Trauma Release Exercises (TRE): 10 Somatic Exercises for Trauma Release (2024)

FAQs

Are trauma release exercises legit? ›

There are extensive clinical trials underway to verify the effectiveness of TRE, though anecdotal evidence suggests many people find it does achieve significant improvements. This includes people with PTSD as well as those with chronic illnesses connected to muscle health, such as Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

TRE® includes a series of easy stretches using the muscles of the lower body and builds up a little shaking in the legs. Once the body is shaking, you lie on the floor, and encourage these natural vibrations to move through the body, without trying to control them.

Though many people report immediate benefits from a single session of TRE, it is recommended that TRE be used as a consistent practice on an as-needed basis, either alone or in groups, to sustain its benefits over time.

The exact mechanisms of action of TRE have not been scientifically demonstrated, but it is believed that the neuromuscular tremors release deep-rooted muscular tension and that it regulates the nervous system so that a state of relaxation and calm is obtained.

After doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being. TRE® has helped many thousands of people globally. TRE® is designed to be a self-help tool that, once learned, can be used independently as needed throughout one's life, thereby continuously supporting and promoting personal health and wellness.

Individuals who have physical or psychological conditions that require strict regulation, individuals with fragile psychological defenses, a complex history of trauma or restricting physical or medical limitations should consult their medical practitioner or a Certified TRE Provider prior to performing these exercises.

Coming out of a session it may feel as if nothing was really achieved, but it's a slow burn: over the next few days you'll begin to feel the effects through small, subtle improvements. TRE can also be practised alone as a self-help tool, once you've tried it out with an experienced provider.

Reported side effects include mild nausea and headaches if you overdo it, but TRE is generally considered to be as safe as other exercise-based stress-release practices, such as yoga.

Yes, some people who have used TRE too much found that they became angsty, anxious and easily restless. We tend to think that “the more, the better”, but that is not the case with TRE. Part of the objective of doing TRE is learning self-regulation.

One of the most common types of Trauma Release Exercises is stretching, which can relieve muscle tension. These stretches might include sitting in a hip squat to release chronic stress or doing wall sits to lessen deep tension. The Spiral Technique is another common Trauma Release Exercise.

How many TRE sessions are needed? ›

How many TRE sessions do I need to do to learn it properly? The recommended guidelines are to do your first 3-6 TRE sessions with the guidance of a certified TRE provider so that you learn to self-regulate your tremors and shaking. It varies from person to person, but you can always book additional sessions if needed.

As you release trauma, you will feel like being more active. You will feel an increase in energy. This could make it easier to complete self-care and daily tasks as well as engage in social activities. You may feel like returning to work or seeing friends when you have been avoiding such activities.

TRE requires almost no mental focus, minimal physical effort & can be used in as little as 5-10 minutes simply lying on the floor or even in bed.

Trauma release exercises (TRE) are stretches that induce natural, involuntary muscle spasms known as neurogenic tremors. These mechanisms may help in releasing trauma from the body. TRE is a self-help intervention rather than a professional treatment approach.

You lie on the floor, and as the sensations move through your body, the shaking can cause an emotional and physical release of tension, stress, and trauma, which, with the support of a trained professional, can be self-regulated.

Reported side effects include mild nausea and headaches if you overdo it, but TRE is generally considered to be as safe as other exercise-based stress-release practices, such as yoga.

What are the success rates of trauma therapy? Studies have found that between 77% and 100% of patients who attend regular, customized trauma therapy sessions will see a reduction in their symptoms. This is on-par with studies on trauma patients who used medications to treat their symptoms.

One of the most common types of Trauma Release Exercises is stretching, which can relieve muscle tension. These stretches might include sitting in a hip squat to release chronic stress or doing wall sits to lessen deep tension. The Spiral Technique is another common Trauma Release Exercise.

Go slowly at the start. Learn how your body responds to the tremors. Shaking 3 times a week is a strong practice, probably no more than 10 to 15 minutes shaking after the exercises if you are new to TRE. You can gradually build up as you feel more confident – longer periods of shaking and more often.