Electromyography

We use the most advanced technology available to diagnose and treat our patients. One of the advanced diagnostic tools our physician uses is Electromyography (EMG), a test that evaluates the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscle. At New York Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, we utilize EMG as part of a complete diagnostic assessment in our patients with abnormal sensation, muscle weakness, or impaired muscle strength.  Electromyography can help differentiate problems originating within the nerves from problems originating within the muscle tissue. Conditions ranging from relatively minor nerve or muscle damage to more serious neurologic disorders can be detected by an EMG test. 

The EMG measures the electrical activity of the targeted muscle while it is at rest, in slight contraction and while it is being fully contracted.  To do this, several very small needle electrodes are inserted into the muscle tissue being tested. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are typically performed with the EMG to determine the origin of a condition and to assist in prognosis. Dr. Michael Neely will walk each patient through the procedures step by step and listen carefully to their symptoms and concerns. We then develop a customized treatment plan based on the results that is geared toward helping our patients expedite the healing process and maintain optimal quality of life.

Determining Who Is Most Suited For EMG
We take the time to determine the appropriate tests and treatment programs for each of our patients. The most common reason for a patient to have electromyography is to find out the origin of specific and persistent performance hampering symptoms such as, abnormal sensation, muscle weakness, atrophy and chronic muscle pain. An EMG test may also be a wise precautionary measure for people with a family history of genetic muscular or nervous diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis or spinal muscular atrophy.  

We take the time to understand each patient’s condition and focus on getting to the root cause of the problem in order to heal the source of pain. Our patients are active participants in every aspect of their treatment, which is customized to address their needs quickly and completely.