Conditions Treatment
Radiotherapy for
Non-Cancerous Conditions
Radiation therapy is often associated with cancer care. But did you know it can be an effective treatment option for non-cancerous conditions?
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) offers a safe, non-surgical option to relieve several painful, inflammatory, or progressive conditions. It’s an alternative option to surgery for people looking for non-invasive treatments to improve their quality of life.
What is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?
LDRT uses a small, precisely targeted amount of radiation to reduce inflammation, slow tissue overgrowth, and relieve pain caused by non-cancerous conditions.
Radiation helps reduce pain by eliminating certain inflammation-producing cells and chemicals in the body. This process calms the inflammatory response and promotes healing. The doses are carefully calibrated to minimize radiation exposure while delivering maximum relief. Treatments are quick, non-invasive, and delivered by a board-certified radiation oncologist with no downtime or recovery needed.
Why Choose Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?
LDRT is a safe and effective option. Many patients choose it because of these benefits:
- No surgery required
- No hospital stay
- No discomfort during or after treatment
- No downtime
- Effective pain relief
- Safe, proven results
- Covered by insurance
Non-Cancerous
Conditions Treated
Advocate Radiation Oncology delivers LDRT treatment for a range of non-cancerous conditions, including:
Bursitis
A condition in which small fluid sacs (bursae) become inflamed, causing joint pain.
How LDRT Helps: It alleviates inflammation and restores comfortable movement in affected joints. Treatment is usually six sessions over two to three weeks.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Also known as Dupuytren’s Contracture, this is a progressive hand condition where thickened and tightened tissue pulls fingers inward, limiting movement.
How LDRT Helps: It slows or stops disease progression by targeting the nodules (lumps) responsible for tissue overgrowth. Most patients are able to avoid surgery and experience improved mobility. Treatment is 10 sessions total, with five sessions in one week, then a 10-14-week break, followed by another five sessions.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage to break down, leading to stiffness and chronic pain.
How LDRT Helps: It reduces joint inflammation and pain without the need for surgery or medication. The treatment typically lasts minutes and is completed over two to three weeks.
Plantar Fasciitis
A painful inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot.
How LDRT Helps: It reduces inflammation and relieves chronic heel pain. The treatment is painless and typically completed in six short sessions.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons, often affecting shoulders, elbows, knees, and wrists.
How LDRT Helps: It calms inflammation at the cellular level, delivering lasting pain relief in severe or chronic cases. Treatment is generally six sessions over the course of two to three weeks.
Other Conditions Treated by LDRT
Other Conditions Treated by LDRT
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
- Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
- Gynecomastia
- Heterotopic Ossification
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Keloids
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Dose Radiation Therapy
1. Is LDRT safe?
Yes. When administered by our trained physicians, LDRT is safe and effective. Doses are low and precisely targeted.
2. Will I feel any pain during treatment?
No. LDRT treatments are quick and painless, with each session lasting only 5 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, you can return to your daily activities immediately.
3. How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions are treated over six sessions, typically delivered two to three times per week. Some treatments, like Dupuytren’s Contracture, involve two short courses of treatment over five days each.
4. When will I see improvement?
Many patients begin experiencing relief within a few weeks of starting treatment. Full results are often seen within one to three months.
5. Is LDRT a new treatment?
LDRT has been used safely for over 100 years to treat inflammatory and degenerative conditions. It offers a non-surgical, effective alternative for patients seeking long-term pain relief and function restoration.
6. Is LDRT treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. LDRT is covered by Medicare and most major health plans.
Discover if LDRT is Right for You
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Dr. Todd Pezzi first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients’ rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
