Living with osteoarthritis (OA) can mean chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that interfere with everyday life. For patients who have not found adequate relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, DCH Health System now offers an additional, non-surgical option: Low-Dose Radiotherapy (LDRT).
What Is Low-Dose Radiotherapy (LDRT)?
Low-Dose Radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses very low doses of radiation to reduce inflammation in affected joints. While radiation therapy is often associated with cancer care, LDRT uses significantly lower doses designed specifically to target inflammation rather than destroy tissue.
This approach has been used successfully for decades in Europe and is gaining increased recognition in the United States for managing osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
How LDRT Works
LDRT delivers precise, low doses of radiation directly to the inflamed area of a joint. The radiation helps calm the inflammatory process and modulate the immune response, which can lead to reduced pain and improved joint function. Unlike higher-dose radiation used for cancer treatment, LDRT focuses solely on inflammation control and carries minimal risk of side effects.
Benefits of LDRT
Patients considering LDRT may benefit from several advantages:
Non-invasive care: No surgery, injections, or anesthesia required
Quick outpatient treatment: Six sessions, each lasting about 10 minutes
Effective pain relief: Many patients experience significant improvement after the initial course
Repeatable if needed: Treatment can be safely repeated for continued relief
Insurance coverage: Covered by Medicare and many commercial insurance plans
What Patients Can Expect
The LDRT process is straightforward and patient-centered:
Consultation: Patients meet with a radiation oncologist to determine whether LDRT is appropriate for their condition
Personalized planning: Each treatment plan is customized to the specific joint and level of discomfort
Treatment sessions: Six quick, painless outpatient visits—often compared to getting an X-ray
Most patients report relief after completing the initial course of treatment.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
LDRT may be an option for patients with osteoarthritis who:
Have not experienced relief from physical therapy, medications, or injections
Want to reduce or avoid long-term medication use
Are seeking a non-surgical approach to pain management
Are age 40 or older, which helps minimize potential long-term risks
Safety and Side Effects
Low-Dose Radiotherapy is considered very safe, with minimal side effects and an extremely low risk of secondary conditions. The treatment does not affect healthy joints and does not interfere with future orthopedic or surgical options if they become necessary.
Expanding Care Options at DCH
By offering Low-Dose Radiotherapy, DCH Health System continues its commitment to providing innovative, evidence-based treatments that improve quality of life for patients across West Alabama. LDRT expands the range of options available for managing osteoarthritis pain—helping patients move more comfortably and live more fully.
