Treatments

Shoulder Embolization

Shoulder Embolization for Frozen Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Shoulder embolization is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment for chronic shoulder pain caused by frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tendinitis.

This outpatient procedure targets the abnormal blood vessels that sustain inflammation in the shoulder, providing long-term relief and improved motion — all without anesthesia, hospitalization, or scarring.

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Benefits of Shoulder Embolization

High success rate — up to 85% of patients report major improvement
No general anesthesia
No stitches or surgical scarring
Outpatient procedure — go home the same day
Short recovery time
Minimal pain and few side effects
Cost-effective alternative to surgery

Recovery and Results

After the procedure, most patients experience:
Gradual reduction in shoulder pain and stiffness
Improved range of motion
Decreased reliance on pain medications
Return to normal activity levels within days

Mild soreness or bruising near the catheter site may occur but usually resolves quickly.

Person experiencing shoulder and upper back pain

How Shoulder Embolization Works

During the procedure:

One of our board-certified interventional radiologists inserts a tiny catheter into an artery in your wrist or groin.
Using real-time X-ray guidance, the physician identifies the abnormal blood vessels around the shoulder joint or tendons.
Tiny particles are used to partially block (or “embolize”) those vessels.
This decreases inflammation, eases pain, and allows natural healing to occur.

Most patients go home the same day and experience noticeable improvement within days.

Doctor examining a woman's painful shoulder

Preparing for Shoulder Embolization

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Inform our team of all medications and supplements you’re taking.

You may need to pause blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications before the procedure.

Notify us of any allergies, particularly to contrast dye or anesthetics.

Avoid eating or drinking for several hours prior (as directed).

Plan to rest briefly after your procedure before returning home.

FAQs

What shoulder conditions can be treated with embolization?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and chronic rotator cuff tendinitis.

Is it painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Most patients report minimal discomfort.

How effective is the frozen shoulder embolization procedure?

A clinical study consisting of 346 patients who underwent frozen shoulder embolization to the treatment of chronic inflammatory joint pain demonstrated the following results:*

Technical success rate: 95.8%
Major adverse events: None

Range of motion increase:

Anterior elevation: -55.6 degrees
Abduction: -64.7 degrees

Mean decrease in pain score:

At 1 week: 3.1
At 1 month: 4.0
At 3 months: 4.2
At 6 months: 5.1
At 12 months: 5.5

*J Vasc Interv Radiol 2022; 33:538–545 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2022.01.013

When will I notice results?

Many patients feel relief within a few days, with continued improvement over several weeks.

Are there risks?

Complications are rare. The most common side effects are mild bruising or soreness at the catheter site.

Will I need physical therapy afterward?

Some patients benefit from light exercises or physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.

How effective is the procedure?

In a study of 346 patients, the procedure demonstrated a 95.8% technical success rate. This means that in the vast majority of cases, the interventional radiologist was able to successfully target and treat the intended areas.

Read The Study

What kind of pain relief can I expect?

Study results showed significant and progressive pain reduction over the course of a year. On a standard pain scale, patients reported the following average decreases in pain:

1 Week: 3.1 point reduction
1 Month: 4.0 point reduction
3 Months: 4.2 point reduction
6 Months: 5.1 point reduction
12 Months: 5.5 point reduction

This suggests that the benefits of the treatment often continue to improve for several months following the procedure.

Read The Study

Can this treatment improve my range of motion (ROM)?

Yes, particularly for those suffering from shoulder pain. The study recorded significant improvements in shoulder mobility:

Anterior Elevation: Increased by an average of 55.6°
Abduction (lifting the arm to the side): Increased by an average of 64.7°

How do I know if I am a candidate?

If you suffer from chronic joint pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments (like physical therapy or medication), arterial embolization may be an option. You should consult with an interventional radiologist to review your specific case.

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