Radiation therapy, which has long been used as a key tool for treating cancerous tumors, is now being used at low doses to treat osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and other non-cancerous, but painful inflammatory and degenerative conditions.
Dr. Leland Rogers, a radiation therapy physician at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley, has used Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) to treat a handful of patients in the past. But after examining findings largely from Germany, and England and undertaking thorough training by these experts, he is expanding his practice to offer LDRT to a broader group of patients. In Utah
“LDRT has been widely used in Europe for many years, and the results for patients have been impressive. The United States has been slower to adopt this treatment option, but many of my colleagues and I have reviewed the results – seen that this is safe and highly effective – and want to make this option available for patients here.”
For about 75 percent of patients treated with LDRT, pain is significantly reduced and quality of life improved following the treatment regimen. In some cases, patients have been able to reduce the use of medications, and at least delay any needed surgery after undergoing LDRT. One of the most common treatments for osteoarthritis is steroid injections. According to Dr. Rogers, those steroids, while providing temporary relief, can also accelerate the degenerative process accelerating joint replacements and other surgical procedures sooner. The radiation treatment does not have this effect.and improving both pain and function for the majority of patients.
LDRT is done on a linear accelerator machine at the hospital, but the radiation dosage is much lower than f that used to treat cancerous tumors. Patients typically receive six 10-minute treatments over a three-week period of time. Patients rarely experience side effects.
How does LDRT work? It reduces inflammation in the joints, impacts the body’s immune response slowing down the attack on tissues, and it decreases pain signals in the area where the radiation is carefully pointed. targeted. The common result is improved function and decreased pain. .
LDRT is most commonly used for treating shoulders, knees, hips and feet and ankles. At this point, most physicians, including Dr. Rogers, are typically not utilizing it to treat lower back pain
Patients who are suffering from painful osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis, can contact the hospital for a consultation on whether they would be a candidate for LDRT at 801.601.2260.
