Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) uses very small, precisely targeted doses of radiation to calm inflammation at the cellular level.
Unlike cancer treatments, LDRT delivers a very small fraction of the dose, just enough to influence the body’s inflammatory response and help tissues heal naturally.
The treatment is painless, non-invasive, and performed in an outpatient setting. In other words: you don’t see it or feel it, and you can continue normal life without interruption.
Low-dose radiotherapy gently calms inflammatory cells to “reset” the body’s overactive response. That means patients can experience:
Many patients notice gradual pain relief and improved mobility within weeks of treatment, without side effects or downtime.
VivaRay is a specialty service of the Texas Cancer Institute, bringing decades of radiotherapy medicine expertise to non-cancer care.
Our physicians and advanced practice nurses are board-certified and specialize in safe, evidence-based use of low-dose radiotherapy for non-cancer conditions.
Every patient receives a personalized plan and follow-up support to ensure relief and restored mobility.
Each session takes about 15 minutes, and there’s no pain or recovery time. It’s similar to sitting for an xray, simple and painless. Most patients complete six sessions over two weeks, resuming normal activity immediately after each visit.
You can expect a gradual, noticeable improvement in pain and function within a few weeks.
Low-dose radiotherapy uses a very small fraction of the energy used in cancer treatment. It doesn’t destroy tissue. Instead, it gently interacts with inflamed cells to reduce swelling and calm pain. It’s a safe, targeted technique that’s been used for non-cancer conditions for decades.
Yes. Low-dose radiotherapy is extremely safe when delivered by a trained radiation oncology team. Side effects are extremely uncommon and typically mild, such as very mild temporary skin dryness or redness. The dose is far below what’s used in cancer treatment.
Treatment is simple: short outpatient sessions, usually six total, delivered every other day over two weeks. Each session lasts about 15 minutes. There’s no anesthesia, no hospital stay, and no recovery time.
Most patients notice gradual improvement in pain and mobility within a few weeks. Relief continues to build over time as inflammation decreases.
Adults with chronic pain or inflammation who haven’t found enough relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy may be good candidates. Alternatively, patients who wish to reduce dependence and side effects from ongoing treatments are good candidates. Our physicians will evaluate your condition to make sure this is the right option for you.
Yes. Low-dose radiotherapy for non-cancer conditions is covered by most major insurance plans. Our team will help verify your benefits before treatment begins.
Low-dose radiotherapy can be used anywhere there is arthritis or chronic inflammation including knees, hips, shoulders, feet, elbows, hands, back, spine, and beyond. To see a full list of conditions, click here.
More than 120 years. It’s a well-established treatment around the world and supported by decades of clinical research.
When pain limits your life, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options.
Low-dose radiotherapy is safe, proven, and helps you get back to the life you love.
