Published on Dec. 18, 2025
At 75, Esther Montagner—a dedicated oil painter from Orange County—found herself struggling with severe osteoarthritis. The pain made simple tasks like opening a jar or holding a paintbrush unbearable, causing her fingers to lock painfully around the brush.
“I remember picking up one of my painting tools and my fingers just locked,” says Esther. “It wasn’t just painful; it was extremely concerning. I didn’t understand what was happening or could imagine how this could be fixed.”
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects 33 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Commonly affected joints include the hands, knees, hips, and spine. For individuals like Esther, osteoarthritis can severely impact daily activities and reduce the quality of life.
Faced with the distressing possibility of having to give up her art, Esther began searching for alternative treatments such as cortisol shots, physical therapy, and even considered surgery if needed. Then she came across an interesting treatment option that was started in Europe and has slowly worked its way to the United States: radiation therapy, most known to treat cancer, but now being studied for arthritis.
How Radiation Therapy is Being Used Beyond Cancer Treatment
During her extensive research, Esther discovered that Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) has been a common treatment for osteoarthritis in Europe for over two decades. LDRT is a non-invasive therapy that uses a minimal dose of radiation to reduce inflammation in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
It is widely used in Europe and has shown promise in reducing pain and enhancing mobility, especially in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The treatment has minimal to no side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking to avoid more aggressive interventions like surgery or long-term medication use.
“When Esther came in for a consultation to inquire about the use of LDRT for osteoarthritis I was very excited that she was just an informed patient that did her research. She was ready to try something new to help her regain the use of her hands again. She’s among our first patients to benefit from this safe, non-invasive therapy. Research supports its effectiveness, and we’re proud to be one of the few U.S. locations expanding its use for non-cancerous conditions.”
- Linda Chan, M.D., medical director, radiation oncology, Foundation Endowed Chair, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Leading Osteoarthritis Treatment at Saddleback Medical Center
Esther underwent a series of LDRT sessions focused on her hands. Each treatment was non-invasive, painless, and lasted about 10 minutes—similar to getting an X-ray. LDRT works by delivering small, targeted doses of radiation to inflamed joints, which helps reduce inflammation and ease pain by calming the immune response.
To prepare, patients meet with a radiation specialist who customizes the treatment plan. During each session, patients are gently positioned and asked to remain still while the machine delivers the radiation. There’s no discomfort, no recovery time, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. Most importantly, Esther experienced no side effects, a testament to the safety of LDRT when administered at low doses.
“LDRT works by targeting the inflammatory cells within the joint,” explained Dr. Chan. “It reduces swelling and pain without the need for surgery or steroids.”
Esther became one of the first patients at the Meiklejohn Radiation Oncology Center at Saddleback Medical Center to receive LDRT for osteoarthritis, marking a significant milestone in Saddleback Medical Center’s approach to using innovative and personalized treatments to manage a patient’s condition.
A Successful Treatment Protocol Puts a Paint Brush Back in Esther’s Hands
Following the therapy, Esther noticed remarkable improvements. Her fingers were no longer locked around her painting instruments, and tasks that were once challenging, like opening jars, became manageable. While the treatment did not restore her hand strength entirely, it successfully halted the progression of her osteoarthritis.
“Although I didn’t regain all my strength back from the treatment, halting the progression of osteoarthritis was reason enough to undergo LDRT,” says Esther. “It was a huge relief when my flexibility returned, allowing me to hold my painting tools again.”
Today, Esther has returned to her art studio once again filled with canvasses and colors.
“I’m not back to where I was 20 years ago, and I don’t expect to be, but I can paint,” reflects Esther. “I can do most things again, and that’s what matters most to me.”
With renewed mobility, Esther embraced her art with vigor, painting large oil canvases that bring her immense joy and fulfillment. While LDRT isn’t a cure, it’s a valuable option for those seeking to manage osteoarthritis symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
“It’s not about restoring strength overnight. It’s about stopping the disease from getting worse and creating a window of relief that allows the patient to regain function. Esther’s progress has been excellent.”
- Dr. Chan
At Saddleback Medical Center, each LDRT case is evaluated individually. A multidisciplinary team assesses whether the therapy is appropriate, based on the location and severity of osteoarthritis, the patient’s medical history, and overall health goals.
