Dupuytren's Disease
A thickening of the tissue in the palm that can form lumps and cords, slowly pulling the fingers toward the palm. Radiotherapy is most often considered at an early stage to help slow its progression.
Expert in Radiotherapy
for Benign Conditions
Dr Richard Shaffer is a consultant clinical oncologist and one of the UK's leading experts in low-dose radiotherapy for non-cancer conditions. He specialises in Dupuytren's disease, Ledderhose disease, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, bursitis and keloids. He helped write the Royal College of Radiologists' national guidance on this kind of treatment and has treated more than 3,500 patients with radiotherapy.
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3,500+
Patients treated
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15+ years
Years in radiotherapy
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16
UK treatment centres
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4.9
300+ Google reviews
Qualifications: Consultant Clinical Oncologist · BSc · MBBS · MRCP · FRCR · Founder & President, IORBC
What Is Low-Dose
Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is widely known as a cancer treatment. However, using carefully controlled technology, it can also help with painful, non-cancer conditions. For these conditions, the dose is much lower, often well below what is used in cancer care. It is a non-surgical option that has been used to treat benign conditions for many years, particularly in Germany. Dr Shaffer brings that experience to patients in the UK.
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Precisely Targeted
The X-rays or electrons target only the affected area. This might be a hand, foot, knee, or scar. Surrounding tissue receives very little radiation.
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A Much Lower Dose
Benign conditions need much less radiation than cancer treatment. The dose is carefully calculated based on your condition, age and the area being treated.
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Calms the Condition
Radiotherapy for benign conditions works by either reducing inflammation or slowing the overactive cells that cause the problem. This can ease pain and help prevent it from getting worse.
How Dr Shaffer Uses Radiotherapy
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Careful Assessment
Every patient starts with a consultation. This can be in person or by video. Dr Shaffer looks at your history and symptoms and explains whether radiotherapy is likely to help. If it is not the right option, or not currently needed, he will tell you.
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Precisely Planned
Your treatment is planned around you. We tailor the dose, area and number of sessions to your condition. The benefits and any long-term risks are explained clearly before you decide.
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Short Outpatient Sessions
Treatment is delivered at one of 16 centres across the UK. Sessions are brief, painless, and use no needles, anaesthetic or incisions.
Conditions Dr Shaffer
Treats
Dr Shaffer treats benign conditions of the hands, feet, tendons, joints and skin where low-dose radiotherapy may help. Choose a condition to find out how it is assessed and treated.
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Dupuytren's Disease
A thickening of the tissue in the palm that can form lumps and cords, slowly pulling the fingers toward the palm. Radiotherapy is most often considered at an early stage to help slow its progression.
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Ledderhose Disease
Firm, often painful lumps in the arch of the foot that can make walking uncomfortable. It's closely related to Dupuytren's disease, and radiotherapy may help reduce the pain and slow the condition.
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Tendonitis
Pain and inflammation in a tendon. This includes tennis or golfer's elbow, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and shoulder pain that hasn't improved with rest, physiotherapy or injections. Low-dose radiotherapy aims to calm the inflammation.
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Osteoarthritis
Joint pain and stiffness, often found in the knees, hands, hips, or foot and ankle. Low-dose radiotherapy is a non-surgical option that aims to ease the pain and inflammation it can cause. Dr Shaffer has co-authored published research on its use.
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Bursitis
Painful swelling of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion a joint. It's often found in the hip, shoulder, elbow or knee. If it keeps coming back or doesn't improve, low-dose radiotherapy may help calm the inflammation.
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Keloids
Raised, thickened scars that grow further than the original wound. They can return after removal. Radiotherapy is usually given soon after removing a keloid to reduce the chance it grows back.
More Than 15 Years of
Radiotherapy Expertise
Dr Shaffer has specialised in radiotherapy for more than 15 years. He has worked as an NHS consultant oncologist and founded a practice dedicated to benign conditions. He trained in the UK, Canada and Germany, helped write national guidance, and now works to bring this care to more patients. His extensive international experience benefits every patient he treats.
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PRE-2010
Radiation Oncology Fellowship
British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver
Advanced clinical training in radiation oncology in Vancouver, before returning to the UK to take up a consultant post.
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2010
NHS Consultant Oncologist
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Nearly a decade as an NHS consultant clinical oncologist, including a spell as Clinical Lead for Radiotherapy at St Luke's Cancer Centre.
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2011
Private Practice Founded
Benign-Disease Radiotherapy
Began offering low-dose radiotherapy for benign conditions privately, drawing on further training in Germany, where it is widely used. Since then, he has treated more than 3,500 patients.
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2015
Co-Author, RCR Guidelines
The Royal College of Radiologists
Helped write the UK's national guidance on radiotherapy for benign disease, and later helped review its updated 2023 edition.
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LEADERSHIP
Medical Director
Xstrahl
Clinical leadership at a specialist manufacturer of superficial and orthovoltage radiotherapy systems.
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FOUNDER
Founder & President
IORBC
Founded the International Organisation for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions, connecting clinicians and sharing best practice worldwide.
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MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Co-Founder
Theralife Clinics
Co-founded Theralife Clinics to widen access to low-dose radiotherapy for benign conditions across the UK.
A Doctor Shaping
the Evidence
Dr Shaffer is not only a practising doctor but an active researcher. He co-wrote the Royal College of Radiologists' review of radiotherapy for benign conditions in the UK, led the English translation of the German guidelines on benign radiotherapy, and has co-authored peer-reviewed studies on its safety and use for osteoarthritis. He presents his findings at international meetings, including those of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). As founder and president of the International Organisation for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions, and through RT-ABC, which trains radiation oncologists in this field, he shares what he learns with doctors around the world.
Dr Shaffer also writes and clinically reviews the information published on his websites. He has a growing library of radiotherapy articles for each condition he treats. These cover what the research shows, who it may suit and what to expect from treatment. You can read clear, accurate guidance in plain English, written by the doctor who delivers the care.
ResourcesWhere Dr Shaffer
Sees Patients
Dr Shaffer assesses patients in person at five locations nationwide. If travel is difficult, your first consultation can be held by video.
Treatment is available at 16 centres across the UK.
View LocationsHonest Google Reviews
From Recent Patients
Every review below is a genuine Google review from patients Dr Shaffer has been in the past, exactly as it was written. They are here so you can understand what a consultation and treatment are actually like from people who have experienced them.
4.9
★★★★★
300+ Google reviews
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Joe Sole 3 months ago
★★★★★
I had an initial consultation with Dr Shaffer today. The appointment was on time, very informative and reassuring. Dr Shaffer is clearly a leading expert and I would have no hesitation recommending him to my family and friends.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Sarah Smith 11 months ago
★★★★★
Within 20 minutes of completing an online enquiry form Dr Shaffer had called me personally, discussed my condition and made an appointment to see him. He listened, gave me time to discuss every aspect and after a thorough examination gave me advice about whether I needed treatment at this time or not. I never felt under any pressure and completely trusted his expert opinion. At last somebody who took notice and understood the condition. I would highly recommend his care.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Guy Strickland 9 months ago
★★★★★
I received radiotherapy treatment for Dupuytrens Contracture on my right hand which ended in March 2023. I’m happy to say that the progression of Dupuytrens has ceased in my right hand and no more nodules or contractures have appeared. Dr Shaffer and his team were very helpful and professional throughout and I would recommend their services gladly.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Denise Mitchell a year ago
★★★★★
A lovely, friendly, efficient hospital. My appointment was on time. Dr Shaffer was welcoming and kind and thoroughly detailed his findings and the approach to my treatment. My schedule for the treatment was limited so every effort was made to accommodate me within my timeframe. The only surprise for me was the lack of parking at the hospital, so if you're taking your car it would be a good idea to research parking facilities within the area before your appointment.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Simon Speirs 5 years ago
★★★★★
Despite the Covid-19 situation I was dealt with quickly and efficiently by all staff. Dr Shaffer was on-time and dealt with the examination of hands/feet. He was able to rely on records of a prior visit in 2011 to help with diagnosis (that I had lost). He was able to recommend treatment and courses of action - whether through him or colleagues. He was very helpful.
- Dupuytren's Patient
- Ledderhose Patient
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Beth Driver 10 months ago
★★★★★
I had treatment on my left hand a year ago by Dr Shaffer and his team. All good so far and the nodules do feel much softer. Unfortunately it has now started in my right hand but I'm hopeful the treatment will work as well on this hand. Dr Shaffer is really warm and personable. He really does help to put your mind at rest. His team are very friendly and kind too. Would highly recommend.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Mark Patterson 6 months ago
★★★★★
Since receiving Radiotherapy treatment for Dupuytrens in my left hand, in 2022, there has been no noticeable growth in the cords and nodules present, and no signs of contraction. Dr Shaffer was swift to arrange my initial appointment and examination, and the therapy schedule was set up not long after. I am very happy with the whole experience from start to finish.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Robert Fowler 6 months ago
★★★★★
Richard treated my Dupuytrens in 2021. At the time, I was developing a contracture. Treatment was easy and a complete success - no contractures and a fully functional hand.
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Barbara Hayes 11 months ago
★★★★★
My consultation with Dr Richard Shaffer was incredible. I have a severe case of Ledderhose disease and Dupuytrens. Dr Shaffer showed so much concern and interest in my case. For the first time in 51 years I am beginning to feel confident that someone may be able to assist me with this disease. It was an inspiration and a pleasure to meet with Dr Shaffer. Thank you so much.
- Ledderhose Patient
- Dupuytren's Patient
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Chris Bruce 11 months ago
★★★★★
Professional operation with an initial consultation with Richard Shaffer, who is very knowledgeable and experienced, followed by two sets of radiotherapy on both hands. My dupuytrens improved markedly so seeking help was worth the expense. Avoid pretenders and head to those that know what they're doing potentially saving yourself from surgery.
- Dupuytren's Patient
