EMG Testing

Electromyography, or EMG, is a powerful diagnostic tool that evaluates the health of muscles and the nerves that control them. By measuring electrical activity, EMG helps pinpoint the cause of muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain—whether it’s a nerve compression, neuropathy, or a neuromuscular disorder. It’s minimally invasive, highly informative, and essential for guiding accurate diagnoses and treatment plans in neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation medicine. 

• Precise diagnosis 
• Early identification of conditions, preventing them from worsening 
• Pinpointing the exact muscle areas affected, leading to tailored treatments and quicker patient recovery. 

 An EMG works by inserting a thin, needle-shaped electrode into a muscle. The electrode records the electrical signals that your muscle produces when it contracts and when it rests. 

During the test, the electrical signals are displayed on a screen and heard through a speaker as waves and sounds. The EMG test measures the size, shape and pattern of the waves and sounds, which reflect the muscle’s ability to respond to nerve stimulation.
EMG evaluates the function and health of your muscles and motor neurons. Your electromyography test results help your care team determine the cause and severity of your symptoms, such as muscle weakness, pain or spasms.  

No special preparation is usually necessary. Avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of the test. 

Body temperature can affect the results of this test. If it is extremely cold outside, you may be told to wait in a warm room for a while before the test is performed. 

If you are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, inform the provider performing the test before it is done.