Understanding Chronic Shoulder Pain: Causes, Impact & Non-Surgical Relief at Prospero Vascular
Chronic shoulder pain is more than just a nuisance—it can significantly limit your range of motion, interfere with sleep, and make everyday tasks feel impossible. Whether it stems from injury, overuse, or age-related degeneration, long-standing shoulder pain deserves attention and effective treatment.
At Prospero Vascular & Interventional (PVI) in the East Bay, we provide non-surgical, image-guided treatments that relieve pain at the source and restore mobility—without the need for joint replacement or prolonged recovery time.
What Is Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Chronic shoulder pain refers to discomfort that lasts for 12 weeks or longer. It can be dull, sharp, or radiating—and often worsens with motion or during rest.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Persistent pain or aching
- Reduced range of motion
- Discomfort with overhead activities
- Clicking or grinding in the joint
- Weakness in the arm or shoulder
- Pain that interferes with sleep
Common Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Several musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions can lead to long-term shoulder pain:
1. Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of joint cartilage leads to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
This condition causes thickening and tightening of the joint capsule, severely limiting mobility.
3. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Inflammation or tears in the rotator cuff from overuse or aging.
4. Bursitis
Swelling of the bursae—fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint.
5. Post-Traumatic Pain
Previous injuries or surgeries may result in chronic shoulder pain that worsens over time.
Why Chronic Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Without proper treatment, shoulder pain can progress—leading to:
- Joint degeneration
- Muscle atrophy
- Increased fall risk
- Loss of independence
- Emotional fatigue and poor sleep quality
Innovative Non-Surgical Treatment at Prospero VI
We offer a breakthrough procedure known as Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization (ACE)—a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that reduces inflammation and restores shoulder mobility.
âś… What Is ACE?
ACE targets abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic inflammation in the shoulder. Using advanced imaging, our specialist blocks these vessels to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
âś… How It Works:
- A micro-catheter is inserted through a small incision (often in the arm or groin)
- The catheter is navigated to the blood vessels feeding the inflamed shoulder joint
- Microsphere particles are injected to block abnormal blood flow
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia
- No hospital stay is needed—you go home the same day
âś… Benefits of ACE:
- Minimally invasive with minimal downtime
- No general anesthesia required
- Reduces inflammation at the source
- Ideal for patients unresponsive to physical therapy or steroid injections
What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery is quick and straightforward:
- Mild soreness at the incision site may last 1–2 days
- Symptom relief begins within a week and improves steadily
- Patients can usually return to daily activities in just a few days
Why Choose Prospero Vascular & Interventional?
At PVI, we combine clinical expertise with personalized care to provide a better path forward for patients with chronic joint and nerve pain.
âś” Expert Interventional Radiologist
Board-certified with advanced training in image-guided musculoskeletal procedures
âś” Minimally Invasive Focus
Safe, outpatient treatments with low risk and fast recovery
âś” State-of-the-Art Imaging
Precision-guided therapy for targeted results
âś” Whole-Person Care
We listen to your concerns, educate you on your options, and tailor treatment to your goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if my shoulder pain is chronic?
A: If your pain has lasted longer than 12 weeks and conservative care hasn’t improved it, doctors may consider it chronic. Other signs include stiffness, limited movement, and nighttime discomfort.
Q: What makes Prospero VI’s approach different?
A: We specialize in non-surgical, image-guided treatments that treat the root cause of your pain with precision and minimal downtime—without relying on medication or surgery.
Q: Is ACE only for frozen shoulder?
A: While it’s particularly effective for frozen shoulder, ACE can also help with other forms of chronic shoulder inflammation that haven’t responded to traditional care.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The surgeon performs the ACE procedure in our outpatient suite under local anesthesia, and it takes approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Q: What’s the recovery like?
A: Most patients return to light activities within a few days. Pain relief typically begins within the first week and continues to improve.
Q: Is this treatment covered by insurance?
A: Coverage may vary. Our office team will help verify your insurance benefits and explain all costs before your procedure.
Q: Do I need a referral to book a consultation?
A: No referral is required. Simply call us directly at (510) 977-8466, and we’ll help you get started.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Shoulder pain shouldn’t define your life. At Prospero Vascular & Interventional, we offer safe, non-surgical options that work—so you can move better, feel better, and live better.
đź“ž Call (510) 977-8466 or visit https://prosperovascular.com to book your consultation today.
Move Better. Feel Better. Live Better.
