Electromyography (EMG) Specialist

Orthopaedic Associates, Inc

Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists located in Evansville, IN, Newburgh, IN, & Henderson, KY

When you have muscle weakness or tingling sensations, you may have a nerve or muscle problem. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that assesses nerve and muscle function. Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, with five locations throughout Southern Indiana and Western Kentucky, performs EMG testing to diagnose a nerve or muscle condition. To learn more about EMG today, call the office in Henderson, Kentucky, or one of the offices in Newburgh or Evansville, Indiana, or schedule an appointment online today.

Electromyography (EMG) Q & A

What is electromyography (EMG)?

EMG is a diagnostic test that measures nerve and muscle activity. Your nerves send electrical signals to move your muscles. When your muscles move, it provides information on how it responds to these electrical signals.

An EMG consists of two tests:

EMG

The EMG measures electrical activity in your muscles when they’re at rest and then again when they move.

Nerve conduction study (NCS)

The NCS measures nerve activity, assessing how fast and efficiently nerves send electrical signals along the nerve pathway to and through the muscle.

Why would I need EMG?

Your primary care provider or physician at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, will explain why you need an EMG. They may recommend the diagnostic test if you have symptoms that suggest you might have a nerve or muscle condition.

These symptoms might include:

Muscle weakness
Tingling, burning, or numbness
Muscle paralysis
Muscle spasms

Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, most often recommends EMGs to assess nerve function in the arms and hands or the legs and feet.

How do I prepare for EMG?

Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, provides specific instructions on the steps you need to take to prepare for your EMG.

They request you shower before the diagnostic test but not apply any lotions or creams to your skin. Lotions, creams, and other skin care products may skew the results of your test. You should wear comfortable clothing and leave all valuables at home.

Most importantly, the practice requests that you arrive for your appointment on time.

What happens during EMG?

Your provider at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, performs both the NCS and EMG during your EMG testing.

First, they do the NCS. For this test, your provider places electrodes on your hand and arm or foot and leg. Then, they send mild electrical shocks to stimulate the nerves. Your muscles twitch and jump when stimulated.

Next, they do the EMG. For this test, they place electrode needles through the skin and into the muscle. You may feel some discomfort during needle placement. These needles record the electrical signals generated by your muscles.

The results of the EMG provide a clear understanding of how your nerves function. Your provider at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, reviews the information gathered during your EMG and generates a report that’s shared with your primary care provider.

To schedule your EMG at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.