Minimally Invasive MSK Embolization for Joint and Tendor Pain in San Francisco

At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute, we provide MSK Embolization, a minimally invasive treatment that targets the abnormal blood vessels fueling inflammation in joints and tendons. By reducing pain at the source, this procedure helps patients who have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or injections return to daily activities without surgery.

What Is MSK Embolization?

MSK Embolization (musculoskeletal embolization) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow driving chronic inflammation in joints and tendons. By selectively blocking these tiny blood vessels, the treatment calms irritation and allows tissue to heal naturally.

Patients often seek MSK Embolization when they have tried physical therapy, injections, or medications without lasting relief. Common conditions that may benefit include shoulder pain, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendon pain, and knee pain related to tendinitis.

At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute, our specialists perform MSK Embolization using advanced imaging technology to ensure precision, safety, and effective pain relief without major surgery.

Who is a Candidate for MSK Embolization?

MSK Embolization is designed for patients with chronic joint or tendon pain that has not improved with conservative care. If you have tried physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections without lasting results, you may benefit from this procedure.

Conditions commonly treated with MSK Embolization include:

• Knee pain from patellar or quadriceps tendinopathy (learn more about GAE for knee arthritis here)

• Shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy or bursitis

• Elbow pain such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow

• Hip pain related to tendon irritation or inflammation

• Ankle pain from chronic tendon or joint issues

• Achilles tendon pain related to tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain

• Wrist pain related to tendon or joint inflammation

• Hand and finger pain from tendon irritation

• Other persistent tendon or joint pain that has not improved with standard treatments

Our specialists at San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if MSK Embolization is right for you. To get started, take our short WOMAC Survey. A score over 25 may indicate that you are a good candidate. Once complete, schedule a consultation with our vascular team to review your results and discuss next steps.

What to Expect During Your MSK Procedure:

Consultation and Evaluation
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation at San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute. Our vascular specialists will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging to confirm whether MSK Embolization is the right option for your joint or tendon pain.

Outpatient Procedure in Our Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center
The procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center for maximum safety and comfort. Using a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin artery, a catheter is guided with advanced imaging to the blood vessels causing inflammation. Embolic material is then placed to block abnormal blood flow and reduce pain at the source.

Recovery and Aftercare
Because MSK Embolization is minimally invasive, patients return home the same day. Light soreness or bruising at the entry site may occur, but downtime is minimal. Many people begin noticing improvements within weeks as inflammation decreases and healing progresses.

How Long Does MSK Embolization Last?

Many patients experience significant and lasting pain relief after MSK Embolization. Studies show that improvements in joint and tendon pain can continue for months to years as inflammation decreases and tissue healing progresses.

Because the treatment addresses the underlying abnormal blood flow that fuels chronic inflammation, relief often extends well beyond what medications or injections provide. Results vary depending on the severity of the condition and overall health, but most patients report improved mobility and function that lasts long term.

Key Benefits of MSK Embolization:

MSK Embolization offers several important advantages for patients living with chronic joint and tendon pain:

• Non-surgical treatment: Provides relief without the risks or long recovery of open surgery

• Minimally invasive approach: Performed through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin artery, with little to no scarring

• Targets the source of pain: Blocks abnormal blood vessels that drive inflammation instead of only masking symptoms

• Short recovery time: Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within days

• Long-lasting results: Many people experience sustained improvements in pain, mobility, and function

• Option when other therapies fail: Helps patients who have not improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections

At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute, our vascular specialists use advanced imaging technology to ensure precision, safety, and the best possible outcomes.

Why Choose SFVVI for Genicular Artery Embolization?

At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute, we are leaders in minimally invasive treatments for vascular and musculoskeletal conditions. Patients choose us for MSK Embolization because we offer:

• Specialized expertise: Our board-certified vascular specialists have extensive experience performing embolization procedures for joint and tendon pain.

• Certified ambulatory surgery center: Procedures are performed in our accredited outpatient facility, ensuring the highest level of safety, comfort, and quality care.

• Advanced imaging technology: We use state-of-the-art imaging to guide each procedure with precision.

• Comprehensive approach: Our team evaluates each patient individually, offering MSK Embolization, Genicular Artery Embolization for knee arthritis, and other minimally invasive options when appropriate.

• Personalized recovery plans: We focus on helping patients return to daily life quickly, with long-lasting results.

Schedule a Consultation:

If you are living with ongoing joint or tendon pain and conservative treatments have not provided relief, MSK Embolization may be the solution. Our team at SFVVI specializes in advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to target the source of pain and restore function.

Take the first step toward lasting relief by scheduling a consultation with our vascular specialists today. We will review your symptoms, discuss whether MSK Embolization is right for you, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Call Us: 415-221-7056
Location: 1 Daniel Burnham Court, Ste 205C, San Francisco, CA 94109
Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is MSK Embolization?
MSK Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks small blood vessels fueling inflammation in joints or tendons. Using advanced imaging, a catheter delivers tiny particles to reduce abnormal blood flow. This helps decrease pain and restore function.

2. Who is a good candidate for MSK Embolization?
Patients with chronic joint or tendon pain who have not improved with therapy, medication, or injections may be good candidates. MSK Embolization is used for conditions such as shoulder pain, elbow pain, knee pain, hip pain, ankle pain, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, wrist pain, and hand or finger pain.

3. How long does relief from MSK Embolization last?
Many patients report improvements that continue for months or longer. Results vary, but MSK Embolization often provides more durable relief than injections or medications.

4. What is recovery like after MSK Embolization?
Patients return home the same day. Some soreness or bruising at the entry site may occur, but downtime is minimal. Improvements usually build over several weeks as inflammation decreases and healing progresses.

5. How is MSK Embolization different from surgery?
MSK Embolization does not require large incisions or removal of tissue. It targets inflammation at the source with a tiny catheter, allowing for faster recovery and lower risk compared to surgery.

6. Is MSK Embolization safe?
Yes. MSK Embolization is performed by experienced vascular specialists in a certified ambulatory surgery center. Risks are low, and complications are uncommon.

7. How soon will I feel pain relief after MSK Embolization?
Some patients notice improvements within days. For many, the most significant relief develops gradually over several weeks.

8. Can MSK Embolization be repeated?
If symptoms return, MSK Embolization can sometimes be repeated. Your vascular specialist will review your case and determine if a second treatment is appropriate.

9. Can GAE be repeated if my pain returns?
Yes. If your pain returns over time, your physician can evaluate whether a second embolization is appropriate..

10. Does insurance cover MSK Embolization?
Insurance coverage for MSK Embolization varies. Our staff will help you review your insurance benefits and discuss payment options before treatment.

11. Is MSK Embolization considered experimental?
MSK Embolization is an emerging but well-studied procedure. Clinical studies from leading medical centers show that MSK Embolization can significantly reduce joint and tendon pain when other treatments have failed. While some insurance companies still review it on a case-by-case basis, the procedure is performed regularly in certified ambulatory surgery centers with excellent safety results.

12. Does MSK Embolization help arthritis?
MSK Embolization may provide relief for patients with arthritis by reducing abnormal blood flow and inflammation that contribute to joint pain. For knee arthritis, the procedure is often referred to as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Patients with arthritis in other joints may also benefit, depending on the severity and location of their pain.