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
If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), calcific tendinopathy, or degenerative arthritis, 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,stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
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
Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis)
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, calcific tendinopathy, and arthritis often develop excess blood vessels which stimulate 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 medication directly into these blood vessels that safely block these abnormal vessels, reducing pain and allowing healing to begin.
Benefits of Shoulder Embolization
- Minimally Invasive – No stitches or large incisions
- Quick Recovery – Reduction in nighttime pain, back to activity sooner
- Outpatient Procedure – No hospital stay required
- Long-Term Relief – Novel way to treat the source of the pain
- Non- surgical – Ideal for patients who want to avoid injections or surgery
- No General Anesthesia – Local anesthesia only and a mild sedative
Why Choose Advanced Vascular Centers?
At Advanced Vascular Centers, you’re treated by board-certified specialists with advanced training in image-guided, non-surgical techniques. We offer:
- State-of-the-art outpatient vascular suites
- A compassionate, patient-first approach
- Customized treatment plans
- Short wait times and fast recovery
- Collaboration with your orthopedist or primary care provider
Patient Flow
At Advanced Vascular Centers, shoulder embolization is performed by expert interventionalists following the original Okuno method, below you can find information on the individual steps we take for each patient.
- Pre-procedural consultation
As a patient, you will meet with the doctor beforehand and we review your symptoms, exam findings, prior medical record, and prior imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) to confirm your diagnosis. We discuss your case in depth and make sure you have a complete understanding of the procedure.
- Procedure day
- Check in – One to two hours beforehand to prepare and for a medical history review.
- Numbing medication – Local numbing medication is given at the access site at the wrist. A mild relaxing medication can be given to make you comfortable as well. A nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure as a precaution while our doctor is performing the procedure.
- Access – A tiny IV (needle) accesses the blood vessel and a catheter is inserted and guided into the arteries supplying the shoulder joint.
- Treatment – Once the catheter is in the correct position, medication is injected to block the abnormal vessels. The normal blood vessels supplying the shoulder joint remain open.
- Completion – The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied—no stitches, no open incisions.
- Recovery
- Rest for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
- You go home about 1 hour after the procedure.
- Most patients resume light activity the next day.
- Full activity will resume in about 1 week.
- Pain relief typically begins within 2–4 weeks and can be sustained for 2+ years.
- Follow-up
- 1 month after the procedure we see you in our clinic to check how you are feeling after the treatment.
- If you are progressing as expected, no further follow ups are needed.
- We love hearing and sharing in our patients’ success so we encourage all our patients to follow up as needed!
What Results Can I Expect?
Many patients experience:
- Decreased pain with movement
- Improved sleep (less nighttime pain)
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced inflammation and swelling
- Improved quality of life
Pain relief typically begins within 2–4 weeks and continues to improve over time while continuing physical activity/therapy.
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 & 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
We use precise imaging and microcatheter tools to reduce these risks to the lowest possible level.
FAQS
Is Shoulder Embolization covered by insurance?
Yes! 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.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Shoulder Embolization is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats chronic shoulder pain by targeting and blocking abnormal blood vessels responsible for inflammation and nerve irritation. It’s commonly used for conditions like frozen shoulder, calcific tendinopathy, and arthritis.
How does it help with frozen shoulder, calcific tendinopathy, and arthritis?
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 and a mild sedative, 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 less than 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 weeks. Results continue to improve over time as inflammation decreases and the joint regains function.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The procedure is considered extremely safe. Minor risks include bruising, soreness, or temporary stiffness.
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.
Will I still have to do physical therapy?
Yes, after embolization, your pain should significantly improve allowing you to participate in physical therapy. It is important to continue with physical therapy until your range of motion is closer to your baseline.
Please contact our office to schedule a consultation to see if Shoulder Embolization is right for you.
TESTIMONIALS
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References
- Epelboym Y, Glaser C, Lan Z, Mandell JC, Burch E, Killoran T, Guermazi A. Transcatheter arterial tendinopathy embolization as a treatment for painful and refractory tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Skeletal Radiol. 2024 Nov;53(11):2429-2435. doi: 10.1007/s00256-024-04649-9. Epub 2024 Mar 27. PMID: 38536416.
- Results from a United States Investigational Device Study of Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization in the Treatment of Shoulder Pain: The Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization Study
Bagla, Sandeep et al.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 33, Issue 2, 177 – 182 - Transarterial Embolization of Neovascularity for Refractory Nighttime Shoulder Pain: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Feasibility Trial
Okuno, Yuji et al.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 33, Issue 12, 1468 – 1475.e8 - Jin Ho Hwang, Sang Woo Park, Ki Hyun Kim, Seoung Joon Lee, Kyung-Soo Oh, Seok Won Chung, Sung Gyu Moon, Early Results of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Relief of Chronic Shoulder or Elbow Pain Associated with Tendinopathy Refractory to Conservative Treatment, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology,Volume 29, Issue 4,2018,Pages 510-517,ISSN 1051-0443,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2017.11.013.
- Carlos Lanciego, Ana Puentes-Gutierrez, Marcelino Sánchez-Casado, Irene Cifuentes-Garcia, Ana Fernández-Tamayo, David Dominguez-Paillacho, Juan J. Ciampi-Dopazo, Maria A. Marquina-Valero,
- Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Midterm Outcomes on Function and Pain Relief, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 35, Issue 4, 2024, Pages 550-557, ISSN 1051-0443, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2023.12.572.
- Ait Belmahjoub Aamre A, Barroso Rosa S. Therapeutic Arterial Embolization in Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Systematic Review. J Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surg. 2023;4(1):1-9