Osteoarthritis
A few short, low-dose sessions can reduce joint pain and restore movement — without surgery, anesthesia or another prescription.
About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, caused by progressive degeneration of cartilage. Over years, this degeneration gradually leads to increasing pain within the joints. The areas most commonly affected are the hands, knees, hips and spine.
About 32 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis, and that number is rising rapidly as the population ages.
How low-dose radiation therapy helps
Pain relief
Clinical studies demonstrate that LDRT can significantly reduce pain levels by targeting inflammatory processes within the joint. Many patients report noticeable improvement within weeks of completing treatment.
Improved mobility and function
Reduced pain allows for increased movement. After LDRT, patients have been able to increase physical activities — walking, climbing stairs, gardening, golfing — with less pain. Over time, better mobility can mean a better quality of life and decreased use of pain medications.
Minimal side effects
Side effects from LDRT are rare. Patients may experience slight skin irritation or temporary mild fatigue. There are no documented long-term side effects.
A non-invasive alternative
LDRT is painless and non-invasive. There is no hospitalization and no anesthesia.
Cost-effective
Compared with the ongoing cost of medications and physical therapy, LDRT can provide long-term relief with less financial burden.
What to expect
The same device used to administer radiation therapy for cancer is also used for treating osteoarthritis. The primary difference is the amount of radiation given in each treatment — arthritis requires only a few sessions of low-dose treatment.
An advanced machine called a linear accelerator creates a precise beam of radiation directed only at the affected joints, avoiding damage to the surrounding normal tissue. Multiple joints — those in the hand, knee or ankle — can be treated in a single session.
Generally, LDRT for osteoarthritis requires only a few treatments over two to three weeks, and each session takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
A note on radiation dose
Treatment for benign conditions uses a small fraction of the dose used to treat cancer. The machine is the same; the prescription is not. Your physician will walk you through exactly what is delivered and why.
Benign Conditions
Is This an Option for You?
A consultation is the fastest way to find out. Most patients are seen within a few days.
Request a consultationTired of managing joint pain with medication?
A consultation costs you an hour and answers the question. Ask whether radiation therapy belongs in your treatment plan.