Stellate Ganglion Injection (SGI) for PTSD Relief
A Breakthrough in Rapid, Natural Nervous System Resetting
At Petty Medical, we offer a pioneering approach to treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by focusing not just on symptoms, but on the biological root cause — the overactive "fight-or-flight" system. The Stellate Ganglion Injection (SGI) is a natural, non-pharmaceutical treatment that may begin relieving PTSD symptoms in as little as 30 minutes and can provide long-term relief lasting months or even years.
What Is PTSD — and How Does SGI Help?
PTSD is a biological response to overwhelming trauma — including combat, sexual assault, or severe injury. Sufferers may experience nightmares, hyper-vigilance, anxiety, insomnia, and emotional reactivity.
At the core of PTSD lies the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's stress response. After trauma, this system can become "stuck on," causing persistent elevated levels of norepinephrine (a stress hormone) and abnormal nerve growth that overstimulates the amygdala — the brain's fear center.
The Stellate Ganglion, a cluster of sympathetic nerves in the neck, acts like a switch for this overactive system. By gently injecting a natural prolotherapy solution around the stellate ganglion, we can "reboot" the system — returning it to a calmer, pre-trauma state. This is the core mechanism of the Stellate Ganglion Injection (SGI).
How Dr. Knife Chief Has Refined the Technique
While traditional Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) use lidocaine to temporarily numb the nerves, Dr. Knife Chief has advanced the technique using a proprietary, medication-free prolotherapy mixture. This natural biologic approach both calms the nerves and nourishes them for progressive healing.
Her protocol is designed to be:
Over 9 years, her modified SGI technique has consistently shown 85–90% success rates in reducing PTSD symptoms — a significant improvement over traditional psychiatric treatments that often take months or years and succeed less than 40% of the time.
Backed by Science and Military Use
SGBs gained traction after a pivotal 2008 publication in The Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. Since then, institutions such as Walter Reed, San Diego Naval Hospital, and the Long Beach VA have implemented the technique for PTSD treatment.
One VA study demonstrated, via PET scans, a direct deactivation of the amygdala within days of treatment. The U.S. Department of Defense followed with a 3-year, $2 million clinical trial involving over 240 active-duty personnel.
Is SGI a Cure for PTSD?
While not a cure, SGI often provides profound symptom relief. Some patients experience long-term results — including one soldier still thriving 10 years after treatment.
That said, SGI works best when paired with:
In cases of additional trauma or genetic sensitivity to stress, symptoms may return — but a repeat SGI is often just as effective.
Conditions Treated with SGIs
While best known for PTSD treatment, SGIs are also effective in addressing:
Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Injection
Bottom Line
The Stellate Ganglion Injection is a safe, fast, and natural method for calming an overactive nervous system. It is not a cure, but it is a powerful tool in the treatment of PTSD and other stress-related or pain-based conditions.
Whether you're a veteran, first responder, trauma survivor, or someone dealing with anxiety, SGI offers a promising new path toward lasting relief and nervous system restoration — without the need for drugs or surgery.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Knife Chief to learn if SGI is right for you