Low-dose radiation therapy provides relief for pain sufferers

Known by many as an effective treatment for some cancers, radiation therapy is also proven to provide benefits for pain sufferers in the form of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT). People experiencing osteoarthritis and other orthopedic conditions may find benefits with this treatment option.

Is low-dose radiation right for you?

Patients generally must be 50 years old or older and must not have experienced the benefits of other care treatments. It’s not recommended for treating rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis or spinal conditions.

Conditions that may benefit from treatment:

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

What other treatment options do people often try first?

• Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise
• Topical pain relievers
• NSAIDs
• Steroid injections

What you should know about LDRT

Targets inflammation: LDRT pinpoints the inflammatory cells within a part of the body, such as a joint where you experience pain.

Small dose: As the name implies, a person undergoing LDRT will receive a low dose of radiation. The amount of radiation received by the body is measured in gray (Gy). A person undergoing radiation for cancer treatment will receive a high dose, around 60 Gy. For benign tissue overgrowth, such as a keloid scar, a person may receive around 20-30 Gy. In comparison, a common dose for LDRT is significantly less, at 3 Gy. At this level, there are negligible side effects.

Treatment schedule: Patients can expect to receive six, 15-minute sessions via a radiation machine. The sessions are spread over the course of two to three weeks.

Multiple treatments at once: You may have multiple joints treated in the same session.

What you can expect to gain from LDRT

Reduced pain: Studies show nearly 70% of patients report an improvement in their pain and most say it lasted up to two years after their first treatment.

Improved mobility: As inflammation goes down, you can expect to see improved mobility in the treated area.

No serious side effects: The treatment has no reported acute or long-term side effects. In rare cases, patients may notice mild skin redness.

No down time: As patients receive this non-invasive procedure, they can continue everyday activities.

Prolonged time without surgery: LDRT can be a great option for someone who is not ready for surgery but is not finding relief through other therapies, such as medications, physical therapy or injections. It’s also an option for people who are not eligible for surgery.