MSK Embolization

Joint Pain Treatment in Flint

Chronic joint pain in the hips, shoulders, or knees can make everyday movements uncomfortable. Over time, it can take a serious toll on your quality of life. When physical therapy, medications, or injections no longer provide relief, Musculoskeletal (MSK) Embolization, also known as Micro Embolization, offers a minimally invasive option that treats pain at its source.
At the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint, our vascular specialists perform advanced, image-guided MSK embolization to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and avoid surgery.

What Is Musculoskeletal (MSK) Embolization?

MSK embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to reduce chronic joint pain caused by inflammation. Irritated joints can develop abnormal blood vessels that fuel inflammation and pain — particularly in weight-bearing and high-use joints like the hips, knees, and shoulders.

Using real-time imaging, a specialist guides a thin catheter through an artery to the affected joint. Tiny microscopic particles are then delivered to block the abnormal blood flow, reducing inflammation and allowing the joint to heal naturally.

Conditions Treated with MSK Embolization

MSK embolization is commonly used to treat chronic pain related to:

Knee Pain

  • Osteoarthritis and chronic knee inflammation

Shoulder Pain

  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Synovitis or bursitis causing persistent shoulder inflammation

Hip Pain

  • Hip arthritis
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (trochanteric syndrome)

Patients who continue to experience pain despite conservative treatments may be good candidates for this advanced, nonsurgical option.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Joint Pain

You may benefit from MSK embolization if you experience:

  • Ongoing hip, knee, or shoulder pain that limits daily activity
  • Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
  • Pain that worsens with movement or weight-bearing
  • Limited relief from physical therapy, medications, or injections

Why Choose MSK Embolization for Joint Pain?

MSK embolization offers meaningful pain relief without the risks or recovery associated with surgery. Key benefits include:

  • Significant reduction in joint pain and inflammation
  • No incisions or stitches
  • Local anesthesia only
  • Same-day discharge
  • Faster recovery compared to surgical options
  • Long-lasting relief by addressing the underlying cause

Compare Your Joint Pain Treatment Options

Feature MSK Embolization Steroid Injections Joint Surgery
Type Minimally invasive, image-guided Anti-inflammatory injection Surgical procedure
Relief Duration Long-term Short-term Long-term
Recovery Days Immediate Weeks to months
Anesthesia Local only None General or local
Risks Very low Cartilage damage with repeated use Infection, blood clots, nerve injury

Why Patients Choose the Vascular Institute of Michigan

Patients across Flint and throughout Michigan trust the Vascular Institute of Michigan for advanced, minimally invasive care delivered with precision and compassion.

  • Accredited Excellence: The first vascular office in Michigan to earn Joint Commission accreditation for Office-Based Surgery
  • Specialist Expertise: Board-certified vascular surgeons with extensive experience in embolization and image-guided procedures
  • Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art imaging for precise, targeted treatment

  • Coordinated Care: Seamless support from consultation through follow-up

  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Care tailored to each patient’s condition, goals, and lifestyle

Our mission is to deliver innovative vascular and endovascular care that restores comfort, mobility, and confidence.

What to Expect During MSK Embolization

Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. MSK embolization is typically completed in about an hour and feels far less intimidating than many patients expect.

  • Local anesthesia and light sedation for comfort
  • A catheter is guided to the blood vessels supplying the painful joint
  • Microparticles are released to reduce abnormal blood flow and inflammation
  • A small bandage is placed — no stitches required
  • Patients walk out the same day

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days.

Recovery and Results After MSK Embolization

Recovery after MSK embolization is typically quick and well-tolerated. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days.

As inflammation decreases, patients often notice gradual pain relief and improved joint function over the following weeks and months. Many experience lasting improvement without the need for surgery.

Our team provides personalized follow-up care to monitor progress and ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSK Embolization

Chronic joint pain is often caused by arthritis, overuse, prior injury, or degenerative changes that lead to ongoing inflammation within the joint.

Yes. MSK embolization is a low-risk, image-guided procedure performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Many patients notice improvement within weeks, with continued relief as inflammation subsides.

MSK embolization offers pain relief without incisions, general anesthesia, or lengthy recovery, making it an attractive option for patients seeking a nonsurgical solution.

Coverage varies. Our team will help verify benefits and discuss options prior to treatment.

Find Relief from Chronic Joint Pain Without Surgery

Living with chronic hip, knee, or shoulder pain doesn’t have to be your normal. At the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint, we help patients move more comfortably and confidently without surgery.

If conservative treatments haven’t worked, there’s a proven alternative.

Request a consultation today and take the next step toward lasting relief from joint pain.