Low-Dose Radiation Therapy

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) is an emerging, non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA).

What is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) is an anti-inflammatory treatment that uses very low doses of radiation to help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis.

This therapy has been used successfully throughout Europe for decades and is now gaining recognition in the United States as an effective option for patients who have not achieved adequate relief from traditional treatments.

How Does LDRT Work?

LDRT delivers precise, low doses of radiation directly to inflamed joint tissue. These low doses work by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Modulating the immune response
• Decreasing pain signals within the joint

Unlike the higher doses of radiation used in cancer treatment, LDRT uses significantly lower doses focused specifically on calming inflammation, with minimal risk of side effects.

Benefits of LDRT

• Non-Invasive: No surgery, injections, or anesthesia required
• Convenient: Six short outpatient treatments, each lasting approximately 10 minutes
• Effective: Most patients experience meaningful pain relief after the initial course
• Repeatable: Treatment may be repeated if additional relief is needed
• Covered by Insurance: Medicare and many commercial insurance plans provide coverage

What to Expect

Consultation
Meet with one of our radiation oncologists to discuss your symptoms and determine if LDRT is right for you.

Personalized Planning
Your treatment plan is customized based on the specific joint(s) affected and your level of discomfort.

Treatment Sessions
You will receive six brief outpatient treatments. Each session is quick, painless, and similar to having an X-ray. The majority of patients experience improvement after the first course of therapy.

Cost
LDRT is covered by Medicare and many commercial insurance plans.

Who May Benefit from LDRT?

LDRT may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have not experienced adequate relief from physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Prefer to reduce or eliminate reliance on pain medications
• Are seeking a non-surgical treatment option
• Are over the age of 65

Safety Profile

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy is considered very safe, with minimal side effects. The treatment is localized and does not impact healthy joints. There is no known interference with future surgical procedures if needed. The risk of long-term complications is extremely low.