At Ackerman Cancer Center, our mission is to deliver the highest quality personalized care while serving people across all walks of life. In addition to providing advanced radiation oncology treatments, we are dedicated to improving quality of life through innovative therapies that reduce pain, ease symptoms, and promote healing from Arthritis.
For patients struggling with chronic arthritis pain who haven’t found lasting relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy, there is another option. Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain without surgery or long-term medication use.
What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)?
LDRT uses a very small, precisely controlled dose of radiation to calm inflammation in painful joints. Unlike higher-dose radiation used to treat cancer, LDRT delivers only what is needed to decrease swelling, slow disease progression, and support joint health.
Here’s how it works:
- Reduces inflammation: LDRT decreases activity in inflammatory cells that cause pain and stiffness.
- Helps regulate the immune system: It balances the body’s response to inflammation, minimizing long-term damage.
- Supports lasting pain relief: Many patients experience steady improvement and better mobility following treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
LDRT treatments are quick, comfortable, and do not require anesthesia or downtime. Each session lasts around 15- 20 minutes and takes place on an outpatient basis.
A typical course of care includes:
- Consultation: Your radiation oncologist reviews your diagnosis, symptoms, and previous treatments.
- Treatment planning: A CT scan is used to map the exact area being treated for precise targeting.
- Treatment sessions: Most patients receive treatment two to three times per week for about two weeks.
- Follow-up: Our board-certified radiation oncologists monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Most patients begin to notice improvement within one to three months. If necessary, an additional series of treatments may be recommended safely later on.
Who May Benefit from LDRT
You may be a good candidate for LDRT if you:
- Experience chronic joint pain that worsens with movement or weight-bearing
- Have morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more
- Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or another inflammatory joint condition
- Get only partial relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy
Safety and Effectiveness
Modern research continues to confirm its safety and success. Studies show that:
- About two-thirds of patients report significant pain relief after their first treatment course
- A majority of patients who receive a second course experience additional improvement
- Overall, about 80% of patients enjoy better mobility and reduced pain
Because the radiation dose is much lower than what is used in cancer treatment, side effects are minimal, and the therapy is considered very safe. In fact, LDRT is widely used in countries such as Germany to help patients living with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Cost of Care at Ackerman Cancer Center
The out-of-pocket cost is $4,000, which covers the full course of treatment. Please note that the initial consultation with a board-certified radiation oncologist will be billed separately through your insurance, and a co-pay may apply based on your individual plan.
For your convenience, we accept credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, and money orders at our office.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn whether Low-Dose Radiation Therapy could help relieve your arthritis pain, contact Ackerman Cancer Center to schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncologists by visiting our website or calling (904) 880-5522.
Additional Resources:
