gentle, effective, non-surgical
Radiotherapy for benign conditions
X-ray therapy is a tried-and-tested alternative to injections and surgery for benign joint conditions. It is carried out on an outpatient basis, using low doses, and without the need for general anaesthesia.
It has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and can promote the healing process.
What is X-ray irradiation?
Radiation as a natural anti-inflammatory agent
X-ray stimulation therapy uses low-dose ionising radiation to alleviate chronic inflammatory processes in joint and soft tissue. It is not a cancer treatment – the doses used are a fraction of those employed in oncology.
The procedure has been established in orthopaedic radiology for decades and has been thoroughly researched. It is particularly suitable for patients who do not respond adequately to conservative treatments (physiotherapy, cortisone injections) or who wish to avoid surgery.
Benefits at a glance:
No cancer risk: Given the low doses used, the risk of cancer caused by radiation is negligible. The treatment is well suited to both older patients and those with underlying medical conditions.
Indications
What conditions can X-ray therapy help with?
The treatment is suitable for a range of benign orthopaedic conditions in which chronic inflammation is the main cause of pain.
Osteoarthritis (knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis)
Knee and hip osteoarthritis often respond well to radiation therapy – particularly in cases of active osteoarthritis with signs of inflammation.
Heel spurs (plantar and dorsal)
One of the most common applications. Even heel pain that is resistant to treatment can be significantly alleviated by radiation therapy.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Persistent epicondylitis symptoms that do not respond to physiotherapy or injections often respond well to radiation therapy.
Shoulder osteoarthritis & tendinitis
Shoulder pain caused by degenerative changes or periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder) can be treated specifically.
Osteoarthritis of the foot & bunions
Active osteoarthritis in the foot (metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, ankle joint) responds well to the anti-inflammatory effect.
Osteoarthritis of the finger joints
Rhizarthrosis (thumb joint) and other forms of active finger osteoarthritis can be treated with radiotherapy, with good results.
Effectiveness
How effective is X-ray therapy?
Studies suggest that X-ray stimulation therapy can help to relieve pain associated with various inflammatory conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The effectiveness of X-ray stimulation therapy can vary depending on the underlying condition, the specific symptoms and individual factors. Whether the treatment is appropriate in an individual case and what the prospects of success are should be clarified during a personal consultation with a doctor.
An analysis of scientific studies by Mücke et al. (2010) on X-ray stimulation therapy for painful knee osteoarthritis reports that around 60 per cent of patients treated experienced pain relief lasting at least three months.
FAQ
Questions patients ask about radiotherapy
X-ray therapy involves the use of very low doses of radiation – significantly lower than those used in cancer treatment. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Occasionally, slight reddening of the skin may occur in the area being treated. We would be happy to discuss the benefits and risks on a case-by-case basis.
