What Are Physical Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma?

Your body is smarter than you think. It holds onto painful memories and experiences, storing them in your muscles, nervous system, and tissues. But here's the thing most people don't realize: your body also knows how to let trauma go.

As a therapist, I see this happen all the time. Clients come to me confused about strange physical sensations they're experiencing during healing. They worry something is wrong. In reality, their body is doing exactly what it needs to do – releasing old trauma.

Information in this blog is informed by the Polyvagal Theory, Somatic therapy principles, general trauma-informed practices, and personal experience.

Why Your Body Holds Trauma

When something traumatic happens, your body goes into survival mode. Your nervous system floods with stress hormones. Your muscles tense up. Your breathing changes. This is normal and protective.

But sometimes, especially with repeated trauma or overwhelming experiences, your body doesn't fully process what happened. The trauma gets "stuck" in your system. Your body remembers the threat, even when you're safe now.

This physical storage happens because trauma isn't just a mental experience—it's a whole-body response. Your nervous system can become locked in a state of hyperarousal (always on alert) or hypoarousal (numb and disconnected). Your muscles might remain chronically tense, ready to fight or flee. Even your breathing patterns can change, becoming shallow and rapid.

The body stores these trauma responses in what therapists call "somatic memory." This means your tissues, muscles, and nervous system hold onto the physical sensations and reactions from traumatic events. This stored trauma can manifest as chronic pain, tension, digestive issues, or unexplained physical symptoms.

Our bodies are designed to protect us, and sometimes that protection means holding onto difficult experiences until we're truly safe enough to process them.

Common Physical Signs of Trauma Release

Involuntary Shaking or Trembling

Your body might shake or tremble without you trying to make it happen. This is actually your nervous system resetting itself. Animals in the wild naturally shake after dangerous situations. Humans have this same ability, but we are often socialized to suppress it. When you finally feel safe enough, your body might shake to discharge the stored energy from past threats.

Changes in Breathing

You might notice yourself sighing deeply, yawning more, or even having moments of rapid breathing. These are signs your body is regulating its oxygen levels and releasing tension. Deep, spontaneous breaths often happen when your system is letting go of something it's been holding.

Muscle Tension and Release

Areas that held trauma - often the jaw, shoulders, or hips - might feel sore as they relax. You might experience muscle twitches or spasms. Sometimes you'll feel a noticeable release, like a knot finally untying inside you.

Temperature Changes

Hot flashes, sudden chills, or sweating without physical exertion can signal trauma release. Your body might feel unusually warm in specific areas where tension is being released. I’ve had many clients talk about their head feeling hot. This is your circulation improving as your body moves out of a stress response.

Digestive Shifts

Your gut has its own nervous system, and it responds to trauma release. You might notice changes in appetite, digestive sounds, or bowel habits. These shifts often happen as your body moves from "fight-or-flight" to "rest-and-digest" mode.

Fatigue or Energy Surges

You might feel exhausted one moment and energized the next. Trauma release takes energy, but it also frees up energy that was stuck. I’ve had clients tell me that they had an unusual amount of energy a couple of days after Brainspotting and releasing trauma.

Sleep Disruptions or Improvements

During trauma release, sleep patterns often change. You might have vivid dreams or nightmares as your brain processes experiences. Alternatively, you might suddenly sleep better than you have in years as your nervous system calms.

Emotional Physical Responses

Spontaneous crying, laughing, or emotional outbursts that feel connected to bodily sensations are common. You might feel tears coming without a clear thought triggering them. This is your body expressing emotions that were previously frozen.

What To Do When You Notice These Signs

First, don't panic. These responses, while sometimes uncomfortable, are signs of healing. Your body knows what it's doing.

Give yourself permission to feel these sensations without judgment. Many of us were taught to "get it together" or "calm down" when showing physical responses to emotions. Try to resist this urge.

Stay present with the sensations. Notice where in your body you feel them, how intense they are, and if they move or change. This mindful awareness actually helps your body complete the release process.

Practice grounding techniques if sensations become overwhelming. Feel your feet on the floor, name five things you can see, or hold something with a distinct texture.

Remember that release happens in waves, not all at once. Your body is smart - it won't release more than you can handle at one time.

How to Support Your Body During This Process

Stay Hydrated Trauma release uses up a lot of energy and resources. Drink plenty of water to help your system flush out toxins and stress hormones.

Get Enough Rest Your body needs extra sleep during periods of trauma release. Don't fight the fatigue – honor it.

Move Gently Light exercise like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can help your body process and release trauma more effectively. Dancing can also be helpful!

Breathe Consciously When you notice physical signs of release, focus on slow, deep breathing. This tells your nervous system it's safe to continue the process.

Work with a Professional Having support from a trauma-informed therapist can make the release process safer and more effective.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you're experiencing physical signs of trauma release or feel stuck carrying old wounds, you don't have to navigate this alone. Trauma therapy provides a safe space to process what your body has been holding onto.

Many people wait years before seeking help, thinking they should be able to handle it on their own. But trauma isn't about being weak or strong – it's about getting the right support for healing.

If you're ready to take the next step, reach out today. Your body has already started the healing process. Professional support can help you complete it safely and effectively.

You deserve to feel at peace in your own body again.