Shoulder Pain Treatment Denver
What Is Shoulder Embolization?
Chronic shoulder pain can make everyday activities feel impossible. If you’re struggling with persistent pain from conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy, shoulder impingement, or even a “frozen shoulder” (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder artery embolization is an innovative, non-surgical treatment that can provide lasting relief.
Using a tiny catheter inserted through the wrist or ankle, a joint pain doctor will create a detailed map of the blood vessels in your shoulder. We look for abnormal vessel growth, a condition that fuels chronic inflammation and pain. Once these problem areas are identified, we deliver microscopic, dissolvable particles to block them, reducing inflammation at its source without affecting healthy circulation.
Shoulder artery embolization is an excellent option for patients who have had pain for three to six months or more without relief from traditional therapies. The procedure itself is quick, typically lasting 60-90 minutes, and you can return home the same day to begin your recovery.
Symptoms of Chronic Shoulder Pain
- Pain when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back
- Pain at night that makes it difficult to sleep on your affected side
- Shoulder stiffness or a decreased range of motion
- A feeling of weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
- A catching, clicking, or grinding sensation in the shoulder
- Tenderness around the top of the shoulder joint
- Pain that gets worse with repetitive activity
How is Shoulder Pain Treated?
For most patients, the first step in treating shoulder pain involves conservative care, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections. However, when the pain continues, shoulder artery embolization offers a powerful next step.
This procedure targets the root cause of the persistent inflammation in the tendons and lining of your shoulder joint. By using advanced imaging to guide us, we can selectively reduce the abnormal blood flow that is causing your pain. This calms the inflammation and allows your shoulder to heal.
Because this is a minimally invasive procedure with no implants, recovery is fast. Many of our patients are back to their normal daily activities within 24-48 hours and gradually return to more strenuous tasks over the next one to two weeks. Your ECCO team will tailor recommendations based on imaging, goals, and exams.
Why Choose Ecco Medical?
At Ecco Medical, we specialize in advanced, outpatient treatments for conditions like chronic shoulder pain. With convenient locations in Denver and Pueblo, we make it easier for patients across Colorado to access expert care in a comfortable, non-hospital setting—without the long waits, high costs, or extended recovery times of traditional surgery.
Experienced Specialists
Our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in treating joint pain through advanced embolization techniques.
Precision Technology
We use high-resolution imaging and microsurgical tools to perform SAE with maximum accuracy and safety.
Whole-Person Approach
We take the time to listen, educate, and build a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
Move Freely Again with a Trusted Alternative to Shoulder Surgery
You don’t have to live with constant knee pain or face surgery to find relief. ECCO Medical can help you reclaim your mobility and quality of life through innovative, non-surgical options like Shoulder Artery Embolization. Ready to find out if SAE is right for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis-related shoulder pain?
The right treatment depends on your specific condition. For mild-to-moderate shoulder osteoarthritis with significant inflammation, shoulder artery embolization can dramatically reduce pain and improve function after other treatments have failed. For severe joint damage, a surgical option like shoulder replacement might be necessary. Our dedicated team will help you understand all your options and choose the best one for you.
What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is often caused by issues with the rotator cuff tendons, inflammation of the shoulder joint (sometimes called “impingement”), or a condition known as frozen shoulder. Other causes can include arthritis in the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade (AC joint) or even referred pain from the neck. A detailed examination and imaging will help us identify the exact source of your pain.
