Home › Patient Outcomes

Patient Outcomes

Decades of published research and real patient outcomes. LDRT is not a guarantee — but the evidence base is substantial.

Here is how we think about outcomes at Heelex: we follow up with every patient and record their response. We have meaningful success with these treatments, but like any medical procedure they are not guaranteed to work for everyone. The numbers and ranges below come from our own experience combined with the published clinical literature.

70–80%

Response rate

Plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis, published LDRT studies

>90%

Long-term control

Early-stage non-melanoma skin cancers treated with LDRT

<10%

Keloid recurrence

With post-excision radiation vs. 50–80% for surgery alone

6–8

Consecutive sessions

Typical benign musculoskeletal treatment course

What the Published Research Shows

Low-Dose X-Ray Therapy has been used routinely in European medicine for decades. The evidence base for its use in benign musculoskeletal disease has grown substantially in the last decade, with U.S. academic centers — including Cleveland Clinic and Loyola Medicine — publishing on its use for conditions like osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis

Published studies consistently report a 70–80% response rate for low-energy X-ray therapy in chronic plantar fasciitis, with most patients reporting meaningful pain reduction within 6 to 12 weeks of completing treatment.

Osteoarthritis

Across knee, hip, shoulder, hand, and other joints, published series report 70–80% of patients experiencing meaningful pain reduction after a 6 to 8 consecutive session course. Relief typically develops between 6 and 12 weeks after the final treatment and commonly lasts 12 to 24 months.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (BCC and SCC)

Superficial radiation therapy has been used for non-melanoma skin cancer for over 70 years. Published cure rates rival surgical excision in appropriately selected lesions — over 90% long-term control for early-stage tumors.

Keloid Recurrence Prevention

Surgical excision of keloids alone has a recurrence rate of 50–80% or higher. Published series adding post-excision radiation within 24–72 hours of surgery report recurrence rates dropping below 20% — often under 10%.

Individual Results Vary

LDRT is not a guarantee. About 20–30% of patients with benign musculoskeletal conditions see limited or no benefit. We will tell you this honestly during your consultation. LDRT does not interfere with future treatment options including surgery if needed.

For the full list of peer-reviewed papers organized by condition, see Published Research. For patient stories and video testimonials, see Patient Spotlight.