You have heard that "the body keeps the score" or that trauma is "stored" in the hips or muscles. The language is everywhere, and it is fair to ask what the research actually says.
In short: stress and traumatic experiences can be accompanied by lasting physiological patterns, including muscular tension, changes in arousal and heightened stress responses. "Stored trauma" is a popular metaphor; body-based practices may help some people work with these patterns, ideally with professional support.
What the metaphor gets right, and what it overstates
Trauma can be linked with lasting physical patterns such as tension, startle responses, sleep disruption and a heightened sense of threat. Those are real physiological changes. The popular phrase "stored in the body" can be meaningful as shorthand, but it should not be taken to mean that trauma sits inside one muscle, organ or piece of fascia like a physical object waiting to be released.
Some researchers argue that what endures after trauma is better understood as a pattern in how the brain predicts and interprets body signals, rather than a memory lodged in tissue. That is one scientific view, not a settled conclusion. Either way, promising to "release trauma from the body" goes beyond the evidence.
Is trauma stored in the hips?
There is no good evidence that trauma is stored in a specific body part. Some people do feel strong emotions during hip-focused or other slow body movement. That experience is worth approaching gently, with choice and the option to stop. It is not proof of a hidden memory in the tissue.
What body-based approaches can and cannot do
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies found that body- and movement-oriented interventions were associated with a moderate reduction in PTSD symptoms on average. Heterogeneity was very high, and almost all studies had some concerns or high risk of bias. The authors concluded that these approaches may be valuable, but higher-quality trials with proper control conditions and long-term follow-up are still needed.
Established trauma-focused psychotherapies remain the strongest guideline-supported options for PTSD. Body-based practices are not a replacement for trauma therapy.
TRE® is designed to invite natural tremoring, and many people find it calming, but it cannot be said to release trauma. A 2026 scoping review of 22 studies calls the research preliminary. See trauma release exercises and TRE® safety.
A gentle grounding practice (not a release exercise)
This article does not include a trauma-"release" practice. If you want something steadying, try this:
- Sit with your feet on the floor. Keep your eyes open if that feels safer.
- Press your feet down gently and notice the contact.
- Name three things you can see in the room.
- Take one slow breath, then stop whenever you wish.
More options: grounding techniques and where stress shows up in the body.
If you have experienced trauma, body-based practices can bring up strong sensations or memories. Work at your own pace, keep your eyes open if that feels safer, and practise alongside a qualified mental-health professional where possible. This article is educational and not a substitute for trauma therapy.
