Slowing down can feel counterintuitive when you want to heal quickly—but in the Trager® Approach, slowing down is exactly what allows healing to happen more efficiently and deeply.

How slowing down speeds up healing

1. The nervous system learns best when it feels safe
Healing depends largely on your nervous system. When you slow down, your body shifts out of “fight or flight” and into a parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) state. In this state, muscles release unnecessary tension, circulation improves, and tissues repair more effectively.

2. Effort keeps patterns stuck; ease allows change
Pain and restriction are often maintained by unconscious effort. Moving slowly and gently helps the nervous system notice that effort isn’t required. Once the brain experiences ease, it can let go of habitual holding—often faster than through forceful stretching or strengthening.

3. Slowness increases sensory awareness
The Trager® Approach works through somatic education—teaching the brain new, more comfortable possibilities. Slow movement heightens sensation, making it easier for the brain to register differences between tension and freedom. Clear information = quicker learning.

4. Micro-changes create lasting results
Instead of pushing for big changes, slowing down allows small, precise shifts. These changes integrate more completely, reducing setbacks and speeding long-term healing.

5. Less strain = more efficiency
When movement is easy and unforced, the body uses less energy and coordinates better. This efficiency reduces inflammation and fatigue, helping healing progress without overload.

Try this standing or sitting

1. Gently lift one shoulder very slowly, as if you’re curious rather than trying to achieve anything.

2. Pause for a moment at the top.

3. Let the shoulder float back down, allowing gravity to help.

4. Ask yourself silently: “What could be lighter? What could be easier?”

5. Repeat 3–4 times, then switch sides.

   Do you feel warmth, softness, or more space?

   Does your breath change without trying?

This simple slowing-down moment gives your nervous system new information—often leading to more freedom with surprisingly little effort.