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Low-Dose Radiation Therapy

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) has been used in European medicine for over 100 years. Only recently has it become available at select U.S. centers as a non-surgical, non-opioid option for chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
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LDRT for Active Adults

No anesthesia or sedation

No hospital stay

No disruption to daily life

Relief within 4–6 weeks

Results often last 1–3 years

What exactly is LDRT?

LDRT is a brief course of precisely targeted, very low-dose radiation delivered directly to an arthritic joint. Unlike cancer treatment — which uses high doses to destroy cells — LDRT uses doses 100–200x lower. Enough to calm the body’s inflammatory response, not enough to damage tissue.

At doses below 1 Gray (Gy) per fraction, radiation suppresses the pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for the pain cycle in osteoarthritis. The inflammation calms. The pain reduces. And in most patients, that relief lasts up to 3 years.

Common Candidates for LDRT

  • Age 50 or older
  • Have a clinical diagnosis of arthritis
  • Have tried other management options
  • Want a non-surgical option or to delay surgery

TREATMENT PROCESS

6 sessions. Under 10 minutes each.

LDRT uses precisely targeted, very low doses of radiation to calm the inflammatory process happening inside your joint. At 1/100th the dose used in treatment, it’s safe, fast, and fully outpatient.

Consultation

Review your imaging & confirm candidacy (~30 min)

CT Planning

Precise mapping of the joint for targeted delivery

6 Sessions

Outpatient, 2–3x/week over 2–3 weeks. Under 10 min each.

Follow-Up

3-month check-in. Relief typically begins within 4–6 weeks.
    Why LDRT Is a More Cost-Effective Long-Term Treatment Option
    One-time cost. Lasting relief. 5–10× more cost-efficient over 3–5 years.
    Treatment Factor✓ LDRTConventional Management
    One-Time Cost
    $6,000 – $8,000
    $8,000 – $22,000
    Duration of Relief
    1–3 Years
    Short Term
    Side Effects
    Minimal (Grade 0–1)
    GI, Cardiac, Addiction
    Anesthesia
    None
    Often Required
    Systemic Risk
    None
    Significant
    5-Year Total Cost
    $6,000 – $8,000
    $40,000 – $110,000+

    ✓ LDRT covered by Medicare & major private insurers (Evicore guidelines, Page 172 Section T) — minimal prior authorization issues

    LDRT Insights

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    LDRT and the Future of Radiation Therapy

    October 28, 2025
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    Ready to get moving?

    A consultation with our team takes about 30 minutes. We’ll review your imaging, confirm whether LDRT is right for you, and walk you through exactly what to expect.

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