Frozen Shoulder Embolization

When conservative treatments do not work, or if you wish to avoid surgery, a new and minimally invasive treatment option for frozen shoulder is available at our Birmingham clinic. Frozen shoulder embolization (also called adhesive capsulitis embolization or ACE) is comparable to surgery in effectiveness, but also very practical as there is no hospitalization, no long and painful recovery, and little to no downtime after the procedure. It offers lasting relief from pain as well as greater range of motion.

Side effects from frozen shoulder embolization are rare. These can include bruising or soreness in the area where the catheter is inserted into the body.

The frozen shoulder embolization procedure

After numbing the skin, the interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through the skin in the wrist of the thigh.
Using imaging to guide the procedure, the doctor advances the catheter to the abnormal blood vessels within the shoulder joint
Tiny microparticles are injected into the blood vessels to block the flow of blood. In just a few days, inflammation is reduced and significant pain relief is achieved.

Frozen Shoulder Embolization

The frozen shoulder embolization procedure

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please call 205-905-8411.