Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy: A Local Guide to Relief and Recovery

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, PTSD, or the lingering effects of long COVID? At Soft Reboot Wellness, located in Menlo Park, CA, we understand how debilitating these conditions can be. That’s why we offer innovative treatments like Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) therapy, designed to help you find relief and regain control over your life. In this blog, we’ll explore what SGB is, how it works, and what you can expect from the treatment process.

What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

SGB is a safe outpatient procedure that targets a nerve cluster in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. This nerve bundle is part of the sympathetic nervous system and plays a central role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. At Soft Reboot Wellness, we offer a refined version called the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) to optimize relief for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and long COVID.

How SGB Works to Reset the Nervous System

SGB works by interrupting the chronic stress response that can lead to various mental health issues. Here’s how it functions:

• Blocking Sympathetic Activity: By injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion under ultrasound guidance, SGB interrupts the chronic stress response.
• Lowering Stress Signals: The block may reduce stress-related proteins like NGF and lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, calming both body and mind.
• Improving Circulation: SGB increases blood flow to the brain, potentially aiding recovery in long COVID and brain injury symptoms.
• Resetting the Brain’s Alarm System: SGB reduces hyperactivity in the amygdala, decreasing cortisol levels and fight-or-flight triggers.

What to Expect Before, During, and After SGB

Understanding the process can help ease any anxiety you may have about the treatment. Here’s what to expect:

Before

A detailed medical intake and a separate preparation session with our integration coach help you enter the procedure with clarity. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the treatment.

During

The treatment lasts about 15 minutes, guided by ultrasound, and is performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Most patients describe it as a minor pinch with slight pressure.

After

Mild effects like Horner’s syndrome, hoarseness, or feeling of a lump in the throat may occur and typically resolve within 4 to12 hours. You can resume most activities the next day, but we suggest treating the appointment like a self-care reset.

Is SGB Effective and Safe?

SGB has been used for nearly a century for chronic pain and is now widely studied for trauma-related mood disorders. A landmark study found that 70% of military veterans treated with SGB experienced long-term PTSD relief.

Two treatments one week apart may optimize results, and many patients report sustained emotional clarity, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep. At Soft Reboot Wellness, SGB is always administered by experienced, board-certified physicians using ultrasound guidance and sterile protocols, ensuring your safety and comfort.

Can SGB Be Combined with Ketamine Therapy?

Yes—SGB and ketamine work powerfully together to heal both body and mind. While ketamine reprograms thought patterns and supports emotional processing, SGB calms the physiological stress response to make deeper breakthroughs possible.

Think of SGB as a hardware reset and ketamine as a software reset—each supporting the other in restoring balance. We track your progress using the Osmind app and validated assessments like the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5 to tailor your treatment and measure results.

Final Thoughts

At Soft Reboot Wellness, we specialize in advanced SGB protocols to help you overcome trauma and regain emotional stability. Our holistic approach bridges traditional medicine with integrative therapies, all in a tranquil setting in the heart of Silicon Valley. We believe every healing journey deserves compassion, science, and a supportive environment for meaningful transformation.

If you’re ready to explore how SGB therapy can help you, contact us today.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.