Dr Richard Shaffer
MBBS, BSc (hons), MRCP, FRCR
27 years of experience
London, SW5 0TU
(+16 more)
74 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Shahrier Sarker, Mr James Nicholl and 30 other professionals
27 years of experience
London, SW5 0TU
(+16 more)
74 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Shahrier Sarker, Mr James Nicholl and 30 other professionals
Areas of expertise
Contact
Book
About Dr Richard Shaffer
Dr Richard Shaffer is a specialist doctor treating joint and tendon conditions with non-surgical radiotherapy treatment in London, Guildford, Nottingham and 12 other centres in England.
He is a global expert in the use of low-dose radiotherapy for benign (non-cancer) conditions and has treated more than 3000 patients with radiotherapy for benign conditions, including Dupuytren's, Ledderhose, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, keloid scars, osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and bursitis.
Dr Shaffer sees patients for consultations in London, Guildford and Nottingham. His patients can get treatment at 15 centres in England (Central London, London Wimbledon, Elstree, Guildford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Chelmsford, Milton Keynes, Maidstone, Windsor).
He treats the following conditions:
- Hand and wrist - Dupuytren's disease (Dupuytren's contracture), finger osteoarthritis, thumb osteoarthritis, wrist osteoarthritis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Elbow - tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis), elbow osteoarthritis, elbow bursitis
- Shoulder - rotator cuff tendinopathy, shoulder tendon injuries and strains, biceps tendonitis, shoulder osteoarthritis, acromio-clavicular joint osteoarthritis (AC joint osteoarthritis)
- Foot and ankle - plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Achilles bursitis, Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis), hallux rigidus (big toe osteoarthritis), ankle osteoarthritis, midfoot osteoarthritis, foot joint arthritis
- Knee - knee osteoarthritis, retropatellar osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), knee bursitis
- Hip and pelvis - hip osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, hip bursitis, GTPS, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, ischial bursitis, hamstring tendinopathy
Dr Shaffer is also
- Medical Director of Theralife Clinics – set up to treat patients with radiotherapy for benign conditions in the UK.
- Co-founder of Reload Clinics, which was set up to treat patients with tendonitis in a joint clinic with Geoff Scott, world-renowned consultant physiotherapist and previous head of medical services at Tottenham Hotspur FC.
- Founder and CEO of RT-ABC, set up to educate radiation oncologists in the treatment of benign conditions. Founder and president of the International Organisation for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions.
- Medical Director of XStrahl Limited - manufacturer of radiotherapy machines.
- Co-wrote the UK Royal College of Radiologists guidelines for benign conditions.
- Responsible for the English translation of the German benign radiotherapy guidelines 2022.
- Co-authored the first American case series of radiotherapy for osteoarthritis (2025).
For more information on Dr Shaffer’s clinical services see:
- https://theralifeclinics.co.uk - for radiotherapy for benign conditions in Manchester
- https://reloadclinics.com - For tendinopathy, bursitis, fasciitis.
- https://dupuytrensuk.com- For Dupuytren’s, Ledderhose disease.
- https://jointpainpractice.co.uk - for osteoarthritis.
Subspecialties
- Clinical Oncology
Areas of expertise
Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements
Registered with
General Medical Council
No. 4552635
Education
University of London
Medicine
Graduated 1998
University of Manchester
Biomedical Science
Graduated 1995
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Medicine
Graduated 2002
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Clinical Oncology
Graduated 2006
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science from the University of Manchester
MBBS University of London 1998
Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP)
Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists in Clinical Oncology (FRCR)
Founder and Teacher on Radiotherapy for Academy for Benign Conditions (www.rt-abc.com)
Publications
Read publications and papers written by this specialist.
25 / 12 / 2025
Periarticular Soft Tissue Disorders: Enthesopathies, Tendinopathies, and Bursitis-Pathophysiology and Radiotherapeutic Approaches - PubMed
Published in Seminars in Radiation Oncology
06 / 10 / 2025
From essential basic understanding to clinical application - biological, physical and pathophysiological principles of (low-dose) radiotherapy in benign diseases - PubMed
Published in Frontiers in Immunology
25 / 05 / 2025
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Single-Institution Analysis of 69 Patients and 168 Joints - PubMed
Published in International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology and Physics
25 / 10 / 2015
Radiotherapy for benign disease; assessing the risk of radiation-induced cancer following exposure to intermediate dose radiation - PubMed
Published in British Journal of Radiology
Languages spoken
- English
Insurers
- General and Medical
- Freedom Health Insurance
- Healix Health Services
- Saga Health Insurance
- Allianz Worldwide Care
- Benenden Health
- The PHC
- Aetna
- Aviva Health
- Bupa
- Bupa Fee Assured
- Vitality
- Cigna
- WPA
- The Exeter
- National Friendly
Fees
New appointment
£260Follow-up appointment
£180
Locations
Cromwell Hospital
164-178 Cromwell Rd, London, United Kingdom, SW5 0TU
Opening hours
Facilities
Opening hours
Facilities
GenesisCare Oxford
Sandy Ln W, Peter's Way, Littlemore, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX4 6LB
GenesisCare Surrey
Rosalind Franklin Close, Guildford, United Kingdom, GU2 7AW
GenesisCare Portsmouth
Located in Spire Portsmouth Hospital, Bartons Road, Havant, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, PO9 5NA
GenesisCare Cambridge
The Oaks, Fordham Rd, Newmarket, United Kingdom, CB8 7XN
GenesisCare Windsor
69 Alma Road, Windsor, United Kingdom, SL4 3ES
GenesisCare Bristol
300 Park Ave, Aztec West, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS32 4SY
GenesisCare Milton Keynes
The Pavilion, Sunrise Parkway, Linford Wood East, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, MK14 6LS
GenesisCare Maidstone
17 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Maidstone, United Kingdom, ME19 4UA
GenesisCare Centre for Radiotherapy at Cromwell Hospital
164-178 Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London, United Kingdom, SW5 0TU
Opening hours
GenesisCare Chelmsford
Springfield Cancer Centre, Lawn Lane, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM1 7GU
GenesisCare Elstree
Unit 710, Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Borehamwood, United Kingdom, WD6 3SZ
GenesisCare Southampton
Spire Hospital, Chalybeate Close, Tremona Road, Southampton, United Kingdom, SO16 6UY
GenesisCare Nottingham
The Park Cancer Centre Sherwood Lodge Drive, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG5 8RX
Opening hours
GenesisCare Birmingham
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, United Kingdom, B74 3BF
Cancer Centre London
49 Parkside, Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom, SW19 5NB
Opening hours
Facilities
Theralife Clinics - Manchester
Alderley Edge Medical Centre, Talbot Rd, Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, SK9 7HR
Areas of expertise
Contact
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Reviews
AI Review Summary
This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews
Dr Richard Shaffer is friendly with patients. He offers clear explanations and provides helpful advice across various conditions and treatment options. Many patients report successful outcomes for their procedures, experiencing symptom relief and halted progression. Dupuytren's Contracture, radiotherapy, and prostate cancer treatment are key themes in patient feedback.
Dr Shaffer is extremely warm and full of empathy. He is clearly an expert in his chosen field and has a deep passion for it. A wonderful manner, and instantly puts the patient at ease. Explains everything clearly and allows the patient to clarify every detail.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation and radiotherapy treatment. Hearing that it made a positive difference means a great deal to the whole team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
I wanted to understand whether the Dupuytrens Contracture in my left hand would benefit from Radiotherapy treatment. Dr Shaffer advised that it had progressed too far, but explained what options were available, and how to monitor for early signs in other fingers which may benefit from Radiotherapy treatment in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
I have had three consultations with Dr Shaffer over 11years. He has always been very approachable and explains things to you. I have every trust in him.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation and radiotherapy treatment. Hearing that it made a positive difference means a great deal to the whole team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
Received radiotherapy for Dupuytren's in hand and Lederhosen in foot. Had previously had it on other hand and other foot. Its difficult to tell how advantageous it is but it's worth a try .
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with your radiotherapy treatment. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
I have now had 2 separate treatments. One for Dupuytrens in right hand and other for osteo A in right foot big toe joint. Both have relieved symptoms and in the case of the Dupuytrens has stopped further contracture. This non- invasive treatment seems to be a major advance on alternative treatments like surgery.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with the results of the radiotherapy treatment to your hand and big toe. Hearing that it made a positive difference means a great deal to the whole team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with conditions such as Dupuytren's disease, osteoarthritis and tendinopathy, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
My consultation with Dr Shaffer was very helpful. He reviewed my symptoms and we talked through how to monitor progression and treatment options should any be needed in the future. I appreciated his friendly manner and straightforward approach. Would thoroughly recommend.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Dupuytren's UK. We're delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation. Hearing that our approach made a positive difference means a great deal to our entire team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. Kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer www.dupuytrensuk.com
I met Dr Shaffer for a consultation at Genesis Care in the Cromwell Hospital in London. I was instantly put at ease by Dr Shaffer who explained my diagnosis and treatment plan options with a calm approach allowing me with his advice to make all the decisions moving forward. His medical secretary is also a dream to deal with. I highly recommend Dr Shaffer at the consultation stage. I feel in safe hands to have a treatment with him , too.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Dupuytren's UK. We're delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation. Hearing that our approach made a positive difference means a great deal to our entire team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. Kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer www.dupuytrensuk.com
Advice and radiotherapy treatment for dupuytren conditions very beneficial.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Dupuytren's UK. We're delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation and radiotherapy treatment. Hearing that our approach made a positive difference means a great deal to our entire team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. Kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer www.dupuytrensuk.com
Treatment of osteo arthritis by photon beam is apparently not so common but I had great success with Dupuytrens treatment using similar technique
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation and radiotherapy treatment. Hearing that it made a positive difference means a great deal to the whole team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. With kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer
I visited Dr Shaffer on recommendation from a fellow gym member as I developed lumps in both hands. My GP had advised me that they would not treat Dupytrens until my fingers actually began to contract. I had a 30 minute consultation at the Cromwell Hospital which resulted in advice to monitor my hands for 2 months to see if there was any deterioration. Very impressive service. Dr Shaffer was very clear that it was early in the condition. His advice to potentially ease off in the gym to avoid hand trauma was the not the best news for a gym addict! But clearly correct. I will now measure my hands movement and flexibility periodically and revisit if it shows signs of getting worse. Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Dupuytren's UK. We're delighted to know that you were happy with your consultation and advice given. Our goal is to provide compassionate, specialist care for people living with Dupuytren's disease and related conditions, combining medical expertise with clear communication and empathy at every stage. Your feedback encourages us to continue delivering the highest standard of care to each patient we meet. Kind Regards, Dr Richard Shaffer www.dupuytrensuk.com
Skill Endorsements
Top of his field. Excellent clinical
12 May 2026
Mr Shahrier Sarker
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
03 May 2026
Mr James Nicholl
Orthopaedic SurgeonExcellent doctor
10 Apr 2026MC
Mr Howard Cottam
Orthopaedic SurgeonRichard is a true pioneer in the field of radiotherapy for arthritis, taking a patient-centred and collaborative approach to achieving great symptomatic outcomes.
24 Mar 2026
Dr James Good
Oncologist
Most recent videos
Explore videos from Dr Richard Shaffer explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.
Introduction to Dr Richard Shaffer
25 December 2025
Low-Dose Radiation for osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis
This video takes you through what low-dose radiotherapy is and how it works for painful osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and bursitis. It is a very low-dose non-invasive treatment that is effective in more than 80% of patients. Examples of conditions treated are: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, midfoot osteoarthritis, ankle osteoarthritis); knee osteoarthritis, jumper's knee, patellar tendinopathy, hip osteoarthritis, hip bursitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, hip tendinopathy, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, hand and wrist osteoarthritis, medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), elbow osteoarthritis, shoulder osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement syndrome, biceps tendinopathy. Dr Richard Shaffer is an expert in Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions, including: • Dupuytrens disease, Ledderhose disease - https://dupuytrensuk.com/ • Keloid Scarring - https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/keloid-scars-what-are-my-treatment-options • Osteoarthritis - www.jointpainpractice.co.uk • Tendonitis including tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy https://reloadclinics.com/ • Bursitis including hip bursitis https://reloadclinics.com/ Please phone us on 07584 532397 if you have any questions, or send an email to pa.drshaffer@genesiscare.co.uk
20 December 2025
youtu.be
Webinar: Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Osteoarthritis
Dr Richard Shaffer discusses what low-dose radiotherapy is and how it helps with painful osteoarthritis in 75% of patients. As it is such a low dose, the side-effects are very mild and the risks are very minor. Often people try this to get rid of their pain when they want to avoid surgery.
25 November 2025
youtu.be
Radiotherapy for Dupuytren's and Ledderhose disease with Q&A
Dr Richard Shaffer gives a lecture about radiotherapy for Dupuytren's disease of the hand and Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis) of the foot. This is followed by questions and answers from Anna Schurer from the British Dupuytren's Society. You can find out more about this subject at https://www.dupuytrensuk.com/ There is more information about radiotherapy for Dupuytren's disease at https://www.dupuytrensuk.com/radiotherapy-treatment-for-dupuytrens-disease-site/ There is further information about radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease at https://www.dupuytrensuk.com/radiotherapy-for-ledderhose-disease/
25 October 2025
youtu.be
All about low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis
Discover how radiotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis. Learn about standard treatment options, when radiotherapy is indicated, how low-dose radiotherapy works, and safety information - including cancer risk.
30 December 2025
reloadclinics.com
Most recent articles
Read articles from Dr Richard Shaffer explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.
Guide to Dupuytren's Disease Treatments
Comprehensive guide to all Dupuytren’s disease treatments, from early-stage options like radiotherapy to minimally invasive and surgical procedures. Learn how each treatment works, who it’s suitable for, and how to choose the right pathway based on disease stage and progression.
23 December 2025
dupuytrensuk.com
When is it too early for Radiotherapy for Dupuytren’s disease?
Radiotherapy for Dupuytren's: Find out whether early treatment is the best solution with Dupuytren's UK. Learn about effective radiotherapy options in the UK.
30 December 2025
dupuytrensuk.com
Radiotherapy for Garrod’s pads (knuckle pads)
Garrod's pads can be treated very successfully with radiotherapy treatment.
30 December 2025
dupuytrensuk.com
Dupuytren’s Disease and Rock Climbing: What Climbers Need to Know
Learn how rock climbing increases Dupuytren's disease risk by 20% in climbers. Discover early treatment options including radiotherapy, symptoms to watch for, and how climbers can continue their sport with proper management.
30 December 2025
dupuytrensuk.com
FAQ
What are Dr Richard Shaffer's reviews like?
Dr Richard Shaffer's overall patient rating is 4.91 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 26 reviews.
What languages does Dr Richard Shaffer speak?
Dr Richard Shaffer speaks English
Where is Dr Richard Shaffer located?
Dr Richard Shaffer primarily practices at Cromwell Hospital, located at 164-178 Cromwell Rd, London, United Kingdom, SW5 0TU
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What are Dr Richard Shaffer working hours?
Dr Richard Shaffer is working Monday (10:30 - 17:00, 10:30 - 17:00), Tuesday (10:30 - 17:00), Friday (10:30 - 17:00)
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Does Dr Richard Shaffer accept new patients?
Dr Richard Shaffer generally accepts new patients.
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