TRE: What does the Research Say?
Trauma Release Exercises, or TRE, is an awesome technique to release the physical and emotional effects of trauma. However, as with any new treatment or therapy, it is important to understand the scientific research that supports its effectiveness. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the research that backs up TRE and its ability to release the effects of trauma.
One of the key studies on TRE was conducted by Dr. David Berceli, the developer of TRE, in 2008. The study, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, looked at the effectiveness of TRE in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The study included 21 veterans who had been diagnosed with PTSD and were experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The veterans participated in six weeks of TRE, which included seven exercises specifically designed to activate the psoas muscle and release tension and trauma.
The study found that after just six weeks of TRE, veterans experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD, including a decrease in the severity of their symptoms and an improvement in overall quality of life.
Another study, conducted in 2015 by Dr. Berceli, looked at the effectiveness of TRE in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in a group of individuals with a history of trauma. The study, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, included 61 participants who had been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression and had a history of trauma. The participants participated in 12 weeks of TRE, which included the same seven exercises used in the previous study. The study found that after just 12 weeks of TRE, participants experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as an improvement in overall quality of life. Specifically, the study found that the average reduction in symptoms of anxiety was 37.4%, and the average reduction in symptoms of depression was 42.7%.
Another study conducted in 2018, published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, looked at the effectiveness of TRE in reducing symptoms of chronic pain and PTSD. The study included 12 participants who had been diagnosed with chronic pain and PTSD. The participants participated in 8 weeks of TRE, and were also given an education on how to self-regulate the tremors. The study found that after just 8 weeks of TRE, participants reported a significant reduction in pain, an improvement in symptoms of PTSD, and an improvement in overall quality of life.
In addition to these studies, there have been several case studies and anecdotal reports that support the effectiveness of TRE in releasing the effects of trauma. For example, a case study published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation in 2019, looked at the effectiveness of TRE in treating a patient with chronic pain and PTSD.
After just eight weeks of TRE, the patient reported a significant reduction in pain, an improvement in symptoms of PTSD, and an improvement in overall quality of life.
While the research on TRE is still limited, the studies that have been conducted suggest that it is an effective technique for releasing the physical and emotional effects of trauma. The studies have shown that TRE can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, as well as improving overall quality of life. However, it's important to note that these studies were conducted on small sample sizes, and more research is needed to establish the generalizability of the findings and to confirm the long-term effects of TRE.It's also important to note that TRE is not considered a substitute for traditional therapy or psychiatric treatment. It is recommended that TRE be used as an adjunct to traditional therapy, and individuals should always consult with a mental health professional before starting TRE.
In conclusion, Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) is an innovative technique that has been developed to help individuals release the physical and emotional effects of trauma in a safe and efficient way. While the research on TRE is still limited, the studies that have been conducted suggest that it is an effective technique for releasing the physical and emotional effects of trauma. The studies have shown that TRE can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, as well as improving overall quality of life.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed to establish the generalizability of the findings and to confirm the long-term effects of TRE. It's also important to note that TRE is not considered a substitute for traditional therapy or psychiatric treatment and individuals should always consult with a mental health professional before starting TRE. With the guidance of a certified practitioner, TRE can be a powerful tool for promoting physical and emotional well-being. Some of the research can be found here