Highpoint Health Expands Care Options for Patients Living with Osteoarthritis

GALLATIN, TN – September 18, 2026 - For people living with osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain can make everyday activities more difficult and limit independence. Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas is introducing Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT), a non-surgical treatment option that may help patients find relief, move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter most.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions joints breaks down over time. The condition can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility that make everyday activities more difficult.

While many patients find relief through medications, injections or physical therapy, others continue to experience pain that limits daily activities. Low-Dose Radiation Therapy may offer another option for patients seeking relief when other treatments have not provided the results they hoped for.

Unlike the higher doses of radiation used to treat cancer, LDRT uses small, targeted doses of radiation to help reduce inflammation in arthritic joints. The treatment is designed to help ease pain and improve mobility for people living with osteoarthritis.

Patients who may benefit from LDRT include those experiencing:

· Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, hand, pelvis or back

· Chronic joint pain that has not been fully relieved by medication or injections

· Joint stiffness that limits daily activities

· Medical conditions that make surgery difficult or undesirable

Potential benefits of treatment include:

· Relief from pain and swelling

· Improved mobility and comfort

· A treatment option that does not require surgery

· Minimal to no side effects

· Long-lasting symptom relief for many patients

Treatment is provided on an outpatient basis at Highpoint Health Carpenter Cancer Center by an experienced radiation oncology team. Most patients receive six brief treatment sessions over approximately two weeks, with each visit lasting only a few minutes. Patients can continue their normal daily activities throughout treatment and do not experience hair loss, nausea, or other side effects commonly associated with higher-dose radiation therapy. It may take weeks to months for the patient to notice significant symptom improvement.

Patients interested in learning whether LDRT may be right for them should speak with their primary care provider or contact Highpoint Health Carpenter Cancer Center for more information at 615.328.6180. Learn more at HighpointHealthSystem.com/cancer-care.