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EMG Specialist

Synergy Rehabilitation & Wellness Center

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Nutrition located in Scottsdale, AZ

When you experience muscle weakness or pain, or you have tingling sensations, you may need a test such as electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve and muscle activity and diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Anthony Lee, MD, and the team at Synergy Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, have years of experience performing EMG, precisely identifying nerve and muscle dysfunction, and then developing customized treatments that addresses the problem. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

480-478-1696

EMG Q & A

What is EMG?

EMG evaluates the health of your muscles and the nerves that trigger muscle contraction. An EMG can determine problems with nerve-to-muscle communication, help to diagnose or rule out muscle and nerve dysfunction, and show the location and extent of the problem.

EMG may be performed anywhere on your body, where the procedure helps diagnose conditions such as:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Peripheral neuropathy
Muscle inflammation
Pinched nerve
Sciatica
Muscular dystrophy

This type of testing can also help diagnose or rule out problems that affect the nerves in your spine, such as a herniated disc.

What symptoms indicate I may need an EMG?

The team at Synergy Rehabilitation & Wellness Center may recommend EMG testing if you have symptoms such as:

Muscle weakness
Muscle spasms or pain
Numbness or diminished sensation
Burning sensation
Radiating pain
Tingling or the feeling of pins and needles

You may also need EMG testing if you have a hard time walking or you have trouble holding objects or buttoning clothes.

How do doctors perform an EMG?

Your EMG includes two tests:

Nerve conduction velocity study

A nerve conduction velocity study shows the speed at which electrical impulses travel through a specific nerve. Your provider at Synergy Rehabilitation & Wellness Center puts sensors called surface electrodes on your skin along a nerve.

Then a mild electric impulse is initiated through the sensor at one end of the nerve. After evaluating the speed of the impulse between sensors, your provider can determine if the nerve is healthy or damaged.

Needle EMG

A needle EMG measures electrical activity when your muscle contracts and when it’s at rest. Your provider inserts thin needles into the targeted muscle, then asks you to tighten and relax the muscle. The needles contain electrodes that pick up changes in nerve transmission and reveal abnormal electrical activity.

What should I expect during an EMG?

The surface electrode may cause a brief twinge or spasm as the electrical impulse goes through the nerve. Needle electrodes typically cause discomfort when the needles are inserted. Though most patients tolerate the testing, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider if you’re too uncomfortable.

Electrodiagnostic testing typically takes 30-90 minutes. When it’s finished, you can return to your usual daily activities. However, the muscles in the tested area may feel sore for a few days after the procedure.

If you develop muscle weakness or pain, call Synergy Rehabilitation & Wellness Center or book an appointment online.