Episcopal Health Services Offers Low-Dose Radiotherapy to Treat Osteoarthritis

Far Rockaway, New York, March 24, 2026 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is now offering low dose radiotherapy (LDRT), using its new TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, which recently received FDA clearance to treat adults with medically refractory osteoarthritis. The new RAPID Program (Radiation for Arthritis & Painful Inflammatory Disorders) is the first of its kind being offered on the Rockaway Peninsula. Led by Mark Ashamalla, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at EHS, the RAPID program is providing patients with innovative, nonsurgical treatment options to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in certain joints and tissues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. Unlike radiation used for cancer treatment, LDRT uses very low doses of radiation that work by reducing inflammation in the treated area, modulating immune and inflammatory responses, and helping relieve pain and improve function. Treatments are usually delivered over several visits (approximately 6) and only last a few minutes. Patients can return to normal activites and work immediately afterward as there is no recovery time required and side effects are rare.

“LDRT is an evidence-based treatment that is safe, effective, and non-invasive for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints, and other soft tissues of the body,” said Dr. Ashmalla. “Studies show an 80% response rate with a patient achieving a steady state in terms of their pain and function. Treatments are short and simple, and it can significantly improve pain and stiffness, helping avoid the need for surgery.” It has been used internationally for decades to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendon disorders.

The Rapid Program is specifically designed to help patients over the age of 40 with conditions such as osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, ankle, and other joints); plantar fasciitis; calcific tendonitis; tennis elbow; other tendon or ligament inflammation; dupuytren’s disease; as well as keloids and hypertrophic scars. LDRT can be very helpful for patients who have not experienced relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections and even weight loss management. It can also provide benefits for patients before considering joint replacement or other invasive procedures.

The RAPID Program is part of EHS’ Radiation Oncology services offered at the Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion. To schedule a consultation, visit ehs.org/rapid or call 718-869-7101.