Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms faced by people with multiple sclerosis, affecting up to 80% of those diagnosed. A new study has suggested that a simple mind-body therapy known as tension and trauma-releasing exercises (TRE) may help to ease the burden of fatigue and other symptoms for people living with the condition.
The research, carried out in Denmark with members of the Danish MS Society, followed 28 people with multiple sclerosis over an eight-week period. Half of the participants took part in TRE sessions while also practising the exercises at home, while the other half continued with their usual care. The exercises involve a series of movements designed to trigger natural tremors in the body, which are thought to release deep muscular tension and promote relaxation. The findings were published in the journal Advances in Mindy-Body Medicine.
The study found that, after adjusting for differences between participants, those who had completed TRE sessions reported significantly lower fatigue scores compared with those who had not. The improvement amounted to a 25% reduction in reported fatigue levels. Importantly, this effect exceeded the threshold often considered clinically meaningful, suggesting that TRE may provide real benefits for daily life.
Sylvia Tillmann, a certified TRE provider, explained: “What makes these findings so promising is that with TRE there is no need to push harder, but rather to naturally let go.”
In addition to fatigue, participants also reported reductions in spasticity and pain, two other common and difficult symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Tests measuring walking ability showed gradual improvements among those who had completed the exercises. The findings echo results from earlier pilot studies that hinted at the potential for TRE to improve quality of life in people with the condition.
Tillmann added: “Fatigue can be overwhelming, not just in the body but also in the nervous system. By gently releasing stored tension, TRE gives the system a chance to reset, creating more space for rest, more energy and even less pain.”
Although the study showed encouraging results, the researchers cautioned that it was relatively small in scale and should be considered preliminary. With just 28 participants, the trial was not large enough to draw firm conclusions about how effective TRE might be for the wider population of people with multiple sclerosis. Further studies with larger groups will be needed to confirm the benefits and to explore how long-lasting the improvements may be.
One notable feature of the research was the use of digital tools, such as activity trackers and smartphone apps, to record symptoms and physical performance on a daily basis. These provided a more detailed picture of how fatigue, sleep, movement, and mood changed over time. While the tools offered valuable data, they also proved demanding for participants, many of whom already struggled with tiredness and concentration. Researchers noted that future trials may need to simplify data collection to avoid adding unnecessary strain.
Tillmann highlighted the empowering aspect of the practice for those living with long-term conditions: “Practising TRE is about taking health ownership and about supporting the nervous system to restore balance. And for many of my clients the most empowering part is discovering that their own body holds the key to relief. TRE simply empowers us to unlock that innate capacity.”
Multiple sclerosis is a long-term autoimmune condition affecting nearly 3 million people worldwide. While there are treatments available to manage the disease and slow its progression, there is currently no cure. Fatigue remains one of the most challenging symptoms to address, with limited success from conventional therapies. The possibility that TRE could provide a safe, low-cost way of easing this burden has generated interest among both patients and clinicians.
