Tension / Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)

What is TRE?

Tension Releasing Exercises, known as TRE, is based on the fundamental idea, backed by research, that stress, tension and trauma is both physical and psychological.

A TRE session lasts an hour, it takes you through a series of seven movements or exercises that are designed to relax your psoas muscle. TRE’s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing. 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.

• What can I expect?

  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.

• What do I need to do to prepare?

  We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Post-treatment, we recommend that you permit rest.

• Frequency of treatments

  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.

Practitioners