Frozen shoulder embolization is a new and practical treatment option offered at our Minnesota clinic. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers long-lasting relief of the pain and stiffness of frozen shoulder.
Patients who have had frozen shoulder embolization have reported less pain, significant increases in shoulder function and a decreased need for medication. Side effects from the procedure are rare and can include bruising or soreness in the area where the catheter is inserted into the body.
Frozen Shoulder Embolization benefits include:
- High success rate (up to 85%)
- No hospitalization required
- No anesthesia needed
- No scarring
- Shorter recovery
- Minimal Pain
- Few reported side effects
- Less costly than surgery
How is frozen shoulder embolization performed?
The procedure is performed by one of our interventional radiologists who use a special catheter (guided by x-ray imaging) to “embolize” or partially block blood flow through the abnormal vessels within the joint. This reduces inflammation within the joint and delivers significant pain relief within just a few days.
If you’ve been diagnosed with frozen shoulder, consult with us to learn all of your options! We are happy to work with other doctors and members of your care team to make sure that you receive all the information to make an informed decision about your treatment.
To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please contact us or call North Star Vascular & Interventional at (952) 960-9399.
How is frozen shoulder embolization performed?
The procedure is performed by one of our interventional radiologists who use a special catheter (guided by x-ray imaging) to “embolize” or partially block blood flow through the abnormal vessels within the joint. This reduces inflammation within the joint and delivers significant pain relief within just a few days.
If you’ve been diagnosed with frozen shoulder, consult with us to learn all of your options! We are happy to work with other doctors and members of your care team to make sure that you receive all the information to make an informed decision about your treatment.
To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please contact us or call North Star Vascular & Interventional at (952) 960-9399.
FSE Preparation Instructions
- Please inform us of all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, medications or to contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Women who are or may be pregnant should inform us immediately. Many imaging tests such as x-ray are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.
FAQ: Frozen Shoulder and Frozen Shoulder Embolization
Frozen shoulder occurs when inflammation causes the shoulder joint to stiffen and scar tissue to form within the joint. This leads to pain, limited movement, and gradual loss of function.
Conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy are often recommended. While these can help, they may take months to show results and are not always effective. Surgery is another option, but it involves risks, scarring, and a long recovery.
FSE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Using x-ray guidance, a catheter is inserted to block abnormal blood vessels in the shoulder joint. This reduces inflammation and pain, often within days, while improving shoulder function.
Frozen shoulder embolization has several advantages:
- High success rate (up to 85%)
- No anesthesia or hospitalization required
- Minimal pain and no scarring
- Shorter recovery time
- Few reported side effects
- Lower cost than surgery
Most frozen shoulder embolization procedures take about 1–2 hours. Patients are usually observed for a short time afterward and can return home the same day.
Most patients notice pain relief within just a few days. Shoulder function typically improves steadily over the following weeks. Recovery is much quicker and less demanding compared to surgery.
FSE is considered very safe. Minor side effects, such as bruising or soreness at the catheter insertion site, may occur but usually resolve quickly. Serious complications are rare.
Patients with persistent pain and stiffness from frozen shoulder who have not improved with conservative treatments may benefit from FSE. A consultation with our interventional radiologists will help determine if it is right for you.
Physical therapy may be recommended to maximize shoulder mobility and strengthen the joint following embolization. However, recovery is generally easier and less intensive than after surgery.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting North Star Vascular & Interventional at (952) 960-9399. Our team will review your medical history and discuss whether FSE is an appropriate treatment for your frozen shoulder.