Shoulders
Take a Weight Off Your Shoulders
Rely on us for shoulder pain treatment. Located in Manahawkin, NJ and servicing the surrounding areas
As joints wear out over time, some people may eventually need shoulder replacements. But that doesn’t mean you have to book surgery immediately. Rather than make this huge decision or just accept any pain you’re enduring, reach out to Advanced Radiology Solutions.
If your shoulders are bothering you, you might experience other pain as well. Our treatments can help you manage pain so you have more time to consider other options.
Top 5 Signs You’re NOT Ready for Shoulder Surgery
1. You’ve Only Tried Conservative Treatments Briefly
Physical therapy, targeted exercises, or anti-inflammatory treatments - steroid injections, or Gel Injections. Surgery may be premature. Many patients benefit significantly from non-surgical interventions before considering the knife.
2. Persistent Pain But Functional Range of Motion Remains
You may still move your arm but with moderate pain. If daily activities like dressing, reaching overhead, or light lifting are painful but still manageable, less invasive options could provide relief without the risks of surgery.
3. You’re Concerned About Recovery Time or Lost Mobility
Shoulder surgery often requires weeks to months of rehab. If downtime or rehabilitation challenges are a major concern, exploring minimally invasive procedures may help you regain function faster with little downtime.
4. You Have Other Health Conditions That Increase Surgical Risk
Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or advanced age can increase surgical complications. Non-surgical treatments like shoulder embolization carry far fewer risks and may be safer for you.
5. You Want to Avoid Major Procedures Unless Absolutely Necessary
If your goal is pain relief and improved mobility without the risks of surgery, you’re likely a candidate for minimally invasive options. Surgery should be the last resort.
If you checked any of these boxes, you may be a candidate for Shoulder Artery Embolization — a minimally invasive alternative that reduces inflammation and restores mobility. Schedule your consultation today or Continue to Learn More.
Struggling with Frozen Shoulder? We Can Help!
If you're dealing with the stiffness, pain, and limited movement of frozen shoulder, you're not alone — and you don't have to live with it. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can make everyday activities like dressing, driving, or reaching overhead frustrating and painful. At Advanced Radiology Solutions Vein & Vascular, we specialize in innovative, minimally invasive treatments like Frozen Shoulder Embolization that target the root cause of inflammation and pain without surgery.
Our board-certified interventional radiologists use advanced imaging to perform a same-day outpatient procedure that restores mobility and dramatically reduces pain. Whether you're an athlete trying to get back in the game or simply want to regain your independence, we’re here to help you move freely again. Call us today at (732) 608-2644 to schedule a consultation at our Manahawkin, NJ location — and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again
Shoulder adhesive capsulitis (SAC), or "frozen shoulder," affects 2%-5% of the general population, is more common in women, and typically occurs between ages 40-60. It can be linked to conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, or result from shoulder injuries, fractures, or surgeries.
Frozen Shoulder is considered to be self-limiting, with three
traditionally described phases:
an initial freezing or painful phase,
a frozen or stiff phase
final phase of thawing or recovery.
Unfortunately, these phases can often last up to 36 months. In recent years, trans-arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with SAC arises as a therapeutic alternative, with the aim of blocking arterial flow theoretically responsible for the inflammatory status.
What to expect:
Minimally Invasive
TAE is a non-surgical outpatient procedure performed through a tiny incision, usually in the wrist or groin. Prior to procedure you may be asked to out an ice pack on your shoulder joint. You will be administered local anesthetic to numb the area at the incision site
Guided by Imaging
using X-ray guidance, a small catheter is navigated to the arteries supplying the inflamed shoulder joint.
Targeting Inflammation
Tiny particles are injected to block the abnormal blood vessels feeding the chronic inflammation in the shoulder.
Pain Relief & Mobility
Reducing blood flow helps decrease pain, swelling, and nerve irritation—improving range of motion over time.
Quick Recovery
Most patients go home the same day and begin to notice gradual improvement within weeks, with little to no downtime.
Our Clinicians will keep in close contact with you for follow up to make sure you remain pain free and get back to doing what you love most.
Who Benefits the Most from Shoulder Artery Embolization (SAE)
(also called Transarterial Embolization or Frozen Shoulder Embolization)
| Patient Type | Why They Benefit | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain from Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) | Inflammation leads to abnormal new blood vessel growth around the joint capsule, which fuels pain and stiffness. Embolization blocks these vessels and decreases inflammation. | Significant reduction in pain and stiffness, often within weeks. Improved range of motion over 3–6 months. |
| Patients Who Failed Conservative Therapy (Physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, NSAIDs) | These patients often have persistent symptoms after months of rehab or medication. Embolization offers a minimally invasive next step before considering surgery. | 60–90% report meaningful improvement in pain and function in published studies. |
| Patients Who Are Poor Surgical Candidates (Older adults, those with medical comorbidities, or on blood thinners) | SAE is performed through a pinhole puncture in the wrist or groin, under local anesthesia — much safer than open or arthroscopic surgery. | Low risk, outpatient recovery, and preservation of joint anatomy. |
| Athletes or Active Individuals Seeking Faster Recovery | Embolization avoids cutting tissue, so downtime is minimal. Many resume light activities within days. | Rapid pain reduction and return to movement-based therapy. |
| Patients with Recurrent or Chronic Shoulder Tendinopathy / Calcific Tendinitis | In some cases, chronic inflammation and neovascularization drive persistent pain even after calcific deposit resolution. | Early data show pain relief and improved function similar to frozen shoulder cases. |
Summary
Shoulder Artery Embolization is best suited for:
- Patients with chronic shoulder pain (3+ months) unresponsive to standard therapy
- Frozen shoulder or chronic tendinopathy with evidence of inflammation on imaging
- Those wanting to avoid surgery or with medical conditions making surgery risky
Key Benefits
- Minimally invasive (no incisions)
- Outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- Quick pain relief and mobility improvement
- Very low complication rate (<2–3% in studies)
- Preserves all joint structures for future treatments if needed