Dr Richard Shaffer

Qualifications

MBBS, BSc(Hons), MRCP, FRCR

GMC number: 4552635

Practising since: 1998

Specialties

Clinical Oncology

Consultation times

  • By arrangement
  • Overview
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About

Dr Richard Shaffer is a global expert in the use of low-dose radiotherapy for benign (non-cancer) conditions. He 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.

He is 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.

Dr Shaffer is also:

  • Founder and CEO of RT-ABC, set up to educate radiation oncologists in the treatment of benign conditions
  • Founder and president of the International Society for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions
  • Medical Director of XStrahl Limited
  • Co-writer of the UK Royal College of Radiologists guidelines for benign conditions
  • Responsible for the English translation of the German benign radiotherapy guidelines (2022)
  • Co-author of the first American case series of radiotherapy for osteoarthritis (2025).

For more information on Dr Shaffer’s clinical services:

Special interests

Radiotherapy for benign conditions, including:

  • Keloid scars
  • Dupuytren's contracture
  • Plantar fibromatosis
  • Ledderhose disease
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciopathy
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Hand osteoarthritis
  • Wrist osteoarthritis
  • Base of thumb osteoarthritis
  • Finger osteoarthritis
  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Shoulder osteoarthritis
  • Elbow osteoarthritis
  • Ankle osteoarthritis
  • Midfoot osteoarthritis
  • Forefoot osteoarthritis
  • Hallux rigidus
  • Tendinopathy
  • Tendonitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)
  • Hip bursitis
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfers elbow
  • Epicondylitis
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Shoulder tendinopathy
  • Benign disease.

Personal interests

Dr Shaffer is a keen pianist and has played at various festivals and venues including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. He also sings in choirs. He particularly enjoys travelling and spending time with his family.

Treatments and tests offered by Dr Richard Shaffer at Nuffield Health

  • Radiotherapy

Locations Dr Richard Shaffer works with

Related experience

Research

  • A review of the use of radiotherapy in the UK for the treatment of benign clinical conditions and benign tumours. Royal College of Radiologists 2015
  • Outcomes of Radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease (Plantar Fibromatosis) of the feet. Richard Shaffer, Immanuel Jeevarathnam, Chelsea Freeland, Louise Pardon. ESTRO meeting (poster) 2018
  • Treatment of Dupuytren’s Disease with Post-Interventional Radiotherapy. R. Shaffer and H. Seegenschmiedt. ASTRO (poster) 2022
  • Radiotherapy for Benign Diseases. DEGRO guidelines 2022 (English translation)
  • Poster presentation, ASTRO 2024 – “Low dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Single Institution Analysis of 51 patients and 85 joints”. B Koneru, R.E. Shaffer
  • ASTROnews article 2024: Radiotherapy for Dupuytren’s Disease. Richard Shaffer and Gopal Bajaj
  • ASTROnews article 2024: A “Beacon of Hope” for Osteoarthritis. Bobby Koneru and Richard Shaffer.

Memberships

  • Royal College of Radiologists
  • DEGRO (German Society for Radiation Oncology)
  • Royal College of Physicians of London
  • European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology
  • American Society for Radiation Oncology

Other posts held

  • Royal Surrey County Hospital

Insurers Dr Richard Shaffer works with

Dr Richard Shaffer works with the following private medical insurance providers:

  • Allianz
  • Aviva Health
  • Bupa
  • Bupa Global
  • Bupa On Demand
  • Cigna
  • Cigna International
  • The Exeter
  • Healix
  • Vitality Health (Pru Health)
  • Westfield Health WPA
  • WPA

Declaration

Dr Richard Shaffer does not hold a share or financial interest in this hospital, another Nuffield Health hospital or the company.

Dr Richard Shaffer does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at this hospital or another Nuffield Health hospital.

Dr Richard Shaffer does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at this hospital or on behalf of Nuffield Health.