Kate Whitehead

What is TRE? These simple exercises evoke a muscular shaking process in the body which helps the body release deep muscular patterns of stress or tension. When this shaking mechanism, known as a neurogenic tremor, is activated in a safe, controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return to a state of natural balance.
The tremors and other involuntary movements allow us to release long held tension patterns, stress and trauma from the body. This release allows the nervous system, which can get stuck in primitive survival strategies (commonly known as flight/flight/freeze), to reboot and balance.

What are the benefits of TRE?

Reported benefits include a decrease in chronic pain and muscular tension, less worry and tension, and greater emotional resiliency. Many people also report feeling calmer, more peaceful and having increased flexibility. The benefits are cumulative and the more we practice the more we gain. The body knows how it needs to heal, we just need to trust in it and switch off the stress response.

Is TRE for everyone?

Anyone who does the exercises will shake – though everyone’s shake is different. Although TRE can be learned and practised by people of all ages and fitness levels, it is not recommended for the very pregnant or for those who have had recent abdominal surgery.

TRE is intended to be a self-help system. After four to six sessions with an instructor, most people are then able to practise on their own at home.

Is TRE backed by scientific studies?

A case study published in July 2019 in Australia’s Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health describes the benefits derived from TRE in a soldier who had suffered PTSD following a car accident.
The soldier was put into an induced coma for six days after suffering fractures to his pelvis, ribs, face and skull, a dislocated collarbone and jaw, a collapsed lung, and crushed carotid artery. After facial reconstruction, he had six months of rehabilitation including physiotherapy and neuropsychology. Still, he suffered from anxiety, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, “an inability to sit still” and being in “constant survival mode”. He took a two-day course in TRE basics and regularly did the exercises. Within four months, he reported physical and psychological benefits, including sleeping better, feeling more self-reliant and motivated, and increased flexibility in his hips, pelvis and lower back.

To learn more please take a look at www.traumaprevention.com or www.trecollege.com whereby you can hear stories from people who have benefitted from TRE. There are stories and videos to watch to show you more about TRE.