Tremors (Shaking, juddering, spasms, convulsions)

Written By Katy McGhie

We don’t endorse any of the resources here, but only share what exists. Please do your own research. The information within our resources is from secondary sources, and is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare provider.  Whilst we aim to provide as much information as we can for free, some of these resources will cost you money if you take them up.   If there are scholarships or funding that we can find, we cite them in the resource.

  • Tremors can appear during recovery from chronic illness, pain or trauma as the body begins to release stored tension and energy.

    For some, this looks like shaking, quivering, or full-body movements that arise naturally during relaxation or emotional processing.

    While it can feel strange or even frightening, these tremors are often the body’s way of completing unfinished survival responses and releasing long-held muscle tension. They’re often linked to dissociation or emotional suppression.

    Many people in recovery notice that tremors begin as their nervous system gains capacity and safety and releases stored emotions.

    This process is seen in animals, too – after a threat, they instinctively shake to discharge the energy of fear. Humans often suppress this response, but it can re-emerge as the body heals.

    • Tremors are thought to arise from procedural memories – movements that the body prepared to make during a threat but could not complete due to freezing or inhibition.

    • When safety is restored, these stored impulses can release through shaking, stretching, or instinctive movement.

    • The mechanism is similar to what’s observed in animals after danger has passed (see the polar bear video below).

    • Allowing gentle, spontaneous tremors can support regulation and relaxation, though it’s important to stay within a sense of safety and not force the process.

    • Tremors can also be linked to dissociation or emotional suppression – when feelings that were too overwhelming to process at the time begin to resurface. As the body reconnects with emotion, these movements can act as a bridge back to presence and integration.

    • Somatic Experiencing – a body-based therapy that helps the nervous system complete unfinished survival responses and reduce stored tension.

    • TRE (Trauma Release Exercises) – a simple series of movements designed to safely trigger the body’s natural tremor mechanism.

    • Continuum Movement – combines breath, sound, and gentle movement to invite awareness and flow into areas of physical contraction.

    • EAET (Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy) – an evidence-based approach that helps reconnect with emotions, release suppressed feelings, and reduce symptom intensity.

    • JournalSpeak (Nicole Sachs)– a guided writing practice for emotional release that can complement somatic approaches like tremoring.

    • Tremors can range from subtle vibrations to large, coordinated movements.

    • They often occur during rest, meditation, or relaxation – moments when the body finally feels safe to release.

    • The experience can bring up emotions such as tears, laughter, or fear; these are often part of the same release process.

    • It is generally advised to let the process happen without resistance, staying curious and grounded.

    • If the experience feels overwhelming, a somatic practitioner can help guide and contain it safely.

  • Some people searching about tremors come across the term Functional Tremor. This is simply the medical name for the same kind of tremor described above – one that comes from the nervous system misfiring or becoming overactive, rather than from structural damage or a disease like Parkinson’s.

    In other words, it’s a real, physical tremor caused by how the brain and body are communicating. It’s considered reversible and often improves as the nervous system calms and learns new movement patterns.

    Functional tremors can come and go, shift in rhythm, or even feel internal (a trembling sensation others can’t see). They may appear during recovery from ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long Covid, or chronic pain – especially when the body is releasing tension, emotions, or stored stress.

    If your tremors are new, worsening, or frightening, it’s always worth checking in with your clinician for reassurance and to rule out other causes. Understanding that this kind of tremor is linked to nervous system function – not damage – can help reduce fear and support recovery.

    Resource:

    https://neurosymptoms.org/en/symptoms/fnd-symptoms/functional-tremor/

  • While tremors can appear as part of recovery from conditions such as ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long Covid or chronic pain, they can also have other causes.

    If you experience new, severe, or distressing tremors, it’s important to speak with your GP or specialist to rule out neurological or medication-related causes.

Katy McGhie