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Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Cambridge, ON
Support Nervous System Balance, Reduce Stress, and Improve Recovery
The vagus nerve plays a critical role in regulating stress, inflammation, pain, digestion, and overall nervous system balance. When this nerve is underactive, the body can remain stuck in a chronic fight-or-flight state, contributing to pain, tension, fatigue, and poor recovery.
At Galt Physiotherapy, we offer non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) as a safe, evidence-informed therapy to support parasympathetic nervous system activation, improve vagal tone, and promote whole-body healing.
Understanding the Parasympathetic Nervous System
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is part of the autonomic nervous system, working alongside the sympathetic nervous system to regulate involuntary body functions.
While the sympathetic system drives the body’s stress response (fight, flight, or freeze), the parasympathetic system allows the body to enter a “rest and digest” state—supporting healing, recovery, and restoration.
When the parasympathetic system is active, the body experiences:
- Lower heart rate
- Improved digestion and glandular function
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved immune and inflammatory regulation
This system acts as the body’s natural braking mechanism, helping counteract prolonged stress.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve—also known as the “wandering nerve”—is the longest cranial nerve in the body and is responsible for approximately 80% of parasympathetic activity.
It travels from the brainstem through the neck and chest, innervating vital organs including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. The vagus nerve plays a key role in:
- Regulating heart rate and blood pressure
- Modulating inflammation and immune response
- Supporting digestion and gut-brain communication
- Reducing pain and muscle tension
- Calming the stress response (HPA axis)
Healthy vagal tone reflects the body’s ability to adapt to stress and return to a relaxed state efficiently.
Why Vagal Tone Matters
Vagal tone is often measured using heart rate variability (HRV) and is a key indicator of parasympathetic nervous system health.
- High vagal tone is associated with better stress resilience, faster recovery, and improved overall health
- Low vagal tone is linked to chronic stress, inflammation, pain sensitivity, and reduced immune function
When the sympathetic system remains dominant for extended periods, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated—contributing to pain, fatigue, and disease. Activating the vagus nerve helps restore balance and reduce this stress burden.
Health Benefits of Enhancing Vagal Tone
Improving vagal nerve function may support:
- Reduced inflammation through anti-inflammatory signaling
- Decreased muscle tension and trigger point sensitivity
- Improved circulation and lymphatic flow
- Enhanced stress resilience and emotional regulation
- Reduced pain perception
- Improved digestion and gut-brain communication
In short, improving vagal tone helps the body recover more efficiently and maintain long-term health.
Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) involves gentle electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), located in the ear.
This approach has gained increasing recognition in scientific literature for its ability to:
- Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
- Improve heart rate variability (HRV)
- Reduce inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Support respiratory and immune function
- Calm the stress response
Unlike implanted devices, non-invasive VNS is safe, comfortable, and drug-free.
Dolphin Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Galt Physiotherapy
At Galt Physiotherapy, VNS is delivered using the Dolphin Neurostim™, a clinically used microcurrent device designed to support nervous system regulation.
Scientific studies have shown Dolphin-based VNS to:
- Activate parasympathetic (vagal) tone
- Reduce inflammation
- Support respiratory function
- Decrease stress-related physiological responses
Treatments are gentle, well tolerated, and typically completed in under 15 minutes.
Clinical Applications of Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation may be used at Galt Physiotherapy in the following scenarios:
Pre-Manual Therapy Relaxation
VNS may be applied before hands-on treatment to:
- Reduce muscle tone
- Improve circulation
- Enhance treatment effectiveness
Pain Management Support
By reducing stress-related nervous system activation, VNS can help:
- Lower pain sensitivity
- Improve tolerance to rehabilitation
- Support chronic pain management
Stress & Nervous System Regulation
VNS may be used to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve recovery from prolonged stress exposure
- Support immune and inflammatory balance
Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation Safe?
Yes. Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a safe clinical procedure when administered by trained professionals. It is drug-free, non-surgical, and suitable for a wide range of patients.
Your physiotherapy professional will assess whether VNS is appropriate for your individual needs.
Learn More About Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Galt Physiotherapy
If you are experiencing chronic stress, pain, muscle tension, or difficulty recovering from physical or emotional strain, Vagus Nerve Stimulation may help restore balance to your nervous system.
Contact Galt Physiotherapy today to learn more or book an appointment:
