Find Relief from Chronic Joint Pain with Low Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Gibson Cancer Center’s radiation therapy clinical team includes, from left, Nurse Practitioner Hannah Peevy, Lead Radiation Therapist Angie Horton, Radiation Oncologist Sunjay Barton, MD, and Staff Radiation Therapist Tisha Hiner.

At Gibson Cancer Center, we offer Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) as a specialized option for patients with painful osteoarthritis who have not found enough relief with standard treatments.

Using very small, precisely targeted doses of radiation, LDRT aims to:

• Reduce inflammation in affected joints
• Ease pain and stiffness
• Support better mobility and daily function

All treatments are delivered on an outpatient basis at our center in Lumberton, NC.

What Is Low Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause:

• Ongoing joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling and tenderness
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or using your hands

Low Dose Radiation Therapy uses a fraction of the dose used for cancer treatment, directed at the painful joint. The goal is to calm inflammation and reduce pain, not to cure arthritis or rebuild cartilage.

Low Dose Radiation Therapy is:

• Non-invasive
• Typically, painless
• Performed without anesthesia or hospital stay

Who Might Benefit?

You may be a candidate for Low Dose Radiation Therapy at Gibson Cancer Center if you have:

• Diagnosed osteoarthritis (e.g., knees, hips, hands)
• Chronic joint pain that limits your daily activities
• Limited relief from:
  • Pain or anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Joint injections
  • Bracing or other conservative treatments
• A desire to delay or avoid surgery, or if surgery is not recommended for you

Each patient is evaluated individually by our radiation oncology team.

Your Treatment Journey at Gibson Cancer Center

1. Initial Consultation

During your first visit, we will:

• Review your medical history and current symptoms
• Examine the affected joint(s)
• Review any X-rays or other imaging
• Discuss whether Low Dose Radiation Therapy is appropriate and safe for you
• You’ll have time to ask questions and consider your options.

2. Treatment Planning

If Low Dose Radiation Therapy is recommended:

• A planning scan (often a CT scan) may be done to map the joint
• Our team designs a custom radiation plan to target the joint while protecting nearby healthy tissue

3. Treatment Sessions

• Treatments are done as outpatient visits at Gibson Cancer Center
• Each session usually takes only a few minutes once you are positioned
• A full course typically includes multiple short sessions over 1–2 weeks
• You can go home the same day after each treatment

4. Follow-Up Care

After treatment, we:

• Monitor pain relief, joint function, and any side effects
• Coordinate with your primary care provider, rheumatologist, or orthopedic specialist
• Support you in continuing standard osteoarthritis care, including:
  • Exercise and physical therapy
  • Medications as prescribed
  • Weight management and joint protection strategies

Benefits and Expectations

The goals of Low Dose Radiation Therapy for osteoarthritis are to:

• Reduce chronic joint pain
• Improve mobility and comfort in daily activities
• Potentially reduce reliance on pain medications

Many patients experience gradual improvement over several weeks to months after treatment. Individual results vary, and not everyone will have the same level of relief.

Safety and Side Effects

Low Dose Radiation Therapy uses very low doses of radiation compared with cancer treatment. At Gibson Cancer Center, safety is our priority:

• Treatment is non-invasive and painless
• You are not radioactive after treatment
• It is safe to be around family, children, and others

Possible side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Temporary skin redness or irritation over the treatment area
• Mild fatigue
• Occasionally, a short-term increase in joint discomfort before improvement

Your radiation oncologist will review potential risks and benefits with you in detail before you decide to proceed.

How Low Dose Radiation Therapy Fits into Your Overall Care

Low Dose Radiation Therapy:

• Does not cure osteoarthritis
• Does not rebuild cartilage

It is one part of a comprehensive management plan that may also include:

• Physical therapy and exercise
• Medications and topical treatments
• Injections when appropriate
• Bracing or assistive devices

We work closely with your other providers to ensure your care is coordinated and personalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be radioactive after treatment?

• No. External beam radiation does not make you radioactive. It is safe to be around others.

How soon will I feel better?

• Many patients notice gradual pain relief over several weeks. Some feel improvement sooner; others may experience a more delayed response.

How many treatments will I need?

• The number of sessions depends on your joint, symptoms, and treatment plan. Your schedule will be reviewed with you before treatment begins.

Is this covered by insurance?

• Coverage depends on your insurance plan and specific situation. Our staff can help you verify benefits and discuss any costs before you start treatment.

Contact Gibson Cancer Center

To find out whether Low Dose Radiation Therapy for osteoarthritis may be right for you, contact us:

Phone: 910-671-5730

Address: Gibson Cancer Center, 1200 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358

Our team at Gibson Cancer Center is committed to providing safe, evidence-informed options to help you move with less pain and more confidence.