a
IRM Hospital is your first choice for your health partner. We offer premium care with state of the art medical facilities.
Mon - Sun: 24 Hrs Open Jan - Dec: Never Closed
+92 (051) 3757635
admin@irmsc.com

Regenerative Orthopedic Care IRM Hospital, Islamabad.

Arthritis Treatment in Islamabad —Personalized Care from Diagnosis to Recovery

IRM Hospital identifies your exact type of arthritis first, then builds a treatment plan around it — physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and advanced stem cell therapy under the direct supervision of Dr. Salman Gilani at Islamabad Campus. 

➤ WHY CHOOSE IRM

A diagnosis-first approach, not a one-size-fits-all injection

Choosing arthritis care involves more than picking a procedure. It requires an accurate diagnosis, an experienced clinical team, and a rehabilitation plan built around your specific joints — which is how every patient is treated at IRM.

Individualized treatment plan​

Your age, joints affected, severity, and goals shape a plan built for you, not a template.

Type & stage identified first

Treatment recommendations follow your diagnosis — never the other way around.

Full diagnostic workup

X-rays, MRI, and prior records are reviewed before any treatment is discussed.

Structured follow-up

Recovery is monitored on schedule, with your plan adjusted as your joints respond.

Physiotherapy built in​

Pre- and post-treatment rehabilitation is planned as part of your protocol, not an afterthought.

In-house regenerative lab

Stem cell processing is handled under controlled laboratory conditions on-site.

Serving patients across Pakistan

IRM Hospital welcomes patients from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and every province for arthritis evaluation and regenerative treatment.

ISLAMABAD  ·  RAWALPINDI  ·  LAHORE  ·  KARACHI  ·  NATIONWIDE

➤ what is arthritis

Arthritis isn't one disease — it's a group of more than 100

Every form of arthritis involves inflammation, pain, stiffness, or damage to the cartilage that lets your joints move smoothly. Some types wear down joints gradually with age; others are autoimmune conditions that can appear at any age, including in children.

Left unmanaged, arthritis can progressively limit walking, working, sleeping, and independence. Early assessment is what keeps those options open.

100+

Recognized conditions

Any age

Children to older adults

12+

Joint groups affected

Comprehensive Arthritis Treatment

Commonly Affected Joints

Knees  ·  Hips  ·  Shoulders  ·  Ankles  ·  Feet  ·  Hands  ·  Fingers  ·  Wrists  ·  Elbows  ·  Spine  ·  Neck  ·  Jaw

Some autoimmune forms may also involve the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, or blood vessels — another reason a full evaluation matters more than the joint alone.

➤ Types of arthritis

Common types of arthritis, at a glance

Each type has a different cause and a different treatment pathway. Two of the most common already have a dedicated, in-depth guide — the rest are evaluated on this page today.

Osteoarthritis

Cartilage wears down gradually, often with age or old injuries, causing stiffness and pain during activity.

Knees, hips, hands, spine · Older adults

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, often symmetrically on both sides of the body.

Hands, wrists, feet · Adults, more common in women

Juvenile Arthritis

Affects children and adolescents under 16. Early diagnosis helps protect healthy joint development.

Multiple joints · Children & adolescents

Psoriatic Arthritis

Linked to psoriasis, this inflammatory condition affects skin, joints, and nails — sometimes joints first.

Fingers, toes, spine · Adults

Ankylosing Spondylitis

A chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and pelvis that can reduce flexibility if untreated.

Spine, pelvis · Young adults

Gout

Uric acid crystals build up in a joint, causing sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness.

Big toe, ankles, knees · Adults

Reactive Arthritis

Can develop weeks after certain bacterial infections, causing joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Multiple joints · Children & adolescents

Not sure which type you have?

Self-diagnosis is unreliable — many types share symptoms. Our team confirms your exact type through examination and imaging.

➤ Types of arthritis

Comparison of common arthritis types

Symptoms often overlap between types — this is why a clinical diagnosis, not a symptom checklist, determines your treatment path.

TypePrimary CauseCommonly Affected AreasTypical Age Group
OsteoarthritisCartilage degenerationKnees, hips, hands, spineOlder adults (earlier after injury)
Rheumatoid ArthritisAutoimmune inflammationHands, wrists, feet, kneesAdults, more common in women
Juvenile ArthritisAutoimmune / inflammatoryMultiple jointsChildren and adolescents
Psoriatic ArthritisAutoimmune, linked to psoriasisFingers, toes, spine, kneesAdults
Ankylosing SpondylitisChronic inflammatory diseaseSpine and pelvisYoung adults
GoutUric acid crystal buildupBig toe, ankles, kneesAdults
Reactive ArthritisTriggered by certain infectionsKnees, ankles, feetYoung to middle-aged adults

➤ Signs, Symptoms & Causes

When joint pain is more than "just getting older"

Symptoms can build gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the type. Persistent pain and stiffness should never be dismissed, especially when they interfere with daily life.

Common Symptoms

Root Causes

What causes arthritis?

Different types develop for different reasons — which is exactly why treatment starts with identifying the cause, not just the symptom.

Age-related degeneration

Cartilage wears down over time — the leading cause of osteoarthritis.

Autoimmune disorders

The immune system attacks healthy joint linings, as in rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.

Previous joint injuries

Fractures, ligament tears, or repeated sports injuries raise long-term risk.

Genetic factors

A family history of arthritis increases likelihood for several types.

Metabolic conditions

Uric acid crystal buildup causes gout and its sudden painful flares.

Infections

Certain infections can trigger reactive arthritis weeks later.

Lifestyle factors

Excess weight, smoking, and inactivity can worsen symptoms or accelerate progression.

Occupational strain

Repetitive joint stress from certain jobs raises long-term risk.

Diagnosis

How arthritis is diagnosed at IRM Hospital

More than 100 conditions fall under “arthritis.” Confirming which one you have — and how far it has progressed — comes before any treatment discussion.

Dr. Salman Gilani’s Treatment Protocol

A structured, 7-step clinical pathway

Every arthritis patient moves through the same disciplined process — only the decisions inside it are personalized to your joints and diagnosis.

01

Consultation

Symptoms, history, medications, and goals are reviewed in detail.

02

Examination & Imaging

X-rays, MRI, and prior records are assessed by the clinical team.

03

Treatment Planning

Dr. Salman and the team design your individualized care plan.

04

Pre-Treatment Physio

Strength and mobility work, when appropriate, prepares the joint.

05

Stem Cell Therapy

Performed under established clinical protocols and supervision.

06

Recovery Phase

Typically around 10 days of relative rest, tailored to your case.

07

Rehabilitation

Progressive physiotherapy and scheduled follow-up assessments.

Regenerative Options

Stem cell options available at IRM Hospital

At IRM Hospital,evidence-informed regenerative medicine is delivered through a structured clinical protocol under specialist supervision. The right option is selected only after your evaluation is complete.

OPTION 01

Autologous Stem Cell Therapy

Uses the patient’s own stem cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection.

OPTION 02

Umbilical Cord–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

For selected patients, using mesenchymal stem cells from carefully screened umbilical cord tissue.

Candidacy

Who may be a candidate for stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is not the right first step for every patient. A recommendation is made only after a full clinical evaluation.

You May Be a Candidate If You

We May Recommend Other Care First

Decision Guide

Is stem cell therapy right for your type of arthritis?

A practical starting point — your consultation confirms which path applies to you. This is guidance, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of treatment.

Osteoarthritis

Often evaluated for regenerative therapy once conservative care and physiotherapy have been tried.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Requires disease-activity control first; regenerative options are considered alongside your rheumatologic care.

Juvenile Arthritis

Evaluated with pediatric-specific protocols focused on protecting joint development.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Assessed alongside skin symptoms; timing depends on disease activity.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Spinal mobility and inflammation markers guide whether regenerative care is appropriate.

Gout

Acute flares are managed first; regenerative therapy is not a first-line gout treatment.

Reactive Arthritis

Underlying infection is addressed before any regenerative option is discussed.

Nationwide Trust

Why patients travel to IRM from across Pakistan

Patients choose IRM Hospital not for a single procedure, but for a complete evaluation-through-recovery process — increasingly rare in regenerative medicine clinics.

15

Dedicated health sections under one roof

146

Distinct medical services offered

388

Clinical & support staff members

7-Step

Documented treatment protocol, every patient

FAQ

Arthritis treatment — frequently asked questions

Every patient begins with a consultation, physical examination, and review of imaging to confirm the exact type and stage of arthritis before any treatment — including stem cell therapy — is discussed.

Stem cell therapy is an emerging regenerative approach that may help support the body’s natural repair processes in appropriately selected patients. Outcomes vary by individual, and it is offered only after a full clinical evaluation confirms candidacy.

Osteoarthritis results from gradual cartilage wear, usually with age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings, often affecting the same joints on both sides of the body.

Yes. Juvenile arthritis affects children under 16 and requires protocols focused on protecting healthy joint development, alongside reducing inflammation and preserving movement.

Autologous therapy uses your own stem cells, collected and processed before injection. Umbilical cord–derived therapy uses screened donor mesenchymal stem cells and does not require harvesting from the patient, often making it a single-day procedure. Your physician determines which option fits your case.

Most patients are advised to limit strenuous activity for approximately 10 days, though this varies by the joint treated and your individual treatment plan. Structured physiotherapy follows.

Not every patient is suitable. After evaluation, some patients are advised to pursue continued physiotherapy, medication optimization, lifestyle changes, or a specialist referral first.

Yes. IRM evaluates patients across the common arthritis types — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, juvenile, psoriatic, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and reactive arthritis — with a treatment plan matched to your diagnosis.

Self-diagnosis is unreliable, since many types share symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. IRM confirms your type through medical history, physical examination, imaging, and lab investigation where needed.

IRM Hospital (Institute of Regenerative Medicine) is sometimes searched as “NIRM.” It is a distinct institution from Pakistan’s National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Call (051) 3757635 or book online through the Appointments page. Bring any prior X-rays, MRI scans, and a list of current medications to your first consultation.

SG

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Salman Gilani

Stem Cell Consultant & Fellow in Stem Cell Therapy · Diplomat, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine · Diplomat, American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

This page is for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Arthritis treatment outcomes vary by patient, diagnosis, and disease stage; no specific result is guaranteed. Stem cell therapy is offered only after a clinical evaluation confirms suitability. Last updated: August 6, 2026.

Ready to find out what's causing your joint pain?

Book a consultation with Dr. Salman Gilani’s team for a full arthritis assessment — diagnosis first, treatment plan second.