SGB

WHAT IS A STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK?

Pioneered by Stella, the SGB protocol involves 1-2 injections of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion – a bundle of nerves found near the base of the neck. This area directly impacts the “flight or fight” response for people living with severe stress or trauma.

The SGB protocol is a Dual Sympathetic Reset that brings the fight or flight response back to a pre-trauma state. Using image-guided techniques, a highly trained Stella doctor injects local anesthetic at the C6 and C4 (or C3) vertebrae into the stellate ganglion. The entire process lasts only 20 minutes, with immediate results in the first 30 minutes post-treatment.

THE RESEARCH & BENEFITS OF STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK (SGB)

At Plus by APN, we believe in addressing trauma at the physiological, neuro-physiological, and psychological/spiritual levels. An SGB works with concurrent therapy to remove the physical impact of extreme stress and trauma so you can find safety in body, mind, and spirit.

Various peer-reviewed studies show that SGB treatments result in a significant long-term improvement of chronic anxiety symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). 70% to 75% of participants experienced high rates of rapid clinical improvement in PTSD symptoms, and 83% of Stella clients found relief from PTSD symptoms.

ABBEY'S STORY: "My Chronic Illness Stemmed From Trauma"

An SGB changed Abbey’s Life. APN alum-turned-employee, Abbey, shares her story: how she discovered that decades of stress, loss, inflammation, misdiagnoses, medications, autoimmune flare-ups, and fertility issues compounded as trauma, keeping her stuck in a cycle of chronic illness. After trying every healing modality she could think of, Abbey sought relief from trauma’s mental, physical, and social impacts with a stellate ganglion block (SGB). Her first treatment triggered an immediate psychological and physical reset. SGB paved the way for Abbey’s recovery, empowering her to maintain her newfound wellness, manage stressful situations, and live a life healed from the physical injury of trauma.

FIND OUT IF SGB IS RIGHT FOR YOU

SGB TREATMENT OVERVIEW

When performed by a properly trained, board-certified doctor, SGB is considered a safe, routine procedure. Some clients experience the urge to cry or an emotional outlet immediately following the injections. Most people experience calmness, lightness, and tiredness within 30 minutes of treatment.

In the days following treatment, patients tend to experience a clearer, quieter mind, with a feeling of deep inner calm and comfort. SGB sessions usually last 20 minutes, and most people need only one treatment, with additional injections as needed.

Plus by APN has partnered with Stella as their official partnered therapy provider. Two care plan levels are available to help you prepare for and process the SGB experience and surrounding emotions.

• Stella with APN – Gold Care Plan
  • SGB Injection
  • 12 SGB-Focused Tele-Therapy Sessions
    • 6 Individual Sessions
    • 6 Group Sessions
• Stella with APN – Core Care Plan
  • SGB Injection
  • 8 SGB-Focused Tele-Therapy Sessions
    • 2 Individual Sessions
    • 6 Group Sessions

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR PROGRESS

The experience of Stella can be lifechanging, right off the bat. But there is no silver bullet for mental health challenges. Sustain and deepen the benefits of an SGB with with conjunct psychotherapy. Our telehealth platform – APN Connection – allows us to support you in the real world. We’ll help you prepare for your treatment and walk with you through a proprietary Stella x APN curriculum in the weeks following your SGB injection. As new stressors come up, we can help you unpack and process in real-time. You’ll be able to build a greater support network by participating in group therapy sessions with Stella x APN clients across the country. With peer support, you can get advice rooted in experience and hold space for others as you journey deeper into healing together.

APN has built its own private app for you to see your schedule, join sessions, track your progress, and get peer-to-peer support for your recovery journey. APN Connection is a secure hub for clients to join all remote groups and individual sessions with just a smartphone.

LEARN MORE

STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK TREATMENT PROCESS – THE SGB INJECTION

1. A member of our contact center team will gather your information and send it along to our Stella x APN team.
2. You will receive a call from a Plus by APN team member to assess your story and discuss treatment options. We’ll run your insurance benefits, discuss payment, and take steps to see if you are qualified for treatment.
3. An SGB session typically lasts 20 minutes. First, a medical professional administers the injections.
4. Clients typically start noticing the effects of an SGB within the first 30 minutes following the injections.
5. Sometimes, an emotional release may surface immediately after the injections. Therapists can respond accordingly and help you navigate any emotional discomfort. As the anesthetic effects set in, you may notice a feeling of deep calm, relief, and comfort.