Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is expanding access to a promising, noninvasive treatment for osteoarthritis (OA): low‑dose radiation therapy (LDRT). While this approach has been used safely for decades in other countries, it is gaining renewed attention in the United States as research continues to show strong results for pain relief and improved function.
Indian River Hospital is the first Cleveland Clinic location in Florida to offer this treatment, following a care pathway developed at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus in Ohio in 2023.
“The doses of ionizing radiation used for non-cancerous conditions are far smaller than traditional cancer treatments,” says Marc Apple, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center. “Here at Indian River Hospital, we routinely treat benign disease with low-dose radiation and are glad to be able to now offer it to appropriate patients for arthritis.”
What the treatment is like
Osteoarthritis triggers ongoing inflammation that worsens pain and stiffness over time. Low‑dose radiation helps reduce this inflammatory response, easing swelling and improving movement.
LDRT is delivered using advanced radiation technology that precisely targets affected joints. Treatments are quick and painless, typically lasting only a few minutes. Most patients receive low doses twice a week for about three weeks. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Some patients may experience temporary fatigue or slight skin irritation, but serious complications are rare.
A long history of safe use
Low‑dose radiation has been used for many years to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, keloids and other painful inflammatory disorders. Research has shown improvements in both pain levels and physical function, particularly in people with mild to moderate arthritis.
Who may benefit
LDRT may be an option for adults with osteoarthritis in one or several joints – such as the knee, hip, shoulder, hands, or lower spine – who have not found enough relief from medications, injections or physical therapy. It can also help people who cannot tolerate certain medications.
This treatment offers a safe, time‑efficient option for managing arthritis pain and may help many patients stay active and avoid more invasive procedures.
