Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
The phrase "the body keeps the score" captures a fundamental truth about trauma: traumatic experiences are stored not only in memory but also in the body. Physical sensations, chronic tension, and unexplained medical symptoms are common among trauma survivors. Somatic (body-based) approaches to trauma treatment address this physical dimension of healing.
How Trauma Manifests in the Body
Trauma disrupts the autonomic nervous system, leaving it stuck in a state of hyperarousal (fight-or-flight) or hypoarousal (freeze-collapse). This dysregulation shows up as chronic muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, a heightened startle response, shallow breathing, and physical numbness or disconnection from the body.
Somatic Experiencing
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach that helps release trapped survival energy. Instead of focusing on the traumatic narrative, it gently guides attention to physical sensations, allowing the nervous system to gradually discharge stored tension and return to balance.
Other Body-Based Approaches
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Integrates body awareness, movement, and touch with talk therapy
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Modified yoga practices that emphasise choice, safety, and present-moment awareness
EMDR: While primarily cognitive, EMDR's bilateral stimulation also engages the body
Massage and Bodywork: When provided by trauma-informed practitioners, can support nervous system regulation
Grounding Techniques for Daily Life
- Press your feet firmly into the floor and notice the sensation - Place a hand over your heart and breathe slowly - Notice physical contact with surfaces — your chair, the ground, your clothing - Stretch slowly, paying attention to areas of tension - Use temperature — hold a warm mug or cool water
At Glintcare
We recognise that trauma affects the whole person — mind and body. Our therapists incorporate somatic approaches where appropriate, helping you heal at every level.
