Yesterday, someone touched my leg inappropriately without my consent. Since then, I've been experiencing physical discomfort - my leg feels somehow 'foreign' to me, and I keep tensing and shifting it restlessly. I'm wondering if this is a common trauma response to unwanted touch?

Thank you for sharing this experience with us. What you're describing - the sensation of your leg feeling "foreign" and the restless urge to move and tense it after experiencing unwanted touch - is absolutely a normal response to boundary violation. It sounds like your body is responding in a natural and protective way, even though the sensations might feel confusing or distressing.

When someone violates our physical boundaries, our nervous system kicks into a protective mode. Think of it like your body's alarm system activating to process what happened and try to keep you safe. This can create a variety of physical sensations: feeling disconnected from the touched body part, experiencing muscle tension or restlessness, having an urge to move or somehow "shake off" the sensation, and becoming hyperaware of that specific area. Some survivors describe it as feeling like that part of their body doesn't quite belong to them anymore, or like there's a lingering sensation they can't quite shake off.

These reactions come from your body's innate wisdom - it's trying to process the violation and restore your sense of safety. While uncomfortable, these sensations often naturally fade with time as your nervous system settles. In the meantime, there are several ways you can help your body feel more grounded. For example, try wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, taking a shower if you feel comfortable, doing some gentle stretching of the area, or firmly planting your feet on the ground while taking slow breaths. Some people also find it helpful to literally tell themselves "my body belongs to me" or "I am safe now."

Remember that there's no rush to "get over" these sensations, and different people process experiences of unwanted touch in different ways and on different timelines. Be patient and gentle with yourself. If you find these feelings becoming overwhelming or persisting in a way that troubles you, please know that trauma-informed counselors have specific training in helping people reconnect with their bodies after boundary violations. You don't have to navigate this alone.

Your body's reactions are valid, and you deserve support in processing this experience in whatever way feels right for you. Thank you for trusting us with this question. You are not alone.