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Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for Arthritis: A Noninvasive Osteoarthritis Treatment at EHS

May 1, 2026

Skeleton illustration showing highlighted red glowing areas around joints to indicate arthritis pain.

Chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis can make everyday activities difficult, limiting mobility and overall quality of life. Many patients try medications, physical therapy or injections, yet still struggle to find lasting relief.

At Episcopal Health Services (EHS), advanced treatment options continue to evolve. While radiation therapy is most commonly used to treat cancer, the TrueBeam Linear Accelerator is now being utilized in a new way, delivering Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for arthritis to help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.

This innovative, noninvasive treatment is FDA-approved and now available through the Radiation for Arthritis and Painful Inflammatory Disorders (RAPID) Program at EHS, offering new hope for patients seeking alternatives to surgery.

What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Arthritis?

TrueBeam radiation therapy at EHS is an advanced, targeted, low-dose treatment for osteoarthritis that focuses on reducing inflammation rather than destroying tissue.

Unlike traditional radiation used in cancer care, this approach delivers very low doses of radiation to:

  • Reduce inflammation in the joint
  • Ease swelling and stiffness
  • Improve joint function and overall comfort

The treatment works by influencing key inflammatory pathways, including cytokine activity and cellular signaling within the joint environment. The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator enables physicians to deliver this therapy with exceptional precision and accuracy, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Who Is a Candidate for Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis?

LDRT at EHS is primarily used for patients with osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

This treatment may be recommended for individuals who:

  • Continue to experience joint pain despite medications or physical therapy
  • Have not found adequate relief from injections or bracing
  • Wish to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
  • Are not ideal candidates for surgical intervention
  • Are seeking a noninvasive treatment option for arthritis

Commonly treated joints include:

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Hands and fingers
  • Feet and ankles

This therapy is typically considered after conservative treatment options have been explored.

What to Expect During TrueBeam Treatment at EHS

Patients receiving LDRT for arthritis can expect a simple and convenient experience.

Treatment includes:

  • Outpatient care
  • Short treatment sessions, typically lasting just a few minutes
  • No pain during treatment
  • No injections, incisions or anesthesia

A typical treatment schedule includes:

  • Six total sessions
  • Two to three treatments per week
  • A total treatment period of approximately two weeks

Patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after each visit, making this a no-downtime arthritis treatment option.

How Effective Is Radiation Therapy for Joint Pain?

Many patients experience:

  • Reduced joint pain
  • Improved mobility
  • Greater ease in performing daily activities

While results may vary:

  • Some patients notice improvement within a few days to weeks
  • Others experience gradual relief over the course of several months
  • In select patients, pain relief may last up to several years

Emerging research continues to support the use of low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis, with encouraging outcomes in both pain reduction and functional improvement.

Why Choose EHS for Arthritis Treatment?

Patients choose EHS for innovative treatments like TrueBeam therapy because of its commitment to:

  • Advanced medical technology
  • Personalized treatment planning
  • Experienced radiation experts
  • Compassionate, person-centered care
  • Convenient access to specialty services on the Rockaway Peninsula

EHS offers a comprehensive, personalized approach focused on improving health and quality of life for each patient.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief from Joint Pain

If you or a loved one are living with chronic joint pain and seeking an alternative to surgery, consider LDRT at EHS as a noninvasive option for reducing your pain. Explore the Radiation for Arthritis and Painful Inflammatory Disorders (RAPID) Program at EHS or speak with a specialist to learn if this treatment is right for you by calling 718-869-7101.

Patients can also access additional primary care and advanced services at EHS, including care available through the Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion, which brings together diagnostics, specialty care and treatment in one convenient location.