XVII · THE SANCTUARY · Pain management

PM&R and Pain Management Specialist in Islamabad

Diagnosis, interventional pain care and personalised rehabilitation focused on helping you move, function and participate in daily life.

Dr Muhammad Shoaib Mukhtar, FCPS (PM&R)PAF Hospital IslamabadServing Islamabad & Rawalpindi
FCPS (PM&R)Specialist physician training
PAF HospitalIslamabad consultation location
Diagnosis + treatmentEMG/NCS, procedures and rehabilitation
All age groupsYoung adults, older adults and selected paediatric care

Care centred on both pain and function

Pain can arise from joints, muscles, tendons, discs, nerve roots or peripheral nerves. Similar symptoms may therefore need different investigations and treatment plans.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) combines medical diagnosis with rehabilitation planning. The aim is not simply to label a painful area; it is to understand what is limiting movement, work, sleep or independence, and to decide which combination of education, medication, exercise, therapy, diagnostic testing or procedure may be appropriate.

Treatment is individualised after clinical assessment. A procedure or injection is not automatically the right choice for every patient.

Common reasons patients consult

I

Spine and disc pain

Back pain, neck pain, sciatica, radicular pain, suspected disc disease and pain after spine surgery.

II

Joint and arthritis care

Knee osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, tendon problems and other musculoskeletal conditions.

III

Nerve-related symptoms

Numbness, tingling, weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy and suspected nerve compression.

IV

Neurological rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury and selected neurological disorders.

V

Sports and overuse problems

Strains, sprains, tendinopathy, repetitive-use pain and return-to-activity planning.

VI

Recovery after surgery

Physician-led rehabilitation after orthopaedic, spine and selected neurological procedures.

Diagnostic and treatment options

  • EMG/NCS electrodiagnostic testing for selected nerve and muscle conditions.
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound to examine selected soft-tissue and joint problems.
  • Ultrasound-guided injections where accurate placement is clinically appropriate.
  • PRP consultation and procedures for selected musculoskeletal conditions after assessment.
  • Joint and spine-related procedures based on diagnosis, indication and informed consent.
  • Structured rehabilitation plans and physiotherapy coordination with measurable functional goals.
  • Dry needling and acupuncture as possible components of a broader management plan.
  • In-person consultation and selected telemedicine follow-up or second opinion.

What to expect

Clinical history

We discuss the symptom pattern, previous treatment, medical conditions, work and the activities pain has disrupted.

Focused examination

A neurological, musculoskeletal and functional examination is selected according to the problem.

Investigation when needed

Existing reports are reviewed. Imaging, laboratory tests or EMG/NCS may be considered when they could change management.

Shared plan

Options, likely benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives are discussed before deciding on the next step.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PM&R specialist?

A PM&R physician evaluates conditions affecting movement, nerves, muscles, joints and function, then coordinates medical treatment, procedures and rehabilitation when appropriate.

Do I need a referral?

Referral requirements can depend on the hospital and your care pathway. Call PAF Hospital on 051 9564331 to confirm the current appointment process.

Are consultations available for Rawalpindi patients?

Yes. The clinic is in Islamabad and regularly serves patients travelling from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.

Can every type of pain be treated with an injection?

No. An injection is only one possible option. Its suitability depends on the diagnosis, expected benefit, risks, alternatives and your overall health.

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