Shoulder Embolization
A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Chronic Shoulder Pain. Shoulder Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the abnormal blood vessels contributing to chronic inflammation and pain in the shoulder.
Contact AVC to see if you are a candidate for Shoulder Embolization.
Overview of Shoulder Embolization
If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) or calcific tendinopathy, you know how frustrating and limiting shoulder pain can be. Daily activities like reaching overhead, sleeping on your side, or lifting your arm can become painful—if not impossible.
At Advanced Vascular Centers, we offer Shoulder Embolization, an innovative, non-surgical procedure that targets the root causes of chronic shoulder pain—without cutting, injections, or lengthy recovery.
This treatment is designed for people who’ve tried conservative care like physical therapy, NSAIDs, or injections but still have ongoing pain and stiffness.
Conditions We Treat with Shoulder Embolization
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
– Characterized by severe stiffness and limited range of motion
– Often caused by inflammation of the joint capsule and surrounding tissue
Calcific Tendinopathy
– Occurs when calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons
– Causes intense pain, inflammation, and sometimes night pain
What Is Shoulder Embolization?
Shoulder Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the abnormal blood vessels contributing to chronic inflammation and pain in the shoulder.
Here’s how it works:
- Chronic pain conditions like frozen shoulder and calcific tendinopathy often develop excess blood vessels and nerve endings around the joint.
- These vessels keep the area inflamed and painful—even after the original injury heals.
- In embolization, we use a tiny catheter to inject microscopic particles that safely block these abnormal vessels, reducing pain and allowing healing to begin.
Benefits of Shoulder Embolization
No Surgery Required
No incisions or cutting—just a small catheter inserted through a blood vessel.
Faster Recovery
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1–3 days.
Significant Pain Relief
Many people report improved shoulder movement and reduced pain within 2–6 weeks.
Long-Term Results
Studies show durable relief lasting months to years after the procedure.
Preserves Shoulder Function
No damage to tendons, muscles, or bones—just targeted treatment of problematic vessels.
Outpatient Procedure
No hospital stay, general anesthesia, or overnight monitoring needed.
The Shoulder Embolization Procedure
At Advanced Vascular Centers, we guide you through the entire process with care:
1. Initial Evaluation
We’ll review your symptoms and medical history, and confirm the diagnosis with imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to identify abnormal blood flow and inflammation in the shoulder.
2. The Procedure
- You’ll receive local anesthesia—you stay awake and relaxed
- A tiny catheter is inserted into an artery in your wrist or upper leg
- Using real-time imaging, the catheter is guided to the vessels supplying the inflamed shoulder area
- A safe embolic agent (tiny particles) is injected to block abnormal blood vessels
- The catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied—no stitches needed
3. Recovery
- You’ll go home the same day
- Light movement is encouraged, but avoid strenuous activity for a few days
- Most patients return to work or daily routines within 48–72 hours
What Results Can I Expect?
Many patients experience:
- Decreased pain with movement
- Improved sleep (less night pain)
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced inflammation and swelling
- Improved quality of life
Pain relief typically begins within 2–6 weeks and continues to improve over time as the shoulder heals naturally.
Is Shoulder Embolization Right for Me?
You may be a candidate if:
- You have chronic shoulder pain (lasting more than 6 months)
- You’ve tried physical therapy, NSAIDs, or steroid injections with little relief
- You want to avoid surgery or long-term medication use
- Imaging confirms increased vascularity or inflammation around the joint
Our team will perform a full evaluation to determine if this treatment is right for your specific condition.
Risks and Complications
Shoulder Embolization is very safe when performed by experienced vascular specialists like our team at Advanced Vascular Centers. Still, it’s important to understand the risks:
Common, mild side effects:
- Minor bruising or soreness at the catheter site
- Temporary stiffness or fatigue in the arm
Rare but possible complications:
- Non-target embolization (accidental blockage of nearby normal vessels)
- Temporary nerve irritation
- Infection at the access site (extremely rare)
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (in rare cases)
We use precise imaging and microcatheter tools to reduce these risks to the lowest possible level.
FAQS
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a procedure that targets the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee joint. By blocking these arteries, the procedure reduces inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is performed by a specialist called an interventional radiologist, using a catheter and small particles to block the blood flow.
How does it help with frozen shoulder or calcific tendinopathy?
In both conditions, extra blood vessels and nerves form around inflamed tissue, making the pain worse and slowing healing. Shoulder Embolization blocks these vessels, which reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and helps the shoulder regain motion more naturally over time.
Is the procedure painful?
Not at all. It’s performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but comfortable. Most patients report little to no pain during the procedure and mild soreness or fatigue afterward that resolves in a few days.
How long does the procedure take? Will I go home the same day?
Yes! The procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, and it’s done in our outpatient vascular center. You’ll go home shortly after and usually return to regular activity within 1–3 days.
When will I start feeling better?
Many patients begin to notice less pain and better movement within 2 to 6 weeks. Results continue to improve over time as inflammation decreases and the joint regains function.
Is Shoulder Embolization covered by insurance?
Coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. Our team will work with your insurance company to verify your benefits and explain any costs upfront.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The procedure is considered very safe. Minor risks include bruising, soreness, or temporary stiffness. Rare complications could include non-target embolization or mild nerve irritation, but these are extremely uncommon when performed by experienced specialists.
What makes this better than surgery or injections?
Shoulder Embolization is non-surgical, outpatient, and low risk—with no general anesthesia or long recovery. Unlike steroid injections, it addresses the root cause of chronic pain: the abnormal blood supply fueling inflammation. For many, it offers lasting relief without the risks of surgery or repeated injections.
Please contact our office to schedule a consultation to see if Shoulder Embolization is right for you.
TESTIMONIALS
Jack Wood
Marilyn Vogel
Dennis Smith
Me’Me’ Sannaon
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