EMG / NCS Tests

The test has two parts:

• An EMG (Electromyogram) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerves control the muscles in the body by electrical signals (impulses), and these impulses cause the muscles to react in specific ways. Nerve and muscle disorders cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways. During an Electromyography study, a very small pin is inserted in the muscle that helps us evaluate the condition of your muscles.

• NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies) are used to measure the health of your nerves. Mild electrical stimulation is administered to the skin directly overlaying the nerve. The response is measured by a second set of electrodes applied to the surface of the skin. This impulse produces a visual signal on a computer monitor, and when analyzed, it can provide information about the condition of the nerve.

Measuring the electrical activity in muscles and nerves can help find diseases that damage muscle tissue (such as myopathy and muscular dystrophy) or nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or peripheral neuropathies). EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies are often done together to provide us with more complete data.

The results of EMG/NCS testing can be an invaluable tool for your doctor to determine various conditions that can affect your nerves and muscles, which will help them manage your care more effectively.

What Is EMG/NCS Used to Evaluate?

• Back pain radiating to the legs

• Neck pain radiating to the arms

• Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet

• Weakness

• Diabetes

• Neuropathy

Why Do We Use EMG/NCS?

• It saves you time and money! Before we begin treating you, we can know what the problem is (and show you!). We can recognize sooner if this is a problem a physical therapist can help with, or if you require other medical services.

• It’s more accurate than without. Being able to localize the pain with these tests helps us treat you efficiency by providing us with knowledge of exactly where the pain is coming from. This is huge for physical therapists and could revolutionize the entire industry – Most PT clinics don’t offer all or any of these tests pre-treatment!

EMG/NCS are easy, reliable, and safe tests

Our team of highly trained professionals are always cooperating closely with you and the ordering provider. We are here to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable experience and to obtain the most valuable information needed for you and your doctor.

Proper testing can assist in the correct diagnosis that leads to the appropriate physical therapy treatment. EMG/NCS testing can be part of your evaluation and guide your treatment!