A Non-Surgical Option for Lasting Pain Relief
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people. It develops when the protective cartilage in a joint gradually wears down, leading to:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced mobility
- Difficulty with everyday activities
If medications, physical therapy or joint injections are no longer providing enough relief, low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) may be another treatment option.
How Does Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Work?
Research shows LDRT helps reduce inflammation by:
- Decreasing inflammatory cells
- Lowering inflammatory cytokines
- Balancing the immune response
- Improving joint function and mobility
Many patients experience gradual pain relief over the weeks and months following treatment.
Who May Benefit?
LDRT may be an option if you have symptomatic osteoarthritis and continue to experience pain despite:
- Physical therapy or exercise
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint injections
- Other conservative treatments
It may also be appropriate for patients hoping to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.
Commonly treated joints include the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and feet.
What to Expect
Before Treatment
Your care begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist, who will review your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments to determine whether low-dose radiation therapy is right for you.
If you’re a candidate for treatment, you’ll undergo a brief CT planning scan that allows your care team to precisely map the affected joint and create a personalized treatment plan.
During Treatment
Low-dose radiation therapy is delivered on an outpatient basis, typically in six treatments over two to three weeks. Each visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the treatment itself is painless. No anesthesia is required.
After Treatment
There is no recovery period, so you can return to your normal activities right away.
Pain relief is often gradual and may continue to improve for several weeks or months after treatment.
For more information, call 410-601-5689
Frequently Asked Questions
Does low-dose radiation therapy work?
Clinical studies have shown that 60 to 80% of patients report meaningful pain relief, supporting
- Improved mobility
- Better quality of life
- Long-lasting symptom improvement
Is low-dose radiation therapy safe?
LDRT has been used safely for decades.
Side effects are uncommon and are typically mild. They may include:
- Mild skin redness
- Temporary fatigue
Patients do not become radioactive and are safe to be around family members, including children and pets.
Can I still have surgery later?
Yes. Receiving LDRT does not prevent you from having joint replacement surgery in the future.
How soon will I notice improvement?
Some patients begin feeling better within a few weeks, while others continue improving over several months.
Will I become radioactive?
No. The radiation is delivered only during treatment. There is no radiation left in your body afterward.