EMG Testing in Physical Therapy Helps Ensure You Get Results
Have you been struggling with back and/or neck pain? It can be extremely frustrating, especially when the cause is unknown. Fortunately, diagnostic testing at ClearCut Rehab can help get to the root cause of your pain and help our therapists design programs that result in better treatments and quicker recoveries.
Back and neck pain can hinder your ability to move as you usually do, and for some, it can worsen over time. Diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCV) allow our physical therapists to confirm a diagnosis so we can cater to the individual’s needs and help them recover as smoothly as possible.
Our clinic is one of the only outpatient rehabilitation practices in the area with physical therapists trained in EMG/NCV diagnostic testing to help pinpoint the exact sources of your symptoms. Our goal is to identify where the source of your pain originates and create the most effective treatment plan to help resolve it! We work closely with some of the best orthopedic and neurological physicians in Fort Worth, TX to make sure that when and if you need services other than physical therapy we can assist in getting you to the right place.
With a referral from your physician, ClearCut Rehab can quickly schedule an EMG test and share accurate results with your entire medical team.
Contact ClearCut Rehab today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
What does diagnostic testing mean?
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies are highly effective tools that help physicians and therapists accurately diagnose neuromuscular conditions. Accurate diagnosis is associated with improved treatment selection and quicker recoveries.
Electromyography Testing (EMG):
This test helps identify any nerve or muscle disorders. An EMG is a diagnostic test to analyze muscle health and its corresponding nerve cells. During an EMG, a tiny electrode is inserted into the affected muscle and measures the electrical activity of muscles, both at rest and during contraction.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCV):
These studies evaluate the function of the nerves and measure how fast and strong the electrical activity is in a nerve. NCV tests can be used to tell whether a nerve has been damaged.
EMG and nerve conduction testing used together effectively confirm the status of nerve-related symptoms, including the following:
EMG and nerve conduction testing used together effectively confirm the status of nerve-related symptoms, including the following:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling in an arm or leg
- Sciatica Pain
These tests can help us determine an accurate diagnosis, chronicity, the severity and extent of the problem, and even if it’s healing.
It is important to note that diagnostic testing like EMGs are not a replacement or substitute for an MRI but are another piece of information; they complement the information obtained by the MRI to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible.
How EMG’s at ClearCut Rehab physical therapy sessions can help with back and neck pain
Your ClearCut Rehab physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation at your initial evaluation, including a detailed medical history and movement screening. Our therapists will use this information to determine the most effective treatment to resolve your neck and/or back pain.
With a physician’s referral, we will conduct EMG/NCV test and provide results to your doctor within 48 hours of conducting the test. These specialized tests help determine if the back or neck pain you are experiencing is directly related to a pinched nerve.
Once the source of your pain is discovered, our physical therapists will work with you to teach you targeted stretches and exercises to help alleviate your pain. As your condition improves, your therapist will guide you through strengthening exercises and drills to restore the function of any nerve-related issues you may have.
Our ultimate goal is to speed up your recovery and teach you new ways to avoid dealing with the same neck or back pain condition again in the future!
How do you prepare for an EMG?
- Avoid using lotion or cream on the day of testing. Wash your skin thoroughly so that the patches and electrodes will stick well.
- Fasting is not required. You can also take all prescribed medications as normal. These will not affect EMG test results.
- Notify your provider if you have a pacemaker.
- Tell your provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
- Dress in a t-shirt or tank top as well as loose fitting shorts. You can also bring these with you to change into.
What Conditions can EMG’s Assist in Diagnosing?
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Brachial Plexus injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cervical spondylosis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Low back pain and neck pain
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Polymyositis
- Radial nerve dysfunction
- Radicular symptoms
- Sciatic nerve dysfunction
- Tarsal Tunnel syndrome
- Tingling and numbness
- And many more…
Contact Our Office to Find The Source of Your Pain
EMG and NCV tests are safe, reliable ways to diagnose the cause of your pain or discomfort. If you’re dealing with neck or back pain and have noticed symptoms without pinpointing their source, ClearCut Rehab diagnostic tests can get to the root of your pain so it can be treated accordingly.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!