TAME is a new exciting therapy that has demonstrated the ability to treat Adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) with very little risk, significant pain and motion improvement. This allows patients to return to their normal lives with improved quality and reduces use of medications.
While the name sounds complicated, the procedure is straightforward. A small IV (catheter) is inserted into the artery of the wrist or groin. Using the fluoroscopy machine (x-ray) we can travel inside the vessels to get to the joint, tendon or area of injury in question. Once we are in the appropriate area, images are obtained, and these images will show how much inflammation is present in the area in question and if it corresponds to the area of pain demonstrated by the patient. Many times, the images and area of inflammation match the area of pain.
Once we have confirmed the problem area, through a very small IV (about the size of a few strands of hair put together) we instill a medication that will either temporarily or permanently block these areas of persisting inflammation. This allows the joint to heal and the symptoms to improve.
This treatment can be applied potentially to any area of chronic overuse injury. As long as there is abnormal inflammation in the region, TAME can provide a solution for eliminating it. Each patient’s clinical scenario is individualized and the exact details, outcomes and longevity for their specific musculoskeletal issue will be discussed during the office visit.
