Neuromuscular Therapy
Dr. Aleem Liaqat
Dr. Aleem Liaqat is internationally recognized expert in treating disorders related to human movement. He has done his graduation from Rawalpindi Medical University and post-graduation from Isra University. His main areas of interest are soft tissue mobilization, sports physical therapy and musculoskeletal disorders. He is the only certified Mulligan Practitioner in twin cities i.e. Islamabad and Rawalpindi of Pakistan. He is also certified Spinal Manual Therapist from manual concepts, Australia. He is certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner from Kinesio University, United States. He has also done certification in Orthopedic Sports Kinesio Taping Specialist. Dr. Aleem is Certified in Chiropractic and Osteopathic techniques (Italy). He is also Certified Dry Needling practitioner (UK). He has vast experience in physical therapy and rehabilitation. He is expert in treating different spinal, orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders.
About Neuromuscular Therapy
Tight connective tissues and muscles often lead to chronic pain, that keeps structures of body away from moving freely and independently. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is used in the treatment of tight tissues. This therapy stretches these tight structures to release myofascial trigger points and releasing the scar tissues.
We are living in age of modern and advanced technology. As compared to past, now we are able to treat myofascial pain in a complete way and at a faster rate. At IPRC, the advance technology along with manual therapy will eliminate the exact source of myofascial pain and trigger points.
Myofascial trigger point treatment at IPRC:
Hypoperfusion or reduced blood flow is the primary cause of pain in your muscles and connective tissues. Decreased blood flow or ischemia causes muscles to work with limited flow of nutrients and oxygen. This leads to energy crises within the muscles that cause compression of small blood vessels and acetylcholine release is also inhibited forming trigger points or taut bands of muscle tissue.
Neuromuscular therapy is very effective for:
- Headaches
- TMJ pain
- Mid back pain
- Low back pain
- Elbow and arm pain
- Shoulder pain
- Heel pain
- Wrist pain
Common Causes Of Musculoskeletal Pain
Common causes of musculoskeletal pain include:
- Inflammation
- Traumatic injury
- Dysfunction and poor posture
- Chronic stress
- Repetitive overuse
- Advanced age
- Chronic fatigue
Neuromuscular therapy targets deep connective tissues and muscles. This therapy uses elbows, fingers and thumb for releasing trigger points and scar tissues
Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders:
Common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders include:
- Deep aching pain
- Trigger points
- Weakness of muscles.
- Reduced range of motion or mobility
- Sore or tender muscles
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain is a phenomenon in which your local pain is due to inflammation of tiny knots (trigger points) which give rise to pain. Sarcomere is the functional unit of muscle. Contracture of sarcomere leads to formation of trigger points. The pathophysiology of these trigger points is better described by endplate dysfunction. The junction between nerve ending and muscle fiber is endplate. Energy crises or ischemia at endplate will induce release of pain sensitizing substances. Such substances will reduce and inhibit calcium reuptake into muscle fibers resulting in various circles of pain-spasm-pain.
How neuromuscular therapy will alleviate pain:
During neuromuscular therapy, appropriate pressure is applied to palpable trigger points and taut bands present in your muscles. Pain receptors are inhibited by applying this static pressure. Metabolism of muscle is also optimized by activating sensory organs in muscles. The hands of physical therapist and neuromuscular specialists are trained in detecting minor change in muscular tissues. Muscle imbalances are then eliminated by applying appropriate manual pressure.
Diagnosis of myofascial pain:
Mostly myofascial pain is misdiagnosed. It may be mistaken with problems of ligament, tendons, nerves or bones, but its wrong. This pain arise due to problems in your muscles.
The best way to diagnose myofascial pain is by proper examination and assessment of muscle. Your therapist would feel for taut muscular band and will then find the exact location of tenderness.
How fascial manipulation works:
Fascia is a thin connective tissue sheath that surrounds and covers muscles, blood vessels, nerves and organs keeping them away from sticking and holding them in their place. Fascia shortens during inflammation and trauma and movement becomes restricted and painful. The normal gliding ability of fascia is compromised, and production of collagen is increased causing scar tissue formation.
Fascial manipulations identify abnormal adhesions and provides treatment to correct these adhesions. These adhesions negatively affect force transmission of tendons and muscles resulting in injury and pain. Fascial manipulation therapy works by identifying the exact fascial area that causes pain and limited movement. Once painful and limited movement area is identified then physical therapist manipulates appropriate point and area of fascia to break the adhesions, force transmission comes back to normal and pain free mobility is restored.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy releases tight myofascial tissues that will reduce local pain as well as referred pain. Trigger point therapy is very effective in treating conditions like neck pain, back pain, wrist pain, sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, foot and ankle pain, hip pain, knee pain and headache. Trigger point massage therapy is widely used to release trigger points.
Benefits of neuromuscular rehab:
Neuromuscular therapy has multiple benefits. Some of them includes:
- Increase mobility and range of motion (ROM)
- Improve balance and gait
- Improve strength of weak muscles
- Reduces and eliminates pain
- Improve overall quality of life and promote independence
- Improve posture
- Increase circulation
Prevention of myofascial pain:
The risk for developing myofascial pain can be reduced by:
- Maintain proper sleep
- Reducing your stress level
- Proper exercise
- Start practicing relaxation methods
- Eating a healthy diet
Get treatment at IPRC that really works:
Our advance technologies and transformative therapy will help in eradicating the root cause of your dysfunction and pain so that you can enjoy pain free and active lifestyle. At IPRC, we use holistic care and individualized treatment approach for patients and never use cookie cutter exercises to achieve optimal and best results. We properly examine patient and provide one -on-one physical therapy based on proper diagnosis. The custom design and personalized treatment is utilized for addressing unique condition of patients make IPRC the number one clinic for treating myofascial pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Aleem Certifications In Physical Therapy
Certified Spinal Manual Therapist
Dr. Aleem has done various certifications in the field of physical therapy. He is Certified Spinal Manual therapist (Manual concepts, Australia). Spinal manual therapy is used to relieve neck pain, back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions by application of forces at joints of spine. These treatments are helpful in restoring spine dysfunctional areas.
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Dr. Aleem also delivers lecture on ergonomics at corporate sector in whole Pakistan including Telenor, PTCL and Ufone.