Ganglion Injections: Stellate and Frankenhauser – A Regenerative Approach
Denisa Rensen
I often refer clients for ganglion block injections when I see that their healing isn’t progressing as expected, even after comprehensive metabolic treatments, IV therapies, and bioenergetic approaches. These injections serve as a reset, shifting autonomic function and unlocking deeper layers of healing. In my experience, when dysautonomia, chronic pain, PTSD, or pelvic dysfunction persist, a ganglion block can be the intervention that truly moves the needle—excuse the pun.
That being said, these injections must be performed by highly skilled physicians who are adept at ultrasound-guided techniques. Precision is everything. The stellate ganglion and Frankenhauser ganglion are surrounded by delicate anatomical structures—arteries, nerves, the pleura, and visceral organs—which must be navigated carefully. Understanding the anatomy and using state-of-the-art imaging ensures both safety and efficacy.
The stellate ganglion plays a critical role in sympathetic nervous system regulation, affecting the head, neck, and cardiovascular system, while the Frankenhauser ganglion governs the autonomic nervous system of the female reproductive system, bladder, and lower pelvic structures. Both require precise, ultrasound-guided injections to be effective and safe.
This article will provide a structured, in-depth guide to these procedures, their anatomy, the conditions they treat, and how stem cells, exosomes, and peptides are revolutionizing their effectiveness beyond traditional local anesthetics.
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
The stellate ganglion is a key structure in the cervical sympathetic chain, positioned at the junction of C7 and T1. It regulates sympathetic outflow to the head, neck, heart, and upper extremities. When overstimulated, it contributes to conditions like chronic stress, PTSD, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and autonomic dysfunction.
Anatomy and Importance of Precision
The stellate ganglion is closely related to major vascular structures, the pleura, and the phrenic nerve. Injections must be guided precisely using ultrasound to avoid complications such as vascular puncture, pneumothorax, or unintended nerve blocks. The needle should be directed to the fascial plane surrounding the ganglion, ensuring the therapeutic agent spreads effectively without affecting nearby critical structures.
Conditions Treated with Stellate Ganglion Block
PTSD and Trauma Recovery – A sympathetic reset can shift the nervous system out of a hyperactive fight-or-flight state.
Long COVID & Dysautonomia – Patients struggling with POTS, chronic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction often respond well.
CRPS & Chronic Pain Syndromes – Neuromodulation at the ganglion level can reduce pain hypersensitivity.
Migraines & Cluster Headaches – Sympathetic modulation can decrease vasoconstriction and improve cerebral circulation.
Regenerative Approach: Stem Cells, Exosomes, and Peptides
Traditional local anesthetics like procaine or bupivacaine work by temporarily blocking nerve transmission. However, they do not promote nerve repair or long-term neuromodulation. Stem cells, exosomes, and peptides offer a bioregenerative advantage, shifting the therapeutic goal from temporary symptom relief to actual neural repair and restoration.
Stem Cells & Exosomes
Suppress neuroinflammation in the stellate ganglion region.
Encourage neuronal repair and regeneration, improving long-term autonomic balance.
Reduce hypersensitization, helping in chronic pain and post-trauma autonomic dysfunction.
Peptides for Stellate Ganglion Injections
BPC-157 – Accelerates nerve healing and vascular regeneration.
Thymosin Beta-4 – Supports neuroplasticity and repair of sympathetic chain damage.
Epitalon – Affects circadian regulation and autonomic stability, crucial for PTSD patients.
Frankenhauser Ganglion Block (Pelvic Ganglion Block)
The Frankenhauser ganglion, or pelvic ganglion, is the main autonomic hub for the female reproductive system, bladder, and pelvic organs. This structure, located near the cervix and uterosacral ligaments, integrates sympathetic and parasympathetic control, making it a crucial target for chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and fertility optimization.
Anatomy and Importance of Precision
The pelvic ganglion is highly vascularized and positioned near major structures like the hypogastric plexus, bladder, rectum, and uterine arteries. Ultrasound guidance is critical to avoid injecting into vascular or non-target tissuesand to ensure the therapeutic agent spreads effectively.
Conditions Treated with Frankenhauser Ganglion Block
Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Syndromes – Reducing autonomic sensitization decreases pain intensity.
Dysmenorrhea & Menstrual Disorders – Regulating neural control over uterine contractions can improve symptoms.
Interstitial Cystitis & Bladder Dysfunction – Neuromodulation improves pelvic floor and bladder function.
Fertility Optimization – Improves uterine receptivity by balancing autonomic tone and blood flow.
Ganglion Injections in Longevity and Sexual Function
Longevity and Autonomic Balance
Autonomic dysregulation is one of the underlying factors in accelerated aging. Chronic sympathetic overdrivecontributes to systemic inflammation, poor vascular function, and reduced resilience to stress, all of which shorten healthspan. By resetting autonomic balance, ganglion injections help:
Lower systemic inflammation, reducing the burden of chronic disease.
Improve heart rate variability (HRV), a key biomarker for longevity.
Enhance neurovascular function, optimizing blood flow and tissue oxygenation.
Regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep, hormone balance, and mitochondrial function.
Sexual Function and Libido
The stellate ganglion and Frankenhauser ganglion are directly involved in vascular and neural control of sexual function. Autonomic dysfunction contributes to:
Low libido and sexual response due to impaired neurovascular coupling.
Erectile dysfunction and pelvic floor dysfunction in both men and women.
Hormonal dysregulation leading to suboptimal testosterone and estrogen balance.
By restoring autonomic balance, these injections improve blood flow, nerve sensitivity, and overall sexual health.
For clients with persistent autonomic dysfunction, chronic pain, PTSD, or libido concerns, stellate and Frankenhauser ganglion injections provide a powerful neuromodulatory intervention. With the inclusion of stem cells, exosomes, and peptides, these procedures are now at the frontier of longevity and sexual health optimization.
By restoring autonomic equilibrium, we not only reset dysfunctional pathways but enhance overall healthspan, neurovascular function, and vitality.
If you feel this therapy could help you but you could use some guidance, feel free to CONTACT ME personally.