How Trauma Lives in the Body: Understanding Somatic Symptoms
Trauma is more than just an event that happened in the past—it’s an experience that can leave a lasting imprint on both the mind and body. Many people don’t realize that unresolved trauma can show up as physical symptoms, often without a clear medical explanation. Understanding how trauma lives in the body can be the first step toward healing and reclaiming a sense of safety and control.
What Are Somatic Symptoms?
Somatic symptoms are physical sensations or complaints that may not have an obvious medical cause. These can include chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, fatigue, or even changes in heart rate. While traditional medical approaches focus on treating the body’s symptoms, trauma-informed therapy recognizes that the mind and body are deeply interconnected.
When the nervous system experiences trauma, it can become “stuck” in a state of hyperarousal or dissociation. This can manifest in physical ways. For example, someone with a history of chronic stress or childhood trauma might feel tension in their shoulders, stomach discomfort, or persistent fatigue. These bodily signals are the body’s way of holding onto past experiences that were too overwhelming to process fully at the time.
How Trauma Manifests in the Body
Trauma doesn’t always live in the mind alone. It can create a cycle of physiological responses that affect daily life. Common ways trauma shows up in the body include:
Chronic muscle tension: Persistent tightness in the neck, shoulders, or back.
Digestive issues: Irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or unexplained stomach pain.
Cardiovascular changes: Elevated heart rate, palpitations, or feeling constantly “on edge.”
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights.
Heightened startle responses: Being easily startled or feeling unsafe in everyday environments.
These physical symptoms are not a sign of weakness—they are the body’s way of trying to cope with overwhelming experiences. Recognizing these signs is a crucial step toward reclaiming your body and mind.
The Mind-Body Connection in Healing
Trauma-informed therapy takes a holistic approach, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies while addressing emotional and cognitive patterns. Techniques such as somatic experiencing, trauma-sensitive mindfulness, and gentle body awareness exercises can support the nervous system in returning to a state of balance.
Research shows that body-focused interventions can complement traditional therapy approaches. For example, Psychology Today highlights the role of somatic therapy in helping clients release stored tension and process traumatic experiences safely. Similarly, The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine offers resources on integrating body-based strategies into trauma treatment, emphasizing that healing is most effective when it involves both the mind and body.
Steps Toward Reconnecting With Your Body
If you notice physical symptoms that may be connected to past trauma, consider these steps:
Notice and acknowledge: Pay attention to how your body responds to stress and emotional triggers.
Practice gentle movement: Activities like yoga, stretching, or mindful walking can help release tension.
Seek professional support: A trauma-informed therapist can guide you in exploring the connection between your experiences and your physical sensations.
Develop coping strategies: Breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and self-compassion practices can help regulate the nervous system.
Create a safe environment: Both physically and emotionally, safety is essential to processing and releasing trauma stored in the body.
Healing from trauma is not a linear process, and it requires patience, compassion, and guidance. By paying attention to the signals your body sends, you can begin to understand the story your body is telling and take steps toward integration and wholeness.
Moving Forward With Support
You don’t have to navigate the effects of trauma alone. With trauma-informed care, you can learn to reconnect with your body, process difficult experiences, and regain a sense of agency over your life. If you are experiencing somatic symptoms related to trauma, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist who can guide you safely through this process.
Take the first step today—schedule a free 20-minute consultation with Raina Wadhawan, LMHC, and start your journey toward understanding and healing the body-mind connection. Your body is trying to communicate with you; now is the time to listen and respond with care.