Thrive Holistic Physical Therapy

11/20/2025

THE NAME OF THE BAND IS COWBOY MOUTH! And today I had the honor of interviewing Fred LeBlanc, the drummer and lead singer, about his own personal healing journey. On the lookout for this episode that will drop some time in the next few weeks.

11/19/2025

To all my home healthcare friends-I wish this business existed when I was out in the field. They are doing incredible work and they are such good people! I hope you consider connecting them with your patients in need of home alterations so that they can age safely in place! Kate 'Oland' Galligan

11/17/2025

Thrive Oasis Glen Carbon is proud to announce that we are the home of the new health and wellness podcast The Healing Journey. Kate 'Oland' Galligan, our physical therapists, is the author and is so excited for you to learn about the difference between corporate healthcare and private practice. We hope you enjoy Episode 1 of The Healing Journey; A safe space to engage in vulnerable discussion.

I am nervous but mostly excited to announce that I have published my first episode of The Healing Journey. I have fumbled at times, and I already see room for improvement...but I needed to launch this baby in order to start to grow. I am so honored to have my first guest be my friend AND dentist Dr. Ben Hite of Hite Family Dentistry.

If you would be so kind as to like and share this post to initiate the launch campaign of not only this podcast, but also our new business Thrive Everywhere.

In the comments I will post the links to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music as soon as they become available.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY SMALL PRIVATE PRACTICE!!!!!

11/17/2025

I am nervous but mostly excited to announce that I have published my first episode of The Healing Journey. I have fumbled at times, and I already see room for improvement...but I needed to launch this baby in order to start to grow. I am so honored to have my first guest be my friend AND dentist Dr. Ben Hite of Hite Family Dentistry.

If you would be so kind as to like and share this post to initiate the launch campaign of not only this podcast, but also our new business Thrive Everywhere.

In the comments I will post the links to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music as soon as they become available.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY SMALL PRIVATE PRACTICE!!!!!

10/29/2025

Kate 'Oland' Galligan

10/28/2025

Yesterday I completed one of the biggest challenges of my life. And while I’m so proud of myself and so grateful for the experience, I can’t help but also be a little bummed that I didn’t win the whole competition. But I’m realizing I need to take my own advice: I frequently tell my students to stop trying to be perfect, that they’re making themselves crazy. I think it’s common in our realm to want to be perfect. So today I’m practicing holding space for both joy and gratitude, as well as wonder and disappointment.

For the last five months, I have been participating in the SIUE small business startup competition. I’ve been competing with a new business that we plan to launch after the first of the year. I’m so excited to tell all of you more about it and that will come in time. But for right now, I am trying to focus on the fact that yesterday I was honored with a $4000 prize that will help us have the marketing campaign that this new business deserves.

I’m so grateful for all the support along the way. My dear friend Brandon Rochon inspired this new business and supported me throughout the competition. My new business mentor Lewis Sheats from the St. Louis University Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship was also integral in my ability to feel confident with the new information I’m learning. Joanne from the SIUE small business department was so patient so kind and so helpful. There are many others of you who listened to me practice pitching, who proofread my business plan and who gave me support and energy along the way. I will be forever grateful.

10/17/2025

We’ve all seen that costume — the shark baby and the “bloody boob” tank top 🫣.

Funny? Maybe. Accurate? Not at all.

Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be a horror story! If it’s painful, that’s your body’s way of saying something needs adjusting — and we can help. 💕

Don’t let myths or scary stories keep you from a calm, confident feeding journey. 🍼✨

🧡 Book your lactation support visit today — let’s turn that horror story into a happy ending!
http://momentum-well.com/book-lactation-consultation
- Prenatal appointments
- Postpartum support, home visits available

10/03/2025

Kate 'Oland' Galligan this is super cool
Science, but I want everyone to know that there are physical ways to access the vagus nerve to facilitate calm and revert out of survival mode. Cranio-sacral Therapy (CST) has helped me feel more emotionally flexible, especially when I receive this treatment once every 2-4 weeks…depending on several variables. My friend -Coombs Lueker is an incredible CST LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST (LMT).

🧠 Zapping the vagus nerve is turning into a medical superpower! 😲 Once a niche fix for severe epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is now a game-changer for everything from depression to inflammation, with the FDA greenlighting both implanted and noninvasive devices for conditions like migraines, obesity, opioid withdrawal, and even rheumatoid arthritis. 💉 The vagus nerve, your body’s main brain-to-organ highway, gets a boost from mild electrical pulses, helping regulate mood, heart rate, digestion, and immune responses.
Clinical trials are racking up wins: VNS cuts seizures, speeds stroke recovery, eases pain, and tamps down inflammation by tapping the body’s natural anti-inflammatory paths. And the FDA’s expanding approvals as we speak! 🙌 While TikTok’s buzzing with DIY “vagus hacks” like humming or cold plunges, doctors say these (though helpful for stress) aren’t the same as medical-grade VNS. Still, simple stuff like deep breathing or singing can support nerve tone. With research eyeing VNS for long COVID, PTSD, and even Alzheimer’s, this is just the start. Who’s curious about this nerve-powered revolution? ⚡️

Source: Brincat, C. (2025). "Does vagus nerve stimulation work? A scientific cure-all explained." Popular Science, September 25, 2025.

10/03/2025

Kate 'Oland' Galligan

Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University discovered that drinking insufficient water can dramatically increase stress levels. Participants consuming only 1.5 liters of water per day showed cortisol levels over 50% higher when facing stress.

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, affects both brain and heart function. Chronically elevated cortisol may contribute to long-term health issues, including heart disease, depression, and other stress-related conditions.

The findings highlight that staying hydrated isn’t just about comfort or energy it’s a simple, effective way to support mental and physical health. Regular water intake can help reduce stress, protect vital organs, and maintain overall well-being.

Source/Credit:
Liverpool John Moores University, “Hydration and Stress: Effects of Water Intake on Cortisol Levels” (2025)

10/03/2025

The Edwardsville Connection

Look at this cute menu I made :)

10/03/2025

The Glen Carbon Connection

Look at this cute menu I made :)

08/22/2025

I love the community of health and wellness that we are creating. Come visit us and get your free fresh produce today! Consider trying our incredible coffee, the kombucha on tap or grab some protein bites while you’re at it.

Here’s the schedule link to book your BioMat or myofascial release session:
https://www.vagaro.com/thrivehealthwellnessandphysicaltherapy/book-now