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Massage and bodywork

Massage and bodywork address tension through external touch; TRE™ releases it through internal tremoring. Together, they offer complementary pathways to a relaxed, supple body. Professional bodywork can support what TRE™ does at home, and TRE™ can extend the benefits of bodywork between sessions.

How massage and TRE™ work together​

What massage offers TRE™​

  • External release of muscular tension
  • Professional attention to specific areas
  • Touch-based nervous system regulation
  • Identification of holding patterns you may not feel

What TRE™ offers massage​

  • Ongoing release between massage sessions
  • Internal completion of what massage initiates
  • Self-regulation without relying on appointments
  • Access to deep layers that manual work may not reach

Types of bodywork​

  • Massage therapy — Hands-on manipulation of muscles and soft tissue. Releases muscular tension, promotes relaxation, and improves circulation.
  • Myofascial release — Hands-on or tool-assisted work with fascia. Releases fascial restrictions and improves tissue mobility. Both TRE™ and myofascial release address fascial holding.
  • Craniosacral therapy — Gentle work with the craniosacral system. Creates subtle release and deep relaxation. Like TRE™, it works with nervous system regulation.

Integration​

Before TRE™​

Massage before TRE™ is generally not recommended on the same day. Both practices release held tension, and combining them can be overwhelming.

If you do schedule them together:

  • Allow several hours between massage and TRE™
  • Reduce your TRE™ session length
  • Monitor for signs of too much release

After TRE™​

Similarly, massage immediately after TRE™ can be too much. The body has already done release work and may not need more.

If you want bodywork after TRE™:

  • Wait at least a day between sessions
  • Choose gentler modalities (Swedish rather than deep tissue)
  • Communicate with your therapist about having recently tremored

As separate practices​

The most effective approach for most people is keeping massage and TRE™ on separate days:

  • TRE™ for regular home practice (2–3 times per week)
  • Massage for periodic professional support (fortnightly, monthly, or as needed)
  • Each practice has its own space and attention
  • Notice how they affect each other over time

Practical guidance​

Choosing bodywork​

Types that complement TRE™ well include:

  • Swedish massage (general relaxation and release)
  • Myofascial release (works with fascia like TRE™ does)
  • Craniosacral therapy (subtle nervous system work)

Be cautious with:

  • Deep tissue work right after intense TRE™
  • Very activating modalities during sensitive periods
  • Any bodywork that overwhelms your system

Communicating with therapists​

Tell your massage therapist or bodyworker that you practise TRE™. They can:

  • Adjust their approach based on your practice
  • Notice how your tissue is changing
  • Work more effectively with your body’s patterns
  • Recognise if tremoring starts during their work

Some therapists may be curious about TRE™ or already familiar with it. This can create valuable collaboration.

If tremoring starts during massage​

Some people find that massage triggers tremoring. If this happens:

  • It’s a natural response: the body may release through tremoring when touched
  • Let your therapist know (if they don’t already)
  • Allow gentle tremors if it feels right
  • Pause deep work if tremoring becomes intense

Trauma-informed bodyworkers are usually comfortable with this.

Timing and frequency​

  • If you do both practices, notice what works for your body
  • Some people reduce TRE™ frequency when receiving regular massage
  • Others find the practices enhance each other
  • There’s no fixed rule; adjust based on your response

Considerations​

  • Both massage and TRE™ release held patterns; together they can be powerful, so pace accordingly.
  • Deep tissue work after intense TRE™ may be too much for your system.
  • If you have trauma history, seek trauma-informed bodyworkers.
  • Let your body integrate between release-oriented sessions.
  • Cost and access may limit massage frequency; TRE™ fills the gap between sessions.
Tell your practitioners

If you practise TRE™ regularly, inform your massage therapists and bodyworkers. They may notice changes in your tissue over time and can work more effectively with this information.