Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment — Without Surgery
Medicare Covered
FDA Cleared Equipment
15 Minute Visits
Low-dose radiation therapy for knee pain when injections, physical therapy, and medication have stopped working.
If You're Here, You've Probably Tried Everything
If you have knee osteoarthritis and you've already tried cortisone injections, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or hyaluronic acid shots — and you're still in pain — you're in a difficult position. The next step your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend is knee replacement. Many patients aren't ready for that, can't have surgery for medical reasons, or simply want another option first.
Low-dose radiation therapy is that option.
What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) uses very small doses of x-rays — roughly 1/100th of the dose used to treat cancer — to reduce the inflammation that drives osteoarthritis pain. The treatment is delivered with a specialized x-ray machine and targets only the affected joint. The mechanism is well-understood: at these doses, radiation modulates the inflammatory cells inside the joint, reducing the chemical signals that cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. It does not affect cartilage, bone, or surrounding tissue. LDRT has been used routinely in Germany for decades. It is increasingly offered at U.S. academic centers including Cleveland Clinic and Loyola Medicine.
Heelex Medical opened in 2020 as the first clinic in the United States dedicated exclusively to low-dose radiation therapy. The Surprise, Arizona location is one of two Heelex clinics offering this treatment.
Does It Work?
70%-80% Success rate
6-8 15 minute sessions
0 Surgeries
Is This Right for You?
LDRT may be a good fit if: - You've been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis - You've tried at least one conservative treatment — physical therapy, NSAIDs, cortisone injections, or hyaluronic acid — without lasting relief - You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery - You can't have surgery due to age, medical risk, or other factors LDRT is not appropriate for: - Active joint infection - Rheumatoid arthritis (different disease, different treatment) - A knee that already has a joint replacement - Pregnancy A consultation is the only way to determine whether LDRT is right for your specific situation.
What to Expect
1. Consultation — A 30-minute visit with our team. We review your imaging, history, and prior treatments. No commitment.
2. Simulation — A brief planning session where we image the knee and design the treatment field.
3. Treatment — Six sessions over one week. Each session takes about 15 minutes total — roughly two minutes of actual treatment time. You lie still on a table; you feel nothing.
4. Recovery — None. You drive yourself home and return to all normal activities immediately.
5. Follow-up — We check in at 6 weeks and 3 months. Most patients begin noticing relief between weeks 6 and 12.
Insurance
Low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare, and Veterans Choice. Our office handles all insurance pre-authorization. View the full list of accepted insurance.
Common Questions
Does it hurt?
No. You feel nothing during treatment. No needle, no injection, no anesthesia.
Are there side effects?
Rare. Some patients notice mild, temporary skin redness. No systemic side effects.
Will it cause cancer?
The dose used for osteoarthritis is approximately 1/100th of the dose used to treat cancer. Long-term studies in Germany — where LDRT has been used for decades — show no increased cancer risk. We do not treat patients under 40 except in specific circumstances.
How quickly will I feel better?
Most patients begin noticing relief between 6 and 12 weeks after their final session. About 70% report meaningful improvement.
How long does relief last?
Typically 12 to 24 months. A second course can be given if symptoms return.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call us directly. If you have an orthopedic surgeon, primary care physician, or rheumatologist, we coordinate with them.
What if it doesn't work for me?
LDRT is not a guarantee. About 20-30% of patients see limited or no benefit. We will tell you this honestly during your consultation. The treatment does not interfere with future options including surgery.
Take the Next Step
If knee osteoarthritis is limiting your life and the standard treatments haven't worked, a 30-minute consultation answers whether LDRT is right for you. No cost. No commitment.