Frozen Shoulder Embolization
Advanced Frozen Shoulder Embolisation Treatment in Bronx, NY
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become thickened and tight, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. This can make daily activities difficult and affect overall quality of life. When physical therapy, medications, or other basic treatments are not enough, there is another option. At Swift Vein and Vascular, Dr. Pradeep Goyal offers advanced, minimally invasive frozen shoulder embolisation. This treatment reduces pain, restores shoulder mobility, and improves function. To learn if frozen shoulder embolisation is right for you, contact Swift Vein and Vascular today to schedule your consultation.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness and reduced movement in the shoulder joint. It usually develops gradually and can last for months or even years if not treated. Traditional treatments include physiotherapy, medications, and injections. However, for patients who do not respond well to these methods, a new minimally invasive option called Frozen Shoulder Embolisation is showing promising results. This procedure reduces pain by improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation around the shoulder.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors increase the risk:
- Diabetes – people with diabetes are more prone to frozen shoulder.
- Immobilization – shoulder kept still for long periods after injury, surgery, or fracture.
- Age & Gender – most common in people between 40–60 years, slightly more in women.
- Other medical conditions – thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease may increase risk.
- Inflammation – irritation and thickening of the shoulder capsule reduce movement.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder usually progresses in three stages, each with its own symptoms:
- Freezing Stage
- Gradual increase in shoulder pain.
- Stiffness develops, making it hard to move the arm.
- Pain worsens at night, disturbing sleep.
- Frozen Stage
- Pain may reduce, but stiffness remains severe.
- Shoulder movement becomes very limited.
- Daily tasks like combing hair or reaching overhead become difficult.
- Thawing Stage
- Gradual improvement in movement.
- Pain continues to decrease.
- Function slowly returns, though full recovery can take months.
Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder
Certain people are more likely to develop frozen shoulder:
- Adults between 40–60 years.
- Women more commonly than men.
- People with diabetes (higher risk and slower recovery).
- Those with previous shoulder injuries or surgeries.
- Patients with thyroid disease, cardiovascular problems, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Prolonged immobilization of the arm after fracture, stroke, or surgery.
What is frozen shoulder embolisation?
Frozen shoulder embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces shoulder pain and stiffness by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Who should consider frozen shoulder embolisation?
It is suitable for patients with persistent frozen shoulder who have not improved with medications, physiotherapy, or other basic treatments.
What are the benefits of this treatment?
It helps relieve pain, restores mobility, and improves daily function without the need for open surgery.
Is frozen shoulder embolisation safe?
Yes. It is a minimally invasive and safe procedure with fewer risks, shorter recovery time, and quicker return to normal activities compared to surgery.
How is the procedure performed?
A small catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, and tiny particles are used to block abnormal vessels causing inflammation in the shoulder joint.