Low-dose radiation therapy

Low-dose radiation therapy is a proven treatment that uses a radiation machine to deliver a low dose of radiation to an affected joint or other body part. Treatment is administered every other day over the course of two or three weeks, for a total of six sessions. Therapy sessions average 15 minutes in length. Multiple joints can be treated in the same session.

Low-dose radiation therapy targets the inflammatory cells within the affected joint, decreasing pain signals and improving joint function. This therapy does not change the joint structure itself but helps relieve the inflammation that contributes to pain.

Some of the benefits of low-dose radiation therapy include:

• Reduced Pain: Multiple studies have shown that nearly 70% of patients treated had improvement in their pain. 
• Lasting Pain Relief: Most patients reported relief lasting up to two years after their first treatment. 
• Non-Invasive: Low-dose radiation therapy is non-invasive and painless. Patients can continue daily activities while receiving treatment. 
• Potential to delay or avoid invasive procedures.
• Improved joint mobility.
• Minimal Side Effects: The treatment has no reported acute or long-term side effects. Mild skin redness is possible, but rare.

Low-dose radiation therapy can be used to manage pain in the hands, fingers, knees, hips, ankles, feet and shoulders. Conditions treated include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendonitis

Patients generally must be aged 50 or older and have not experienced the benefits of standard care treatments. Patients under the age of 50 may be eligible if they experience persistent pain after conservative therapies or if their condition affects their livelihood.

Low-dose radiation therapy is not effective for rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. It is also not recommended for spinal conditions.