Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
A stiff, painful shoulder with inflammation and abnormal new vessels in the joint lining.
Reach, dress and sleep with less pain
For frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendon problems and shoulder arthritis that haven't improved with therapy or injections, our team evaluates whether TAME may be an option.
- Minimally invasive options
- Outpatient care, no hospital stay
- Insurance checked before your visit
- Se habla español
TAMETranscatheter arterial microembolization
Why it matters
When shoulder pain won't let go
Inflamed tissue in the shoulder can cause pain at night and make it hard to reach overhead or behind your back. With frozen shoulder and tendon problems, the body can grow extra tiny blood vessels into the inflamed area, and these may add to ongoing pain.
Most care starts with physical therapy, home stretching, medicine and injections. When pain lasts for months despite that care, transcatheter arterial microembolization (TAME) targets the blood flow to the inflamed tissue. Evidence for the shoulder is early, so we talk through realistic expectations with every patient.
Common symptoms
Does this sound familiar?
If any of these keep you from the things you enjoy, a visit can help find the cause and the options that fit you.
- Shoulder pain that's worse at night
- Trouble reaching overhead
- Trouble reaching behind your back
- Stiffness and lost range of motion
- Pain when getting dressed
- Pain lasting months despite therapy
Conditions we treat
Conditions we evaluate and treat
Rotator cuff tendon problems
Long-lasting pain from irritated rotator cuff tendons (tendinopathy) that has not improved with standard care.
Shoulder arthritis
Arthritis that inflames the shoulder joint, causing pain and stiffness.
Shoulder tears needing surgery
A full-thickness tear or other structural problem may need surgery instead. Imaging helps rule this out before TAME is considered.
Treatments
Treatment options
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, imaging and the treatments you have tried, then explains which options may fit.
TreatmentPhysical therapy and home stretching
Exercises to build strength and flexibility are the first step for most shoulder pain. Time is also part of healing for frozen shoulder.
- A tailored home stretching plan
- Helps you get the most from any treatment
Who it may help: Everyone with shoulder pain.
TreatmentMedicine and injections
Anti-inflammatory medicines and shoulder injections can calm pain for some people. PRP injections are another option your specialist can discuss.
- Done in the office
- Often tried before a procedure
Who it may help: People whose pain continues despite therapy and stretching.
TreatmentTAME
Transcatheter arterial microembolization
A thin catheter is usually placed in an artery at the wrist and guided by X-ray to the small vessels that feed the inflamed lining or tendon. Tiny particles reduce that blood flow. The goal is less pain, including pain at night, and easier movement.
- Outpatient; no hospital stay
- Usually through a small wrist puncture
- Evidence is early (small case series)
- Results vary
Who it may help: People with shoulder pain for 3 to 6 months or more despite physical therapy and at least one injection, without a full-thickness tear needing surgery.
Find out which options fit you
Our team checks your insurance before your visit.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up
Screening visit
We review your history, examine your shoulder and look at your imaging. Bring your medication list, insurance card, recent X-rays or MRI reports, and a list of treatments you have tried.
An honest plan
You and your specialist make a plan together, usually starting with the simplest options. We explain benefits, risks and alternatives, and if a procedure is not a good fit, we will tell you and suggest next steps. We check your insurance before anything is scheduled.
Outpatient treatment
If you are a candidate, the procedure is done at our main center through a small puncture, with numbing medicine and relaxing medicine. Most people rest a few hours and go home the same day.
Follow-up
We check in after treatment and track your pain, sleep and range of motion. Gentle exercise or physical therapy helps as pain eases; ask your specialist when to start.
Our team
Led by experienced physicians
Chief Medical Officer
Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, RPVI
Dr. Kumar is a board-certified cardiologist and vascular specialist who leads the Heart Vascular & Leg Center and Advanced Joint Pain & Vascular Center team. He treats arterial and venous disease, nonhealing wounds and joint pain with minimally invasive, image-guided techniques, and trained in joint embolization in Tokyo with Dr. Yuji Okuno.
Serving Kern County since 1992Part of Heart Vascular & Leg Center.
Minimally invasive careImage-guided options, done as outpatient procedures.
Insurance checked firstWe verify coverage and referrals before your visit.
Se habla españolOur team speaks English and Spanish.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is TAME for the shoulder?
Transcatheter arterial microembolization uses imaging and a small catheter to reduce blood flow to the inflamed lining or tendon. It uses the same approach as knee GAE.
Who may be a candidate?
People with frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendon problems or shoulder arthritis whose pain has lasted 3 months or more and hasn't improved enough with other treatments, and who want to avoid or delay surgery.
Will it fix a torn rotator cuff?
No. Full-thickness tears or other problems that need surgery are usually not a fit for TAME. Imaging helps rule out a tear before treatment.
How strong is the evidence?
Research on TAME for the shoulder is at an earlier stage than for the knee, and studies so far have been small. Your specialist will explain what is known, the possible benefits and risks, and other treatments.
Is embolization safe?
It is done through a tiny puncture, not surgery, but like any procedure it has risks. The most common are soreness, a short-term increase in joint pain and a bruise at the puncture site. Less common risks include temporary skin color change over the treated area, a reaction to contrast dye, infection or injury to the artery. Your specialist will talk through the risks for someone like you before you decide.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage for joint embolization varies, and some plans consider it still being studied. Before your visit, our team verifies your coverage, referral requirements and any expected costs. We accept Medicare and many other plans, but plan acceptance does not mean every procedure is covered.
Locations
Find a location near you
Enter your ZIP code or city to see our offices sorted by distance. Procedures are done at our main center; our other offices see patients for consultations and follow-up visits.
Visit us
- Call for an appointment
- (661) 324-4100
- Locations
- 8 offices across Central and Southern California. Find the one nearest you
- Main website
- heartandleg.com