For people living with osteoarthritis, everyday activities like changing bed sheets, ironing clothes or simply using a computer can become painful. Sidney Health Center is offering a treatment option that may help reduce pain and improve mobility without surgery.
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. While medications, physical therapy and injections can help manage symptoms, they don't always provide enough relief.
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT), available through Sidney Health Center Cancer Care, offers another option. Using the facility's TomoTherapy technology, the treatment delivers a very low dose of radiation to the affected joint to help reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Dr. Ralf Kiehl, radiation oncologist at Sidney Health Center, helped introduce the treatment locally, making Sidney Health Center one of the first hospitals in Montana to offer this approach.
Although radiation therapy is most commonly associated with cancer treatment, low-dose radiation has been used for decades in Europe to help manage painful joint conditions.
"What we have found with the patients that we've already treated here is that it actually produces a noticeable effect, decrease in pain and discomfort and more mobility at the end of their treatment," Dr. Kiehl said.
The treatment consists of six sessions over a two-week period, typically scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each session takes approximately two to three minutes, with patients generally spending just 10 to 15 minutes at the facility per visit. Some patients begin noticing improvement during treatment, while others may experience additional relief in the weeks and months that follow.
For Sidney Health Center patient Rayma Yagadich, that relief has made a significant difference.
After living with osteoarthritis pain for many years, Rayma received low-dose radiation therapy for both hips and, more recently, her shoulder. Before treatment, even simple household activities caused considerable discomfort.
"It hurt really bad any time I used my arm," Rayma recalled. "I could use it, but it really hurt. And now it doesn't."
Rayma began noticing improvement in her shoulder after just a couple of treatments. Activities like changing bed sheets, ironing and spending time at the computer became less painful.
"You know, what I do, I haven't changed, but I don't have the pain anymore," she said.
Although she still experiences an occasional twinge, Rayma says the discomfort is significantly less than before treatment. She also appreciated how quick and painless the sessions were and praised the radiation therapy team for making the experience comfortable.
Low-dose radiation therapy may be an option for patients age 55 and older who have confirmed osteoarthritis and have not found enough relief through other treatments, such as medications, injections or physical therapy. The treatment can be used for several joints, including the hands, shoulders, hips and knees.
Patients interested in learning whether they are candidates for low-dose radiation therapy must have a physician referral, along with imaging of the affected joint and documentation of previous treatments.
For Rayma, the experience is one she encourages others living with osteoarthritis pain to explore.
"Check out this kind of treatment. It's life-changing," she said. "The difference is night and day."
By offering low-dose radiation therapy close to home, Sidney Health Center continues to expand treatment options for patients throughout eastern Montana and western North Dakota.
For more information about low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis, contact Sidney Health Center Cancer Care at 406-488-2504.
Links