Jerking, twitching & involuntary muscle contraction

[MrMoonlight]

During my first EMDR session dealing with my major trauma my arms were involuntary jerking. Through the session it was relatively minor and controllable, more like a twitch. The following day and today I have found myself escalating in severity to a jerking motion in both my arms and now my head.

This only happens when I think about my trauma. I haven't let myself think about the arson because of this. Maybe it's my body saying to my brain enough..or just another somatic response.

Has anyone experienced this type of involuntary jerking? Have you found any helpful techniques for reducing the severity?

 

[Lamename01234]

Yes I do. Only when talking about my trauma strangely my forehead and eyes will twitch. It is really weird. I can feel it and my t can see it will bring my attention to it. Nothing I can do. Only happens when addressing those issues.

 

[MrMoonlight]

That's interesting @Lamename01234 . I have in the past during prolonged stress had my eye twitch uncontrollably but not instantly like that. Seems like I only get the eye twitch when under tremendous stress.

My arm jerking almost sent a full cereal bowl of granola and milk across the room yesterday. I had to set the bowl down and use only the spoon in fear I would launch the sucker into the wall. It's just annoying and preventing me from exploring parts of my trauma in preparation for my next therapy session.

 

[somerandomguy]

When I talk about something really unpleasant with my T, I grimace so hard my entire face hurts. I try to use that as a reminder that I'm talking about something pretty difficult and important and use that cue to try soothing techniques like belly breathing.

 

[AnD]

I have issues like that too.

I do TRE, search on YouTube. It could release the tension so you don’t have it like this at home.

I still twitch and stuff in therapy, especially when parts have been present

 

[MyWillow]

Another thing to try would be to "notice without judgement". This is one of the focuses of TSY (trauma sensitive yoga). Just notice and accept. I have been practicing this just sitting on my yoga mat. When my brain fills up with busy thoughts I just try to notice without judgment and re-group. The more you fight this stuff the worse it is (says someone who fought off a flashback in therapy....never, ever again!!!)

 

[Swift]

Hey.
Everyone has great suggestions.
I often have trouble with the twitch, jerky neck or hands, and tremor.
The thing that I've found that works for me is doing something rhythmic with my hands - concentrating on drumming a rhythm or rapping (badly) along with Ed Sheeran. The key is to focus on the new task.
Why I reckon this works is it gives a new program to the area, a more concious one as a kind of override.

 

[Rumors]

I shake... sometimes uncontrollably. It's embarrassing... repeat emdr until it goes away. I learned this butterfly thing where you cross your arms and tap your chest and it can help. It is like an at home emdr move. Sorry. Good luck.

 

[MrMoonlight]

Thanks everyone for sharing your insights.

I do TRE, search on YouTube. It could release the tension so you don’t have it like this at home.

I'm going to try this tonight. I was feeling nauseous earlier and was going to sit the day out but know I have my part of the unwritten unsaid therapy agreement to uphold. I will get out of the house today. I'm going to hit golf balls and smile while I do it.lol Then I'll eat, shower, relax and try this TRE stuff. I found a good video I think.
TRE therapy to help heal your CSN, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other illnesses

doing something rhythmic with my hands - concentrating on drumming

That sounds really interesting to me...and it makes a lot of sense. I'll have to think about that one.

Today has been bad. When thinking of my stuff my head turns violently to the left and my arms jerk toward the center of my body. I will need to try the suggested treatments posted above to release it from my body.

 

[AnD]

I have looked at this video
Introduction to TRE® Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises - Shake it Off Slideshow Presentation

Try to get the shakes started by using the position at 2:06 in this video, the smaller picture to your lower right: TRE: A condensed explanation

Don't be surprised if you get big convulsions, not just twitching and tremors. Make sure that you do not hurt yourself in any way.

 

[Teasel]

You'e found this TRE reduces twitches and so on when broaching traumatic memories @AnD ?

My head always jerks to the left when I think of the trauma..

 

[One step at a time]

When talking about stuff? Sometimes a tremor in my shoulder. Sometimes my hip shakes.
When I lead a musical group, sometimes I get facial tics. Only when the music gets intense and we sound good. But nobody ever brings it up, so I just wait for it to pass.

I think that's the two main ones.