Shoulder Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Option for Chronic Shoulder Pain

November 6, 2026

If you or someone you know has chronic shoulder pain—in the form of tendinopathy or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)—you’ll be pleased to know there is an emerging, viable alternative to surgery.

A minimally invasive procedure called shoulder embolization (SE), may help reduce chronic shoulder pain and improve mobility without traditional surgery.

Chronic shoulder pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Simple tasks like getting dressed, reaching overhead, even getting a good night’s sleep become immensely challenging. Conservative treatment approaches, such as pain medications, injections and physical therapy, may not provide lasting relief.

Read on to learn how shoulder artery embolization works, who may be a candidate, what the research shows, and whether this non-surgical shoulder pain treatment could be right for you.

Why Surgery Isn’t the Only Option for Chronic Shoulder Pain

For those requiring treatment, surgery can be an effective option. However, shoulder surgery requires a more demanding recovery; the surgery itself requires an incision and the trauma of cutting or removing the tendon or joint tissue. In addition, there are added risks with general anesthesia and a hospital or surgery center stay. Moderate to severe pain begins to peak 2-4 days after the surgery and can last up to six weeks. For most, medication is essential to make the recovery more bearable. For those with a structural problem, such as a rotator cuff tear, surgery remains the best treatment option.

What Is Shoulder Embolization and How Does It Work?

Most cases of chronic tendinopathy or frozen shoulder cases are the result of abnormal vascularity that forms within the shoulder joint. These new blood vessels fuel pain by delivering inflammatory cells, cytokines and chemical mediators to the joint. In addition, new sensory nerve fibers grow alongside these blood vessels which send constant pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.

Interventional radiologists have shown that embolizing or “cutting off” the flow of blood through these abnormal vessels can reduce pain, improve range of motion and help people resume everyday activities without surgery.

Shoulder embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small nick in the skin of the wrist to place a catheter, which is then guided by fluoroscopic imaging to the abnormal arteries feeding the shoulder joint. Tiny spheres are injected into the microvasculature where they become lodged and reduce the amount of blood flowing into the joint.

Who Is a Candidate for Shoulder Artery Embolization?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have persistent shoulder pain or stiffness that interferes with daily activities
• Have tried physical therapy, medications or injections without lasting relief
• Want to explore a minimally invasive alternative to shoulder surgery
• Have medical conditions that make traditional surgery less desirable

How Effective Is Shoulder Artery Embolization for Frozen Shoulder?

Clinical research^1,2 has demonstrated significant improvements in pain and shoulder function, as well as high patient satisfaction 6 months after the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Shoulder Artery Embolization Compared to Surgery?

Shoulder artery embolization is an excellent option for those who cannot have shoulder surgery, or for those who prefer a less invasive approach. For others, it can help them manage shoulder pain for the short- and mid-term and delay surgery to a more opportune time.

Why Choose National Vascular Physicians for Shoulder Pain Treatment in DC, Maryland, and Virginia?

National Vascular Physicians is a leader in musculoskeletal embolization procedures in the DMV area. We offer solutions for chronic knee and shoulder pain, as well as conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. It’s worth your while to learn more about these minimally invasive options!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.

 

References

1. Bagla S, Nagda S, Piechowiak R, Orlando J, Sajan A, Isaacson A. Results from a United States investigational device study of adhesive capsulitis embolization in the treatment of shoulder pain: the Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization Study. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2022;33(2):177–182. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2021.10.031
2. Lanciego C, Puentes-Gutierrez A, Sánchez-Casado M, Cifuentes-Garcia I, Fernández-Tamayo A, Dominguez-Paillacho D, et al. Transarterial embolization for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: midterm outcomes on function and pain relief. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2024;35(4):550–557. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2023.12.572.