Woman with full overhead shoulder mobility restored after non-surgical shoulder pain treatment at M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group, Forest Hills & Great Neck, NY

Shoulder Pain · Queens · Long Island

Restore Shoulder Mobility — Without Open Surgery

Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis. Treated by board-certified specialists in Forest Hills and Great Neck.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mehran Manouel, MD, FAAOS · April 28, 2026

The Shoulder Is the Most Mobile Joint in the Body — and the Most Vulnerable

The shoulder gives you 360 degrees of arm motion — and pays for it with stability. Three of the most common reasons we see patients are rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), and shoulder osteoarthritis. They look similar from the outside but respond to very different treatments.

Dr. Manouel brings the orthopedic surgery side — arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and impingement decompression — and Dr. Salem brings Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE), the minimally invasive procedure that addresses chronic shoulder inflammation at its vascular source.

For many patients, that combination means non-surgical relief from frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis — and avoiding the long recovery of major shoulder surgery.

Common Causes

What’s Causing Your Shoulder Pain?

Rotator cuff injuries

Tears, tendinitis, and impingement of the rotator cuff — the four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Among the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults over 40.

Shoulder osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear arthritis of the glenohumeral joint or AC joint. Causes deep, aching pain and stiffness — often worse at night.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

A painful, gradual loss of shoulder motion as the joint capsule thickens and tightens. Three-stage course: freezing, frozen, thawing — can last 1-3 years untreated.

Shoulder bursitis & tendinitis

Inflammation of the bursa or biceps tendon, often after overuse, repetitive overhead motion, or a fall.

Labral tears

Tears of the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket. Common in athletes (SLAP tears) and after dislocation events.

Shoulder instability and dislocation

Loose or recurring shoulder joint, often after trauma. Causes a sense of the shoulder “giving way” and pain with certain movements.

AC joint injury

Sprains or separations of the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Common in cyclists, weightlifters, and after falls onto the shoulder.

When to See a Specialist

Red Flags for Shoulder Pain

  • Shoulder pain that has lasted longer than 2-4 weeks
  • Night pain that wakes you up — especially when lying on the affected side
  • Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
  • Inability to reach overhead or behind your back
  • A snap or pop with sudden inability to move the arm normally
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the arm or hand

Treatment Pathway

Stepped Care for the Shoulder

Most shoulder conditions improve without surgery — when they don’t, we have minimally invasive options before considering open repair.

1

Conservative first

Activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, posture and ergonomic correction. Effective for many shoulder conditions.

2

Targeted injections

Cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and PRP injections — guided by ultrasound for precise placement into the joint, bursa, or tendon.

3

Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE)

Our minimally invasive specialty option for chronic shoulder pain — particularly frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis. Catheter-based, addresses inflammation at the vascular root, same-day discharge.

4

Arthroscopic surgery

Dr. Manouel performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and impingement decompression through small incisions for faster recovery.

5

Joint replacement

Reverse or anatomic shoulder replacement when arthritis is severe and other options have been exhausted. Reserved as a last resort.

Our Specialty Procedure

Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE)

SAE is the minimally invasive answer to frozen shoulder and chronic shoulder arthritis. Through a pinhole in the wrist or thigh, Dr. Salem guides a thin catheter to the shoulder’s feeding arteries and selectively blocks the abnormal vessels driving inflammation. No incision. No general anesthesia. No sling for weeks. Most patients walk out the same day and notice meaningful improvement in pain and motion within the first month.

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Other Shoulder Treatments

A Full Toolkit for the Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Treatment

Conservative, regenerative, and arthroscopic repair

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Joint Embolization

Minimally invasive embolization across joints

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PRP Injections

Regenerative therapy for tendon and joint repair

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Sports Medicine

Athletic shoulder injuries and overuse care

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Joint Pain Treatment

Comprehensive non-surgical joint pain care

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Pain Management

Coordinated, evidence-based shoulder pain care

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FAQ

Shoulder Pain — Patients Ask

How do I know if my shoulder pain is a rotator cuff problem?
Common signs of a rotator cuff injury include weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, pain at night (especially when lying on the affected side), and a crackling sensation with movement. An MRI or ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
What is Shoulder Artery Embolization?
SAE is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels feeding chronic shoulder inflammation — common in frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis. A thin catheter is guided through a small puncture, and tiny particles are released to block the abnormal vessels. Same-day discharge, no incision, no general anesthesia.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Untreated frozen shoulder can last 1-3 years through its three stages. With targeted treatment (PT, injections, or SAE), recovery is significantly faster. Early intervention matters.
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Many partial tears and some full-thickness tears respond well to physical therapy, injections, and activity modification. Dr. Manouel recommends surgery primarily for complete tears with significant weakness, failed conservative treatment, or active patients who need full strength recovery.
Can I avoid shoulder replacement?
For many patients, yes. Conservative care, ultrasound-guided injections, PRP, SAE, and arthroscopic options can delay or prevent the need for replacement. Replacement is reserved for cases where pain and dysfunction are severe and other options have failed.

Ready for a Shoulder Evaluation?

See Dr. Manouel or Dr. Salem at our Forest Hills or Great Neck office. Most consultations available within the same week.

Book Now (718) 897-2228
Forest Hills, Queens Great Neck, Long Island