Have you experienced a shoulder so stiff that even simple tasks like reaching for your morning coffee become painful? You could be dealing with adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. Fortunately, there’s a breakthrough treatment offering significant relief for many patients. Learn more about frozen shoulder and how this innovative procedure restores mobility and improves lives.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, affects 2-5% of the general population, with a tendency to target women and individuals with diabetes. It’s like your shoulder decided to take an extended vacation in the Arctic, becoming increasingly stiff and painful over time.
The condition typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing: Pain increases, and your shoulder loses range of motion.
- Frozen: Pain might decrease, but your shoulder is stiffer than ever.
- Thawing: Shoulder mobility slowly improves.
While many cases resolve on their own within 1-3 years, some unlucky individuals can experience symptoms for up to a decade. That’s a long time to struggle to reach the top shelf!
The Limits of Traditional Treatments
Traditionally, treatments for frozen shoulder have included:
- Physical therapy
- Pain medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery (in severe cases)
While these approaches can be effective for some, others find themselves stuck in a cycle of persistent pain and limited mobility. Enter adhesive capsulitis embolization (ACE).
The ACE Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the ACE procedure into its key stages:
- Preparation: The procedure begins with patient preparation. You’ll be positioned comfortably on the procedure table, and local anesthesia will be administered. This ensures you remain awake but pain-free during the procedure.
- Arterial Access: The interventional radiologist will gain access to your arterial system, typically through a small puncture in your wrist or groin. This entry point allows for the insertion of a catheter.
- Catheter Navigation: Using fluoroscopic guidance, the radiologist will carefully guide the catheter through your blood vessels to reach the shoulder area. This navigation is crucial for identifying the abnormal blood vessels contributing to your frozen shoulder.
- Angiography: Once the catheter reaches the target area, the radiologist injects a contrast dye and captures angiogram images. These images clearly reveal the location and extent of abnormal blood vessels.
- Embolization: The core of the procedure involves injecting tiny particles (usually microspheres) through the catheter. These particles travel to the abnormal blood vessels and create blockages, effectively reducing blood flow to the problematic areas.
- Completion: After successful embolization, the radiologist removes the catheter and applies pressure to the entry site to prevent bleeding. You’ll need to lie still for a short period to ensure proper closure of the access point.
What to Expect
Understanding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help alleviate concerns and prepare you for the experience.
Before the Procedure
- You’ll undergo a thorough consultation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for ACE.
- Imaging studies, such as MRI, may be conducted to assess your shoulder condition.
- You’ll receive specific instructions on how to prepare, including fasting guidelines.
During the Procedure
- The entire process typically takes 1-2 hours.
- You’ll be conscious but sedated, ensuring you’re comfortable and pain-free.
- You may experience a warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected, which is a normal reaction.
After the Procedure
- Most patients are discharged the same day, avoiding an extended hospital stay.
- You’ll need someone to drive you home due to the effects of sedation.
- Some patients may experience mild soreness or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which usually resolves quickly.
- Your doctor will provide guidance on activity levels, but most patients can resume normal activities within a short time.
The Recovery Process
Recovery timelines can vary among patients. Many report improvements in pain and mobility within a few weeks of the procedure, but full recovery may take several months. Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy to complement the ACE procedure and optimize recovery.
Considerations for ACE Treatment
While ACE shows promising results, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s typically considered for patients who:
- Have experienced symptoms for at least 6 months
- Have not responded adequately to conservative treatments
- Do not have other underlying shoulder conditions that would preclude this treatment
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.
The ACE procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Patients can make more informed decisions about their care by understanding the process and what to expect. Contact one of our providers today if you are experiencing frozen should and believe adhesive capsulitis embolization could benefit you.
