Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization

Ideal Candidates for Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization

Our expert team carefully evaluates each patient’s symptoms, medical history and treatment goals to determine if ACE is a suitable treatment option. While it effectively treats frozen shoulder in many patients, several factors help determine if this procedure is right for you.

You may be a good candidate for adhesive capsulitis embolization if you:

• Have been diagnosed with primary adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Experience significant pain and limited range of motion in your shoulder
• Have tried physical therapy and steroid injections without adequate relief
• Are looking for a faster recovery time than invasive surgery
• Don’t have a frozen shoulder caused by diabetes or another underlying condition

Our specialists will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced imaging, to determine if ACE is appropriate for your specific situation. We’ll discuss all available treatment options during your consultation to help you make an informed decision about your care.

What to Expect During Treatment

During the ACE procedure, your interventional radiologist first performs an angiogram, an imaging technique to map the vascular network surrounding your shoulder joint. This allows us to identify the abnormal vessels that are feeding inflammation in the shoulder capsule.

A thin catheter is then inserted through a tiny access point in the wrist or groin. Using real-time imaging, the catheter is directed to the blood vessels supplying the inflamed shoulder capsule. Once in position, microscopic embolic particles are delivered to block these problematic vessels, reducing blood flow to the inflamed area while preserving healthy circulation.

By decreasing the blood supply to these inflammatory regions, ACE helps break the cycle of pain, inflammation and stiffness. The procedure takes about 60-90 minutes and uses only local anesthesia with mild sedation, making it much less invasive than surgical alternatives.

Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization Recovery

ACE is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to return home the same day. You may experience some soreness at the catheter entry site and possibly temporary discomfort in the treated shoulder, which typically responds well to over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients notice improvement in their pain levels within days, though the full benefits develop over several weeks as inflammation subsides. Your doctor may recommend a tailored physical therapy program to maximize your results and help restore your range of motion.

You can generally resume light activities within 24-48 hours and return to most normal activities within a week. Full recovery times vary by individual, but many patients report significant improvement in both pain and mobility within four to six weeks following the procedure.