[5 min read]
- The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that osteoarthritis affects some 33 million Americans age 45 and older.
- The most frequestly affected joint is the knee, followed by the hip and hand. Pain can range from moderate to severe, and affect many aspects of daily living.
- Providence Swedish offers an innovative treatment using low-dose radiation that can help reduce your arthritis pain and get you back to doing the thngs you love.
- Read the blog to learn more from a Providence Swedish expert.
Many of us know what it's like to wak eup with that of waking up Are you struggling with joint pain? You're not alone. Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading causes of pain and reduced mobility among older adults. While treatments such as medication, physical therapy and joint replacement surgery can help, they aren't the right fit for everyone. For patients seeking another option, Providence Swedish offers an innovative, non-invasive therapy that can help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has been used safely for decades in Europe to treat painful inflammatory joint conditions and is now becoming increasingly available in the United States. Unlike the high-dose radiation used to treat cancer, LDRT delivers very small amounts of radiation that help calm inflammation in and around affected joints. The goal isn't to cure osteoarthritis, but to reduce pain, improve function and help patients stay active and independent
For some patients, LDRT may fill an important gap between conservative treatments and surgery. The noninvasive therapy is typically completed in six short outpatient sessions over one to three weeks and may provide lasting relief for people whose symptoms are no longer responding to medications, injections or other treatments. Studies and clinical experience suggest many patients experience meaningful improvements in pain and mobility, allowing them to get back to activities that matter most.
"Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide, yet many people are unaware that low-dose radiation therapy is an available treatment option,” says Providence Swedish radiation oncologist Daniela Buscariollo, M.D. “In fact, this approach has been used for decades in parts of Europe with excellent results but remains underutilized in North America. What excites me most about LDRT is that it expands the conversation around arthritis care. Not every patient wants long-term medications, and not every patient is ready or a good candidate for surgery. LDRT offers an additional evidence-based, non-invasive option that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and keep people doing the things they love. My hope is that by increasing awareness, more patients can learn about all of the tools available to help them live well with osteoarthritis.”
Dr. Buscariollo shared more about the therapy and how it works and why it is emerging as a promising new option for chronic joint pain relief.
1. What is low dose radiation therapy? Are there risks involved?
Low-dose radiation therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for painful musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and tendinopathies. Unlike the higher doses of radiation used to treat cancer, LDRT uses very small doses specifically aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Because the radiation dose is so low, most patients experience little to no acute side effects during treatment. Importantly, there is no evidence that LDRT accelerates the progression of OA or increases surgical risks for patients who may eventually require joint replacement. For many people, it offers a safe, well-tolerated option when pain begins to interfere with daily life.
2. How does it treat osteoarthritis?
At low doses, radiation therapy has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoarthritis is not simply "wear and tear.” Inflammation within the joint also plays a significant role in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. By delivering targeted radiation to the affected joint, LDRT helps reduce inflammation and can lead to meaningful improvements in pain, function, and quality of life. The goal is to help patients move more comfortably and return to the activities they enjoy.
3. I've been living with joint pain and it isn't that bad. When should I consider this therapy?
The decision to consider LDRT is less about how severe your arthritis looks on an X-ray and more about how much it affects your life. If joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility is preventing you from doing the things you enjoy, whether that's exercising, traveling, gardening, working, or simply staying active, it's reasonable to explore LDRT as a treatment option. Many patients seek treatment before symptoms become debilitating, with the goal of maintaining their independence and quality of life rather than waiting until pain becomes severe.
4. Is it used in conjunction with any medications?
One of the advantages of LDRT is that it does not require patients to start or stop any medications. Treatments commonly used for arthritis and pain management do not interfere with LDRT, so most patients can continue their usual medications and treatments throughout the course of therapy. LDRT is often part of a broader treatment plan that may also include exercise, physical therapy, weight management, medications, or other interventions tailored to the individual patient.
5. If I've had radiation for cancer in the past, am I still a candidate?
In general, previous radiation therapy is an important consideration because every area of the body has a limit to how much radiation it can safely receive over a lifetime. Fortunately, the doses used for LDRT are dramatically lower than those used to treat cancer and are well below the tolerance levels of normal tissues and organs. As a result, many patients remain eligible for LDRT even if the treatment area overlaps with a previously irradiated site. Every case is reviewed individually, taking into account prior treatments, the location of the arthritis, and a patient's overall medical history to ensure treatment remains safe and appropriate.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, Providence Swedish is here for you. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your clinician to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
What you "kneed" to know about caring for your joints
How do you know if it’s arthritis?
Swedish experts can help ease the burden of overwhelming chronic pain
The right place for the right treatment: emergency department, urgent care, or primary care?
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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