Understanding Electromyography (EMG)

Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi and Howell, MI, uses EMG diagnostics to help patients recover from problems affecting their muscles and nerves. 

Our nine highly skilled, experienced, and licensed doctors treat over 35 conditions using state-of-the-art treatment options. This group of doctors shows high rates of successfully treating underlying conditions causing pain and discomfort to many patients.

To treat the cause, we need to be able to diagnose it. One of the diagnostic technologies that our physicians find most helpful is called electromyography. Our doctors want to explain all they can about electromyography and how it may help you.

Understanding Electromyography 

The doctors at Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi and Howell, MI, use an EMG to see how well your nerves control muscle action. While electromyography is not a new test, it has significantly improved over the years and is now a valuable testing tool in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders. 

Electromyography Process

A licensed physician with advanced training in this test inserts a needle electrode into a muscle. The doctor places electrodes at these sites as well. These electrodes monitor and document muscle activity. Results return as number values, which a highly trained medical specialist reads.

Why an Electromyography

If you have numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, experience muscle weakness, or have pain or cramping in your muscles, then electromyography is a beneficial tool to determine why you have these issues. 

Electromyography can help us determine a spot-on diagnosis for these symptoms or rule potential causes out.

Possible Diagnoses Made with Electromyography

• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Nerve disorders affecting the peripheries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Post-polio syndrome and other motor-neuron disorders
• Pinched spinal nerve
• Herniated disc
• Spinal Stenosis

Preparation, Expectations, Post Electromyography

Make sure your skin is clean before your test. Don't apply oils, creams, or lotions to your skin, as this interferes with the electrode placement.

Everyone has different levels of touch stimulation, and you may or may not notice tiny muscle spasms or tweaks during your test or feel a little pain when our doctor inserts the needle into your muscle.

The only side effect from this test may be a bit of skin bruising at the needle insertion site that goes away in a few days. 

Get Rehabilitation Help Today!

Please call Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi and Howell, MI, at 248-893-3200 and schedule your appointment for a consultation for a possible EMG test. We are eager to meet you and see how we can improve your health, increase your quality of life, and eliminate or decrease pain issues.