SGB Improves the Benefit of Cognitive Processing Therapy

SGB Before Therapy May Improve PTSD Treatment Outcomes

At Reset Medical & Wellness Center, we remain committed to trauma-informed, evidence-based care focused on nervous system regulation and meaningful recovery.

New research continues to support the growing role of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as part of comprehensive PTSD treatment. A newly published randomized clinical trial found that combining SGB with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) led to faster reductions in PTSD symptoms, particularly when SGB was performed before therapy began.

These findings reinforce what many patients and clinicians are recognizing: healing trauma is not only cognitive—it also involves calming an overactive nervous system. While psychotherapy remains an essential part of recovery, addressing the body's stress response may help some individuals engage more fully in treatment.

The study highlights an important concept: when the nervous system becomes stuck in a persistent fight-or-flight state, calming that response may help create a better foundation for trauma therapy and long-term healing.

At Reset Medical & Wellness Center, we offer our advanced dual-level Stellate Ganglion Block approach, termed Neuro Sympathetic Reset (NSR), as part of a personalized, trauma-informed model of care. To learn more about NSR and how it may complement psychotherapy and other traditional treatments, please visit our NSR Treatment page.

If you are interested in learning whether Neuro Sympathetic Reset (NSR) may complement psychotherapy or other traditional PTSD treatments, our team would be happy to help. Schedule a free phone consultation or complete our intake form to discuss your symptoms, ask questions, and determine whether NSR may fit into your recovery plan.

SGB plus CPT RCT (Bryan et al., 2025).pdf

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About the Author

Michael J. Louwers, MD

CEO & Medical Director, Reset Medical & Wellness Center

Board-Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified in Interventional Pain Management

Reference

Bryan CJ, et al. Effectiveness of Combined Cognitive Processing Therapy with Stellate Ganglion Block: An Open-Label Randomized Wait-List Clinical Trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. Published online December 15, 2025. doi:10.1159/000550014.