Shoulder Embolization for Frozen Shoulder and Cuff Pain
Shoulder embolization is transcatheter treatment for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and selected rotator cuff pain without surgery. If stiffness and pain have lasted, request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this option is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Shoulder embolization for adhesive capsulitis
A catheter guides tiny particles to inflamed vessels around the shoulder. It is one option among joint treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — frozen shoulder without surgery for selected people, not a promised result.
Not a shoulder replacement
Not an open operation. Nerve signaling may need shoulder nerve ablation instead.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The capsule
Stiff shoulder, frozen shoulder, and chronic shoulder pain
Adhesive capsulitis and selected rotator cuff pain are the usual embolization consults. A stiff shoulder that has not eased with therapy is discussed here — not every “cuff tear” line on an MRI.
The catheter
Transcatheter shoulder embolization through a small access
A catheter delivers particles to the inflamed vessels that fuel pain and stiffness. Most visits use light sedation. If nerves are the story, shoulder nerve ablation may fit better.
Candidacy
A consult if you want frozen shoulder without surgery
People ask about shoulder embolization after therapy and injections have plateaued. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis that limits reach and sleep
- Rotator cuff pain that has not eased with the usual measures
- Interest in a catheter option instead of an operation
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every cuff MRI
An acute tendon rupture, infection, or neck-referred pain can point elsewhere.
A hot swollen joint with fever, or sudden loss of strength after injury, needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your shoulder embolization visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. Simple prep. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient catheter treatment. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Pain and stiffness can ease over the following weeks. Timelines vary. No rate is quoted here.
Afterward
Recovery after shoulder embolization
This is not replacement recovery. If it is not the match, options include conservative care, shoulder nerve ablation, or surgical evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
Shoulder embolization is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
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Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
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Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
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Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
Shoulder embolization questions we hear at consult
Can shoulder embolization help frozen shoulder?
It is used for adhesive capsulitis and selected cuff pain linked to inflamed vessels. Results vary.
Is it rotator cuff pain without surgery?
For selected people, yes. A complete tear may still need a surgeon’s view.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.
How is it different from shoulder nerve ablation?
Nerve ablation is radiofrequency of pain nerves. Embolization is artery-based.