X-ray stimulation

What is it?

The term X-ray stimulation irradiation describes a treatment option that is used for a wide variety of clinical pictures (especially for inflammatory overload reactions of the musculoskeletal system, see below) and uses the therapeutic effect of X-rays. The terms orthovolt therapy, pain radiation or x-ray depth therapy are also used as synonyms. X-ray stimulation has been used for many decades and is intended to activate processes in the tissue that can slow down the progression of the disease and trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms.

These include the inhibition of defence cells, which are crucial for the development of an inflammatory reaction, and of fibroblasts, which are responsible for the formation of scars. On the other hand, the blood circulation is also stimulated, which facilitates the healing process. From the above-mentioned points it can be concluded that X-ray stimulation radiation is a rather symptomatic treatment: This means that, as a rule, the causes of the disease are not treated, but only the inflammatory side effects. For a long-term success of the treatment it is therefore necessary to consider this aspect and, if necessary, to eliminate the triggering factors for the disease as comprehensively as possible.

Indications

X-ray stimulation radiation is used for various diseases. In particular, it is a worth considering option for patients for whom treatment attempts with pain medication or even surgery have not shown a resounding effect. Among the diseases that can be treated with X-ray stimulation radiation are primarily degenerative joint diseases that are associated with an inflammatory reaction and thus chronic pain, e.g. osteoarthritis in the hip, knee or shoulder.

Other diseases that are associated with an inflammatory reaction and for which X-ray stimulation radiation can therefore be considered are bursitis in the joint areas, calcification of the shoulder joint, heel spurs, irritation of the Achilles tendon or overstrain reactions such as tennis elbow. In addition, under certain circumstances, X-ray stimulation radiation can also be useful in the case of psoriasis and Dupuytren’s disease. Among the diseases for whose treatment X-ray stimulation radiation may be suitable are primarily degenerative joint diseases that are associated with an inflammatory reaction and thus chronic pain, e.g. osteoarthritis in the hip, knee or shoulder. Other diseases that are associated with an inflammatory reaction and for which X-ray stimulation radiation can therefore be considered are bursitis in the joint areas, calcification of the shoulder joint, heel spurs, irritation of the Achilles tendon or overstrain reactions such as tennis elbow. In addition, under certain circumstances, X-ray stimulation radiation can also be useful in the case of psoriasis and Dupuytren’s disease.