Shoulder Artery Embolization

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Relief for Chronic Shoulder Pain

If chronic shoulder pain is limiting your mobility and quality of life, and you are not ready or a candidate for shoulder surgery, Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE) may be the breakthrough, non-surgical shoulder pain treatment you have been looking for. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure can provide meaningful, lasting pain relief without surgery.

Understanding Chronic Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in adults, often caused by frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff tendinopathy, or shoulder arthritis. These conditions can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and a significant loss of shoulder motion and function.

But chronic shoulder pain is more than just “wear and tear.” Research has shown that chronic inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularity) around the shoulder joint and tendons play a critical role in driving pain—and this is exactly what SAE targets.

How Common Is Chronic Shoulder Pain?

Chronic shoulder pain affects millions of Americans, with several conditions contributing to its prevalence:

• 2–5% of adults are affected by frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• 40–60 is the typical age range for frozen shoulder onset
• 4x more common in women than men
• Top 3 most common reasons adults see a doctor for musculoskeletal pain

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is also a leading cause of shoulder pain, particularly in adults over 40. Patients with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulder than the general population.

Common Symptoms

• Pain that worsens with movement, especially overhead reaching
• Progressive stiffness and loss of range of motion
• Tenderness around the shoulder joint
• Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
• Difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching behind your back or overhead
• Pain that disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side

For many patients, these symptoms progressively worsen over time, leading to decreased activity, disrupted sleep, and a significant decline in quality of life.

What Is Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE)?

Shoulder Artery Embolization—also known as shoulder embolization or transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE)—is an innovative, image-guided endovascular procedure that addresses one of the key drivers of chronic shoulder pain: the abnormal blood vessels (neovascularity) that form around the shoulder joint and surrounding tendons.

These tiny, abnormal vessels deliver inflammatory chemicals directly to the joint and tendons, fueling a cycle of chronic pain and stiffness. SAE works by selectively blocking these abnormal vessels using microscopic particles delivered through a tiny catheter—reducing inflammation at its source while preserving normal blood flow to the shoulder.

The result: significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life—without surgery, without incisions, and without a lengthy recovery. For many patients, SAE serves as an effective alternative to shoulder surgery and a non-surgical treatment for chronic shoulder pain.

Proven Results Backed by Clinical Evidence

SAE is backed by multiple prospective and multicenter clinical studies, with a growing body of published evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness:

85%  of patients achieved significant pain relief within six months

50%+  average improvement in shoulder range of motion reported in clinical studies

Same-Day  outpatient procedure with rapid recovery

2Key Clinical Findings

• Across multiple prospective and multicenter clinical studies, SAE has demonstrated significant and sustained pain reduction, with patients reporting continued improvement in comfort and function for months after treatment.
• SAE has consistently demonstrated a high technical success rate with a strong safety profile across published studies.
• Patients also report meaningful improvements in shoulder range of motion, including greater ease with overhead reaching and rotation.
• Many patients experience improved sleep quality as nighttime shoulder pain, a hallmark symptom of frozen shoulder, subsides.
• SAE has been shown to be effective for patients with frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and shoulder arthritis, and can also provide meaningful relief for patients who are poor candidates for surgery.
• In published studies, patients treated with SAE have avoided or delayed the need for shoulder surgery, allowing them to pursue a less invasive path to relief first.

Clinical research shows that SAE is most effective for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant shoulder pain who have not responded to conservative therapies—offering a powerful, non-surgical option for lasting relief.

SAE vs. Shoulder Surgery: How They Compare

SAE is not a replacement for shoulder surgery — it is an alternative for patients who are not ready for, or want to avoid, a surgical procedure:

Benefits of SAE

No Surgery, No Incisions. SAE targets the inflammatory source of shoulder pain without cutting into the joint or tendons.

Outpatient Procedure. Go home the same day—typically within just a few hours.

Rapid Recovery. Resume most normal daily activities within a few days in most cases.

Lasting Relief. Many patients experience continued improvement in pain and mobility for months after treatment.

Avoid or Delay Surgery. SAE offers an effective option for patients who want to avoid or postpone shoulder surgery.

Precision, Image-Guided Treatment. Advanced imaging technology allows for highly targeted treatment of only the abnormal vessels contributing to pain.

Repeatable. SAE can be repeated if needed, without the complexity of revision surgery.

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

• Comprehensive consultation to evaluate your shoulder pain, imaging, and treatment history
• Review of X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the source of shoulder pain and suitability for SAE
• Discussion of your pain management goals and expected outcomes

During the Procedure

• A tiny access point is created in the wrist — no shoulder incision
• A microcatheter is guided to the small arteries supplying the shoulder joint and tendons using real-time imaging
• Microscopic particles are delivered to block abnormal inflammatory vessels
• The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes
• You remain comfortable under moderate sedation, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist

After the Procedure

• You go home the same day
• Resume most normal activities within 24 hours
• Pain relief may begin within days to a few weeks
• Continued improvement in comfort and mobility over the following months
• No physical therapy required (though it may complement results)

Is SAE Right for You?

SAE may be an excellent option if you:

• Have chronic shoulder pain from frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or shoulder arthritis
• Have not found adequate relief from physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Are not ready for or wish to avoid shoulder surgery
• Want a minimally invasive, outpatient solution with rapid recovery
• Experience shoulder pain that disrupts your sleep or daily activities
• Have other health conditions that make surgery high-risk

Why Choose Us?

Pain & Vascular Institute is at the forefront of shoulder artery embolization—with expertise in clinical trials and the latest evidence-based techniques. We are committed to:

• Offering the most advanced, innovative treatments for chronic shoulder pain
• Providing personalized care plans based on each patient’s unique condition and goals
• Utilizing cutting-edge imaging technology for maximum precision and safety
• Helping patients return to daily activities and restful sleep by targeting pain at its source