FROZEN SHOULDER (ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS)

Shrug off frozen shoulder for good

If you or someone you know suffers from frozen shoulder, this non-surgical treatment may be the answer. We offer a state-of-the-art, outpatient alternative to surgery that provides fast and lasting freedom from stiffness and pain.

Definition

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which significantly reduces the range of motion. Affecting 2-5% of the population, patients experience difficulty with daily activities due to pain and restricted movement. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive procedure that can help with frozen shoulder treatment.

Risk Factors

What are some of the risk factors for developing frozen shoulder?

Age
Gender (more prevalent in women)
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Cardiovascular disease
Parkinson’s disease
Inflammation of tissues around the joint
Rotator cuff tendonitis or bursitis
Immobilization of the shoulder (after an injury or surgery)

Symptoms

What are some of the symptoms?

Frozen shoulder generally progresses through three phases:

Freezing: Onset of shoulder pain and gradual decrease in range of motion.
Frozen: Pain decreases, but stiffness and limited movement persist.
Thawing: Gradual improvement in joint motion.

Treatment and Benefits

How we treat frozen shoulder.

Our team of specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating adhesive capsulitis. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and may include diagnostic imaging, like an MRI. We then tailor treatment to each patient’s needs using the latest advancements, including arterial embolization, a novel but highly effective approach to treating frozen shoulder.

In this outpatient procedure, a catheter is inserted through a small incision, guiding microsphere particles into the shoulder’s arteries to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Our patient-centered approach focuses on individualized care, ensuring the patient is informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

Embolization is particularly effective for patients who are not responding to conventional treatments. Patients experience remarkable improvement in pain reduction and physical function following the procedure.

Am I a candidate for frozen shoulder treatment?

Our physicians will partner with you and/or your existing care team to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, contact us to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.

Average Recovery Time

Downtime and discomfort are minimal following the procedure, and average recovery of shoulder function is 2-4 weeks.

REFERENCES

Cho CH, Bae KC, Kim DH. Treatment strategy for frozen shoulder. Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery. 2019; 11(3):249-57.
Mertens MG, Meeus M, Verborgt O, Vermeulen EH, Schuitemaker R, Hekman K, van der Burg DH, Struyf F. An overview of effective and potential new conservative interventions in patients with frozen shoulder. Rheumatology International. 2021; 6:1-2.
Millar NL, Meakins A, Struyf F, Willmore E, Campbell AL, Kirwan PD, Akbar M, Moore L, Ronquillo JC, Murrell GA, Rodeo SA. Frozen shoulder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2022; 8(1):1-6.
Redler LH, Dennis ER. Treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2019; 27(12):e544-54.
Sajan A, Isaacson A, Bagla S. Adhesive capsulitis embolization: a case of particle embolization for refractory shoulder pain secondary to adhesive capsulitis. Journal of Radiology Nursing. 2021; 40(2):136-8.
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. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2022; 33(2):177-82.
Fernandez Martinez AM, Baldi S, Alonso-Burgos A, López R, Vallejo-Pascual ME, MT CM, Mauriz JL. Mid-Term Results of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis Resistant to Conservative Treatment. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. 2020.