image-guided procedures,
no major surgery
faster recovery than traditional
joint surgery, in most cases
outpatient care with
local anesthesia & light sedation
Pain gradually increases while shoulder movement becomes more limited.
Pain may begin to improve, but stiffness can become severe and significantly restrict movement.
Shoulder mobility gradually returns as the joint capsule begins to loosen.
Early treatment for frozen shoulder may help reduce pain, improve shoulder mobility, and make everyday activities like sleeping, dressing, working, and exercising easier. While some cases improve on their own, recovery can take 1–3 years. If conservative treatments haven't provided enough relief, a specialist can discuss additional treatment options to help you move more comfortably.
Frozen shoulder is most common in adults between approximately 40 and 60 years old.
Certain thyroid disorders have been associated with an increased risk of adhesive capsulitis.
Prolonged shoulder immobility after injury, surgery, or illness may contribute to frozen shoulder.
An injury that limits shoulder movement can increase the risk of developing stiffness and adhesive capsulitis.
Frozen shoulder has also been associated with certain cardiovascular, neurologic, and systemic conditions.
Stretching and guided exercises can improve movement and flexibility, making PT an important part of treatment.
Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help manage pain and inflammation while the shoulder heals.
FSE/ACE is a minimally invasive treatment that targets abnormal blood flow linked to shoulder inflammation.
Steroid injections may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and pain within the shoulder.
A physician injects fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the joint capsule and improve range of motion.
For some patients with persistent, severe frozen shoulder, surgical procedures may be considered.
Access: A small puncture is made to access an artery, typically through the wrist or groin. A thin catheter is introduced through this access point.
Navigate: Using advanced X-ray imaging, your physician guides the catheter through the blood vessels toward the arteries supplying the shoulder capsule.
Target: The physician identifies abnormal vessels associated with inflammation around the shoulder joint.
Embolize: Tiny embolic materials are delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow through the targeted abnormal vessels.
Recover: The catheter is removed and the access site is covered with a small dressing. FSE is performed as an outpatient procedure, so most patients return home the same day.
No hospital stay. Most patients return home within an hour or two.
A small pinhole access site—no large incision or general anesthesia.
Embolization may allow for a shorter, more comfortable recovery than surgery.
FSE/ACE may be covered by insurance. We verify your benefits and explain your costs upfront.
| Treatment | Primary approach | Invasiveness | Typical setting | Recovery considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen shoulder embolization (FSE / ACE) WHAT WE DO | Reduces abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation | Minimally invasive | Outpatient | Typically shorter recovery than surgery |
| Steroid injections | Reduces inflammation and pain | Minimally invasive | Office/outpatient | Usually minimal downtime |
| Physical therapy | Restores mobility through stretching and strengthening | Non-invasive | Outpatient/home | Requires ongoing exercises |
| Hydrodilatation | Stretches the joint capsule with injected fluid | Minimally invasive | Outpatient | Varies |
| Capsular release surgery | Surgically releases tightened shoulder capsule | Surgical | Operating room | Longer rehabilitation |
Our interventional radiologists specialize in image-guided embolization procedures and minimally invasive vascular care.
Advanced imaging allows your physician to navigate the small blood vessels around the shoulder and target the intended treatment area.
Clinics throughout Atlanta, Tucker, and Stockbridge make advanced frozen shoulder care easy to access close to home.
3225 Cumberland Blvd. Southeast
Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30339
1975 Lakeside Pkwy
Suite 300
Tucker, GA 30084
1035 Southcrest Dr.
Suite 220 + 250
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Frozen Shoulder Embolization (FSE) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow to vessels associated with inflammation around the shoulder capsule. A thin catheter is guided through an artery to the targeted vessels, where tiny embolic materials are used to reduce blood flow.
FSE may also be referred to as Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization (ACE) or Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE).
These terms describe closely related approaches to embolization treatment for frozen shoulder. FSE refers to Frozen Shoulder Embolization, ACE refers to Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization, and SAE refers to Shoulder Artery Embolization.
The terminology may vary depending on the physician or research literature, but the treatment approach involves using a catheter to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation around the shoulder.
FSE may be considered for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of frozen shoulder who continue to experience significant pain and restricted mobility despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections.
Your physician will review your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, imaging, and previous treatments before determining whether FSE is appropriate.
No. FSE is specifically intended for appropriately diagnosed frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis. Shoulder pain can have many causes, including rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, and tendon problems.
An accurate diagnosis is important before determining whether embolization is appropriate.
No. FSE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure rather than open shoulder surgery. A small access point is used to introduce the catheter, and the shoulder itself is not surgically opened.
FSE uses image guidance to identify abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation around the shoulder capsule. Tiny embolic materials are then delivered through a catheter to reduce blood flow through the targeted vessels.
Local anesthesia and sedation are used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness or temporary discomfort may occur afterward, but individual experiences vary.
The procedure time varies depending on the individual anatomy and treatment plan. Your care team will explain what to expect before your procedure, including how long you should plan to be at the treatment center for preparation and recovery.
Yes. Frozen Shoulder Embolization is performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients return home the same day.
Recovery varies by patient. Because FSE is minimally invasive and does not require surgery on the shoulder joint, recovery is generally shorter than recovery from surgical capsular release. Your physician will provide specific instructions for returning to work, exercise, physical therapy, and other activities.
FSE may provide a nonsurgical treatment option for appropriately selected patients, particularly those who have not achieved enough relief from conservative care. However, it cannot guarantee that surgery will never be necessary.
Your physician can help you understand where FSE fits into your overall treatment plan.
Insurance coverage depends on your individual plan, diagnosis, and medical-necessity requirements. Georgia Endovascular accepts Medicare and most major insurance plans and verifies coverage before procedures.
Scheduling
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