When trauma, grief, or stress gets stored in the body, it can show up as pain, tension, anxiety, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm—and gentle support like Myofascial Release, grounding, breathwork, and somatic self-care can help the body begin to feel safe again.
Our Body Remembers (Trauma).
One of the most common traumatic experiences many of us share is the loss of someone we love—a parent, spouse, child, family member, or close friend. If you’ve experienced this, you may understand what I’m talking about.
Each year, as birthdays, anniversaries, and death dates approach, the body remembers. You can feel it. Emotions may begin bubbling up seemingly “for no reason.” Old aches and pains may appear. You may feel more emotional, tired, anxious, or irritable than usual. That’s because your body remembers trauma.
Many of you reading this can probably relate.
I really began a deeper dive into understanding this after the Flood of 2016 here in Denham Springs, LA. I realized that I was treating PTSD in my physical therapy clinic. It didn’t matter whether someone came in with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or headaches. Often there was an emotional component lodged in the body as well, and that needed attention too.
When we experience trauma, the body can become stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. These protective patterns are brilliant survival mechanisms. They help us make it through difficult experiences. The problem comes when the danger has passed, but the body is still carrying the experience.
This experience isn’t limited to anniversaries of loss.
This is one reason why holidays such as the Fourth of July, Christmas, and New Year’s can be so challenging for some people. Fireworks, flashing lights, sudden loud booms, and unexpected vibrations can awaken stored memories and sensations associated with past trauma. The mind may know you are safe, but the body remembers trauma. It may still react as if the threat is happening right now.
The good news is that healing is possible.
Seeking support from a counselor, a bodyworker who understands the myofascial system, or a practitioner trained in somatic approaches can be incredibly helpful. These professionals can help you process both the emotional and physical components of trauma.
There are also things you can do in the moment:
- Take slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths.
- Bring yourself into present time.
- Feel the ground beneath your feet.
- Notice the air on your skin.
- Hold an object in your hand or pocket and focus on its texture.
- Look around and notice what is actually happening right now.
- If you are with others, allow yourself to connect with the joy and celebration around you.
And if it feels safe to do so, become curious about what is coming up.
Can you feel the sensation?
Can you feel the fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, or grief without judging it?
Many of these feelings were pushed aside because you needed to survive the experience. Your body did exactly what it needed to do at the time. Now, you may be safe enough to begin feeling what couldn’t be felt before.
Remind yourself:
I am here. I am safe. This is now, not then.
If your body wants to cry, shake, yell into a pillow, stomp your feet, or move, allow yourself a safe way to express that energy. Every time you acknowledge and release a little bit of what has been stored, you create space for healing.
Be curious.
Be gentle with yourself.
Take care of your body, mind, and spirit.
And remember, healing isn’t about forgetting what happened. It’s about helping the body learn that it no longer has to carry the burden alone.
Need Help?
If you’ve tried these self-care routines or you still have nagging issues, schedule a session. Let’s talk and explore if Myofascial Release or another therapy could help your body heal. Yes, our body remembers trauma, but with the right care, you are incredibly resilient.
Enjoy the journey.