ON SOCIALS! She gives heaps of Homecare intentional movement tips.
👉[Facebook]
👉[Instagram]

---

A retained TLR can quietly influence posture, balance, endurance, and movement efficiency long after infancy. When the nervous system continues to rely on gravity-driven reflex patterns, everyday tasks may require more effort. Supporting integration through targeted movement strategies and nervous system-focused chiropractic care may help improve stability, coordination, and resilience.

At Nomad Chiropractic, we specialise in nervous system-based chiropractic care, supporting reflex integration for families across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, and educating families worldwide.

Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our North Shore Paediatric & Retained Primitive Reflex Chiropractors today: Book HERE

👉 Book a nervous system assessment today and take the first step toward calmer, more resilient living.

• References

  • Goddard Blythe, S. Reflexes, Learning and Behaviour. Fern Ridge Press.

  • Goddard Blythe, S. Attention, Balance and Coordination. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Melillo, R. Disconnected Kids. Penguin Random House.

  • Ayres, A. J. Sensory Integration and the Child. Western Psychological Services.

  • Porges, S. The Polyvagal Theory. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Schore, A. Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self. Routledge.

  • Kolb, B., Gibb, R. “Brain plasticity and behaviour.” Annual Review of Psychology.

  • Teicher, M. H. et al. “The neurobiological consequences of early stress.” Biological Psychiatry.

  • Australian Spinal Research Foundation – Vestibular and postural development resources.

  • Haavik, H. The Reality Check.

  • International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Developmental Guidelines.

  • Panksepp, J. Affective Neuroscience. Oxford University Press.

• ⚠️ Disclaimer

  The information provided by Nomad Chiropractic is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  Chiropractic care, movement strategies, and nervous system–based approaches aim to support overall function and wellbeing. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions, learning disorders, behavioural conditions, or developmental diagnoses.

  Every child is unique, and responses to care may vary. Any concerns regarding your child’s health, development, learning, or behaviour should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek advice from your GP, paediatrician, or other appropriately registered health practitioner regarding specific medical concerns.

  This content does not replace individual assessment or care. Decisions about your child’s health should be made in consultation with qualified professionals familiar with your child’s individual needs.

If posture, balance, or fatigue feel harder than they should, a retained TLR may be part of the picture—book a nervous system assessment to explore supportive next steps.