Osteoarthritis Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis — designed to reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, and restore movement.
4.7 stars from 273 patients Physician-Reviewed
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Same business day callbacks Mon–Fri. No referral required.
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A phone or in-person consult with our physician. We'll listen, walk you through whether this is a fit, and verify your insurance before treatment. Easy to start. No referral. No runaround.
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Our team treats osteoarthritis in nearly any joint impacted by stiffness and discomfort, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint condition that occurs when the cartilage — the smooth, cushioning material between bones — begins to wear down over time. As this protective layer deteriorates, joints can become painful, stiff, and less flexible, often making everyday movement more difficult.
Why Standard Treatments Fall Short
Conventional treatment methods typically aim to manage discomfort through medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery. While these can provide temporary relief, they often don't address the root cause of joint breakdown. Extended use of pain medications may lead to side effects, and surgery may not be suitable — or desirable — for many individuals.
The Role of Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy
Enter Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy, a non-invasive joint pain treatment. This treatment involves the precise application of low-energy X-rays to the affected joint — working on the inflammation that makes an arthritic joint hurt, calming the irritation so the joint feels looser, moves more easily, and stops dominating your day. Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy gives many patients real, lasting relief from osteoarthritis pain.
Key Benefits of Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy for Osteoarthritis
- Targeted Relief: Pinpoint application of low-energy X-rays directly to the affected joint, addressing the root cause of pain and discomfort.
- Non-Invasive Approach: A minimally invasive alternative to surgery, reducing recovery time and potential complications.
- Pain Reduction: Our goal is to reduce pain by promoting healing at the cellular level, enhancing overall joint comfort.
- Improved Joint Function: Calms the inflammation driving the pain, leading to improved joint function, decreased swelling, and increased mobility.
- Individualized Care: Treatment plans developed by skilled radiation therapists, ensuring personalized attention for each patient's unique needs.
"It is a wonderful facility and the staff are very caring. I was treated for arthritis in my thumb joint. After about 3 months I got relief. The treatment was for 6 visits and they explained that I needed to give it some time. One day I was piddling around the house and I was like — wow, my thumb isn't hurting!"
For those living with osteoarthritis, Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy offers a compelling alternative to surgery and ongoing medication use. This non-invasive treatment focuses directly on the affected joint area, helping to reduce pain and improve function without the need for invasive procedures.
If you're looking for a new path to relief — one that prioritizes mobility and long-term comfort — this may be the right fit for you. At Heelex Medical, we're here to help you take the next step toward moving freely and living without the constant burden of joint pain.
Specific Osteoarthritis Pages
Frequently Asked Questions: Osteoarthritis & LDRT
What joints can low-dose radiation therapy treat for arthritis? +
LDRT is used for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, hand and thumb, shoulder, ankle, and elbow, among others. It targets the inflammation that drives joint pain and is delivered to only the affected joint.
Is radiation therapy an alternative to joint replacement surgery? +
For many patients it is a non-surgical option to try first, and choosing it never affects your eligibility for a joint replacement later. Roughly 70-80% of patients in published series report meaningful relief.
Is low-dose radiation therapy for arthritis safe? +
The dose is roughly 10 to 25 times lower than the dose used to treat cancer and targets only the affected joint. Decades of use in Germany have not shown an increased cancer risk at these low doses; side effects are rare and usually limited to mild, temporary skin redness.
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.
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 benign conditions is 10 to 25 times lower than the dose used to treat cancer. Long-term studies in Germany — where LDRT has been used for decades — have not shown an increased cancer risk at these low doses. 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.
What if it doesn't work for me? +
Most patients respond well — and if your consultation shows you're not a strong candidate, we'll tell you up front, before you've spent a dime. LDRT also never closes any doors: every other option, including surgery, stays open to you.
Is it covered by insurance? +
Most major insurance is accepted, including Medicare and major commercial plans. Our office handles all insurance pre-authorization.
How many sessions will I need? +
Most benign musculoskeletal conditions require 6 to 8 weekday sessions, scheduled on consecutive business days so you complete a full course in under two weeks. Each session takes about 15 minutes. Some skin and fibrotic conditions follow different protocols — your consultation will clarify what fits your situation.
Working With Your Care Team
Your orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist, or primary-care doctor knows your history and your options better than anyone, along with the physical therapist on your care team. We don't replace them, and we wouldn't want to. We're a resource for them — for patients who have worked through the usual steps and want a non-surgical, drug-free option before considering surgery. You stay in their care: we treat only what's referred, keep your doctors informed, and refer you back to them. We're not here to take anyone's patients.
Scientific references
Donaubauer AJ, Becker I, Rühle PF, et al. (2021). Local low-dose radiotherapy of benign musculoskeletal disorders — IMMO-LDRT01 study. Radiation Oncology.
Open on PubMedFrey B, Rückert M, Weber J, et al. (2020). Low-dose radiotherapy of osteoarthritis: from biological findings to clinical effects. Strahlentherapie und Onkologie.
Open on PubMed
Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy safe?
The dose used for benign conditions is a small fraction of cancer-treatment radiation — roughly 10–25× lower — delivered in a few short sessions. Low-dose radiation therapy for benign disease has decades of clinical use, and side effects are uncommon and typically mild.
Every treatment plan is prepared by a board-certified medical physicist and reviewed by a licensed physician. Whether it's the right option for you — and any personal considerations — is decided together during your consultation.