Cancer Treatments

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for Osteoarthritis Relief

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System offers Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)—a proven, noninvasive treatment option for adults experiencing moderate to severe osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain. This non-surgical therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.

What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?

LDRT uses very small, targeted doses of radiation to treat painful, inflamed joints. These doses are significantly lower than those used for cancer treatment and carry a low risk of side effects. Although still emerging in the U.S., LDRT has been used safely and effectively in Europe and other countries for more than 100 years.

Who Can Benefit from LDRT?

This therapy may be ideal for adults over 40 who:

• Have persistent joint pain from osteoarthritis
• Have not found relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Are not ideal candidates for joint replacement
• Want to delay or avoid surgery
• Are looking for improved mobility and reduced daily pain

Common treatment areas include the knees, hands, shoulders, and hips.

Why Choose LDRT?

Patients turn to LDRT for its:

• Noninvasive, low-risk approach
• Potential to reduce chronic pain when other treatments fall short
• Improved joint function and mobility
• Short, outpatient sessions with no recovery downtime

How Treatment Works

At Saint Mary’s, LDRT is provided by a specialized team trained in delivering low-dose radiation for non-cancerous conditions. Treatments are brief, painless, and completed on an outpatient basis over several sessions.

Coordinated Care with Your Provider

Dr. Sam Hughes works closely with referring physicians to evaluate eligibility and coordinate care. Providers receive updates throughout the process to ensure seamless treatment and follow-up.

Is LDRT Right for You?

If you’re living with chronic joint pain and standard treatments are no longer enough, talk with your primary care provider or specialist about whether Low-Dose Radiation Therapy at Saint Mary’s may be a safe and effective option.