by Dr. Jessica deJarnette, MD and Head of Clinical Operations at Catbird

In recent decades, the long-lasting effects of trauma on the body have gained significant attention. We now understand that many chronic health conditions stem not only from genetics and lifestyle factors but also from traumatic events. As healers, we recognize that conventional methods, such as talk therapy, often fail to address the physical manifestations of trauma. One of the most common symptoms trauma survivors describe is chronic pain, which can be difficult to alleviate. Before we delve into why this occurs, let’s explore why physical symptoms of trauma are particularly challenging to treat and what approaches are effective in addressing them.

Historically, trauma treatment has relied on two primary modalities: prescription medication  and talk therapy. While these methods offer benefits, they often act as temporary solutions that fail to address the root causes of many people’s symptoms. But what does it really mean when we say, “trauma is stored in the body,” and if that’s true, how can we release it?

Understanding Trauma Stored in the Body

Many individuals experience trauma during preverbal stages of development, occurring before they develop language skills, typically around the age of four. This early trauma often remains inaccessible to conscious memory, even though the body retains it. Without words to describe these deep-seated memories, talk therapy can be limited in its effectiveness.

What about trauma experienced after childhood? Even with memories and language readily available, many individuals still struggle to heal through talk therapy. Research highlighted in The Body Keeps the Score shows that Broca’s area, the region of the brain responsible for speech and language, often becomes inactive when trauma survivors are asked to recall their experiences. This phenomenon explains why so many trauma survivors report being unable to "find the words" to describe their experiences.

Given the limitations of talk therapy in releasing stored trauma, and with the understanding that trauma resides in the body, alternative therapeutic approaches are often the missing piece in healing chronic conditions. Bodywork for trauma healing is one of our favorite treatment modalities at Catbird and we are excited to tell you why we are such huge fans! 

Chronic Pain and the Nervous System

For the purposes of a more targeted discussion, I will focus specifically on chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by trauma and stress, which is distinct from pain resulting from neurological conditions. After years in primary care practice, I began to notice patterns of chronic pain in my patients. Chronic pain is often associated with stress and trauma, as the body retains physical memories and postures long after the mind has dissociated or repressed the traumatic event. While pain patterns vary from person to person, common manifestations include muscle spasms, painful trigger points (or “knots”), and stiffness, all of which can limit movement. Neck and back pain is an extremely common complaint in persons who have experienced trauma. In fact, back pain is the second most frequent reason for primary care doctor visits in the United States.

Many people also report that their chronic pain worsens during periods of heightened stress. This is due, in part, to a state of nervous system hypervigilance, which leads to a phenomenon known as “bracing.” When we are in a state of arousal—triggered by the sympathetic nervous system—our bodies adopt patterns of constriction. Muscles tense, jaws clench, spines collapse, and breathing becomes shallow. Over time, these postures become habitual, and our muscles become conditioned to remain in a contracted state. Conversely, in the “chronic freeze” state, individuals may experience muscle weakness, fatigue, and immobility. Fortunately, both of these conditions respond well to bodywork.

Fascia: Where Trauma Is Stored

Experienced healers, myself included, have observed that trauma is often associated with very tight fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and organs. Fascia is dense and difficult to release, especially during periods of stress, which is why physical pain associated with trauma does not simply disappear over time. It requires an intentional physical release.

Through the skilled manipulation of muscles, fascia, and the nervous system, practitioners of bodywork can help release tension and stress that is otherwise difficult to access, even with stretching. While tools like foam rollers are useful for everyday self-care, they cannot replace the depth and precision that a trained massage therapist can provide.

The Role of Bodywork in Trauma Healing

Bodywork refers to a wide range of healing modalities that include manual therapies (such as massage), energy medicine, and breathwork. These approaches address trauma by working directly with the body, rather than focusing solely on cognitive processes. Key benefits of bodywork include:

• Facilitating brainwave states associated with relaxation (alpha, beta, theta, and delta waves).
• Inducing trance-like states while grounding individuals, aiding in the control of dissociative processes.
• Reducing anxiety and promoting deeper, restorative sleep.
• Stimulating the circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems.
• Activating neurohormonal responses, leading to the release of beta-endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin.
• Regulating cortisol levels and stimulating the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Immediate Relief through Bodywork

Although a single bodywork session cannot erase years of stored pain, noticeable improvements can often be felt immediately. This tangible progress is encouraging, as it provides evidence that trauma and pain can be released without the need for invasive procedures or prescription pills. After a massage, I often feel a profound sense of relief, as though a weight has been lifted, leaving me feeling lighter, less anxious, and more at ease.

Conclusion

Bodywork is an underutilized yet incredibly effective healing modality, with minimal risks and broad applicability. At Catbird, we believe bodywork should be an essential component of every healing journey, especially for those dealing with chronic stress, trauma, and physical pain. It offers a holistic approach to healing that addresses both the mind and body, promoting true recovery and lasting well-being.

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