Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE) for Frozen Shoulder & Shoulder Pain in Queens & Long Island
Minimally invasive treatment for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), shoulder osteoarthritis, and chronic rotator cuff pain — outpatient, no open surgery, same-day discharge.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Shoulder Artery Embolization?
Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist for chronic shoulder pain caused by inflammation — most commonly adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), shoulder osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff arthropathy. A thin catheter is guided through a small wrist or groin puncture into the small branch arteries supplying the inflamed joint capsule. Tiny embolic particles reduce abnormal blood flow to inflamed tissue, decreasing pain and improving range of motion. Performed under conscious sedation. Most patients go home the same day, return to light activity within days, and avoid the long recovery of open shoulder surgery.
SAE may be a good fit for patients who:
- Have frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) unresponsive to physical therapy or steroid injections
- Suffer from shoulder osteoarthritis with chronic pain and restricted range of motion
- Experience chronic pain from rotator cuff arthropathy
- Want to avoid or delay open shoulder surgery or joint replacement
- Are poor surgical candidates due to age or other medical conditions
What Is Shoulder Artery Embolization?
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a painful, disabling condition in which the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, severely restricting motion. For many patients it follows a prolonged course — often lasting two to four years — even with aggressive physical therapy and injections. Shoulder osteoarthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy create a similar picture: chronic, deep-seated shoulder pain that limits work, sleep, and daily life.
SAE targets the underlying driver of this pain: abnormal neovascularization — the growth of excessive, inflammatory small blood vessels that accompanies chronic joint inflammation. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), our interventional radiologist navigates a microcatheter through the radial artery at the wrist or the femoral artery at the groin, threading it selectively into the tiny branch arteries supplying the inflamed shoulder joint capsule. Tiny calibrated embolic microspheres are then deployed, reducing blood flow to the hyper-vascularized tissue. As the abnormal vessels are reduced, pain decreases and the capsule can begin to soften and mobilize.
The procedure is performed through a pinhole-sized puncture — no incisions, no general anesthesia, no overnight hospital stay. At M&S Vascular, SAE is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and musculoskeletal embolization procedures.
Am I a Candidate for SAE?
Most patients who reach our practice for SAE have already tried — and not found adequate relief from — physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and one or more corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections. Imaging confirmation of shoulder inflammation (and absence of conditions requiring surgical repair) is a prerequisite.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) — any stage — unresponsive to PT or injections
- ✓Shoulder osteoarthritis with chronic pain and limited ROM
- ✓Rotator cuff arthropathy with pain as the primary complaint
- ✓Wish to avoid or delay shoulder surgery
- ✓Poor surgical candidates (anticoagulation, significant comorbidities)
- ✓Confirmed inflammatory vascularity on imaging
Contraindications / not ideal for
- –Complete rotator cuff tears requiring structural surgical repair
- –Active infection in or around the shoulder joint
- –Shoulder instability requiring surgical reconstruction
- –Severe arterial occlusive disease in catheter access vessels
Not sure if SAE is right for your shoulder?
Find out if you qualify — request a consultationHow SAE Works: Step-by-Step
1Pre-procedure imaging and consultation
Before SAE, we obtain dedicated shoulder imaging — typically an MRI with contrast to assess capsular inflammation and joint anatomy, and a CT angiogram to map the local vascular supply. This planning step is essential: the shoulder's arterial anatomy varies significantly between patients, and selective embolization requires precise mapping to protect adjacent structures. Your shoulder pain duration, prior treatments, and functional limitations are reviewed at the same appointment.
2The SAE procedure itself
On procedure day, you arrive at our outpatient suite and receive conscious sedation — you remain comfortable and lightly sedated throughout, with no general anesthesia required. The interventional radiologist makes a small puncture at the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral) and advances a microcatheter through the arterial system under continuous fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance. Once selectively positioned in the branch arteries supplying the inflamed shoulder joint capsule, calibrated embolic microspheres are deployed, reducing blood flow to the hyper-vascularized tissue. The entire procedure is performed through a pinhole-sized access point — no incisions, no sutures.
3Recovery in the outpatient suite
After the procedure you'll spend a few hours in our recovery area while the sedation fully clears. Most patients go home the same afternoon with a responsible adult driver. A small adhesive bandage covers the access site — no stitches required. We provide written discharge instructions and a direct line to reach our clinical team with any questions. A follow-up call is scheduled the next business day to check in.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform SAE under conscious sedation in a fully accredited outpatient suite at our Great Neck location. You'll arrive approximately one hour before the scheduled start time to complete check-in and have an IV placed. Our nursing team will review your allergies, medications, and any questions you have before Dr. Salem begins.
The shoulder embolization procedure itself typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes depending on the complexity of the shoulder's arterial anatomy. We believe in keeping you informed throughout — if you have questions during the procedure, ask. After completion, you move to recovery where we monitor your vital signs, manage any discomfort, and confirm you feel ready to go home before discharge.
We ask that a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first night. You'll leave with a same-day contact number and clear written discharge instructions, including guidance on activity, pain management, and what to watch for.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1Same-day discharge. Mild soreness at the catheter access site (wrist or groin) is normal. Rest at home. Ice packs can be applied to the access site if sore.
- Days 2–7Resume light activity. Some temporary shoulder discomfort is expected as inflammation responds to the procedure. Prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatories as directed.
- Weeks 2–4Most patients return to normal daily activities. Physical therapy may be initiated per Dr. Salem's protocol to capitalize on reduced inflammation and improve range of motion.
- 1–3 monthsContinued reduction in shoulder pain and gradual improvement in range of motion as the inflamed capsule responds to decreased vascular supply.
- 3–6 monthsMaximum benefit is typically realized at this stage. Durability of effect continues to be evaluated in clinical research.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
We believe informed patients make better decisions. Here is an honest comparison of the main treatment options for chronic shoulder pain so you can evaluate SAE in context.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, catheter-based | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| Arthroscopic capsular release | Minimally invasive surgery | General or regional | Same-day / overnight |
| Total shoulder arthroplasty | Joint replacement surgery | General | 1–3 night hospital stay |
| Reverse shoulder arthroplasty | Joint replacement surgery | General | 1–3 night hospital stay |
| Hydrodilation / cortisone injection | Guided injection | Local | None |
| Physical therapy alone | Conservative rehabilitation | None | None |
| NSAIDs alone | Medical management | None | None |
Known SAE risks
- •Minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site (wrist or groin)
- •Temporary shoulder discomfort or swelling in the first days post-procedure
- •Post-embolization syndrome: low-grade fever, fatigue, localized discomfort (self-limited)
- •Rare: skin changes from inadvertent superficial vessel embolization near the shoulder
For the full risk-benefit discussion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for Shoulder Embolization
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and musculoskeletal embolization procedures. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island — serving patients from across the NYC metro area.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“My shoulder had been frozen for over a year. Physical therapy helped a little but the pain was still keeping me up at night. Dr. Salem explained every step and I was home the same day.”
“I was skeptical about a catheter procedure for my shoulder — it sounded unusual. But the team walked me through the science and I had much less pain within a few weeks.”
“I had tried everything — injections, PT, a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon who wanted to operate. SAE gave me my range of motion back without surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoulder artery embolization covered by insurance and Medicare?
Coverage varies by plan. SAE is an emerging procedure and insurance coverage is still evolving. Many commercial insurers and Medicare may cover the procedure when medically necessary criteria are met. Our team will verify your specific benefits and discuss all options before your procedure.
How is SAE different from arthroscopic shoulder surgery or capsular release?
Arthroscopic capsular release is a surgical procedure performed under general or regional anesthesia that physically cuts the contracted joint capsule to restore shoulder motion. SAE is non-surgical — a thin catheter delivers tiny embolic particles into the abnormal blood vessels supplying the inflamed joint capsule, reducing pain and allowing the frozen tissue to soften over time. SAE carries no surgical incisions, no general anesthesia, and most patients are discharged the same day.
Will SAE help if I have a torn rotator cuff?
SAE targets the pain and inflammation component of shoulder pathology rather than the structural integrity of the rotator cuff. For chronic pain associated with rotator cuff arthropathy — where the primary complaint is inflammation and pain rather than mechanical instability — SAE may reduce discomfort and improve function. However, complete rotator cuff tears that require structural repair are not addressed by SAE. Your consultation will include imaging review to clarify which component of your shoulder problem is most responsible for your symptoms.
How long is recovery from shoulder artery embolization?
Most patients are discharged the same day and can resume light activity within a few days. Pain improvement typically begins within days to weeks as inflammation subsides. Full return to normal activities and the benefit of improved range of motion usually develops over 1–3 months as the tissue responds to reduced blood flow to the inflamed capsule.
Where is shoulder embolization performed in Long Island and Queens?
Shoulder artery embolization at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Astoria, Bayside, Flushing, and Manhasset.
Who is a candidate for shoulder artery embolization?
Good candidates include patients with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) or shoulder osteoarthritis who have not responded adequately to physical therapy, steroid injections, or other conservative treatments, and who wish to avoid or delay shoulder surgery. Patients with chronic pain from rotator cuff arthropathy may also benefit. A consultation and imaging review are required to confirm candidacy.
What are the risks of SAE?
SAE is generally well tolerated. Risks include minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site (wrist or groin), temporary shoulder discomfort in the days following the procedure, and rarely, skin changes from inadvertent superficial vessel embolization near the shoulder. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your anatomy and condition during your consultation.
How quickly will my shoulder pain and stiffness improve?
Some patients notice early pain reduction within days to weeks as acute inflammation responds to embolization. Improvement in range of motion and stiffness tends to follow over the subsequent 1–3 months as the shoulder capsule gradually loosens. Full benefit is typically realized at 3–6 months.
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