Low-Dose Radiotherapy
Arthritis & Pain Clinics Australia
Precision Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Persistent Joint Pain
A safe, non-invasive, option for patients with arthritis with ongoing pain despite conservative measures.
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in Australia.
Many patients have persistent pain despite optimised conservative care but are not yet surgical candidates.
Low-dose radiotherapy may be considered as an additional option in carefully selected cases within this space.
Integrated within the Osteoarthritis Care Pathway
EARLY
Conservative Management
Education | Weight management
Physical Activity & Exercise
INTERMEDIATE
Low-Dose Radiotherapy
Selected cases with mild to moderate disease following specialist assessment
ADVANCED
Surgical Intervention
Joint replacement surgery for significant joint deterioration
Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Osteoarthritis
Safe, effective,
non-invasive
treatment
Most patients have no side effects from treatment
Short treatment course
Typically, six outpatient sessions (~10 mins each) over 2-3 weeks
Compatible with other treatments
No impact on future procedures, including joint replacement surgery
Pinpoint Radiotherapy | Arthritis & Pain Clinic
Low-Dose Radiotherapy
At very low doses, laboratory and clinical studies suggest that radiotherapy has anti-inflammatory & immune-modulatory effects within treated tissues.
In selected patients, low-dose radiotherapy has been associated with significant improvements in pain and functional scores, and potential slowing of joint deterioration in both randomised clinical trials and larger observational cohorts
Suitability for assessment
Low-dose radiotherapy is considered following individual clinical review and imaging assessment. Suitability depends on diagnosis, duration of symptoms, prior treatment history and overall risk–benefit balance.
It is not appropriate for all patients with musculoskeletal pain.
*The following provides general guidance only and does not replace specialist evaluation.
May be considered in patients who:
- Age over 40 years
- Imaging-confirmed mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Persisting symptoms despite structured conservative management (education, weight-managment, exercise)
- Not ready for surgery
Generally not appropriate where:
- New onset pain, <3-6 months
- Advanced joint disease requiring operation
- Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis (eg. rheumatoid)
- Unsuitable for radiotherapy
Final suitability is determined during specialist consultation.
Start your journey
Here's how we help
1. Send an enquiry form to see if you are suitable
A member of our team will contact to discuss
2. Attend a consult with our doctors online or face to face
Discuss your personalised treatment plan
3. Receive treatment & follow up care
Our team are with you every step on your journey
