Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)
Relief from Arthritis Pain - Without Surgery
Chronic arthritis pain can make everyday movement feel harder than it should. Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) is a non-surgical option that uses very small, targeted doses of radiation to help reduce inflammation in painful joints, with treatment focused only on the affected area.
What is Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)?
LDRT uses small, precise doses of radiation that are significantly lower than those used to treat cancer. These low doses are delivered to a specific joint to help reduce inflammation that can contribute to chronic arthritis-related pain and stiffness.
Treatment is carefully planned and focused only on the joint being treated. Common treatment areas include knee, hand, shoulder, ankle and foot.
Who may be a candidate?
Clinical studies have shown that LDRT can provide significant and long-lasting symptom relief, especially for patients who:
- Have not responded well to standard therapies such as medication, physical therapy or injections
- Are not candidates for surgery due to age, medical conditions or other factors
- Are seeking a non-invasive alternative to joint replacement
A consultation with a board-certified radiation oncologist at SMMC is required to determine if LDRT may be appropriate for you.
What to expect
Most LDRT treatment plans include:
- Six short outpatient sessions delivered over approximately three weeks
- Each session takes just a few minutes
- You can resume normal activities immediately after each visit
Your care team will explain the process, answer questions and review your personalized treatment plan.
Safety information
The radiation dose used for arthritis treatment is very low and limited to the affected joint. Side effects are uncommon and generally mild.
LDRT for chronic joint pain does not cause hair loss, nausea or fatigue.
Important information about results and insurance coverage
- LDRT is not a cure for arthritis, and results vary between individuals.
- Coverage by Medicare or other insurers may depend on medical necessity and your individual plan’s policies.
Meet the Physician
Dr. Sanjeev Sharma is a board-certified radiation oncologist, who actively participates in research with the Radiosurgery Society through the RSSearch Patient Registry. He is an expert in SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery), SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy) and LDRT (low dose radiation therapy).
Since 1997, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma has served the Tri-state region's cancer patients at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Schedule a consultation
To learn more about Low Dose Radiation Therapy for chronic joint pain and see if it may be right for you, call 304.526.1143 to schedule your consultation today.