Understanding Nerve Conduction Tests and EMG at Waystone Physical Therapy

What is a Nerve Conduction Test?

A nerve conduction test (NCS) is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the function of the motor and sensory nerves in your body. This test measures how quickly electrical impulses move through your nerves. It helps diagnose conditions that affect nerve function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and other nerve disorders. During the test, small electrodes are placed on your skin over the nerve being tested. A mild electrical stimulus is applied, and the response is recorded. This process is repeated for various nerves to provide a comprehensive view of your nerve function.

What is an EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is another diagnostic study that assesses the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. Unlike the NCS, which focuses on the nerves, EMG measures the electrical activity in muscles. During an EMG, a thin needle electrode is inserted into the muscle to record electrical activity during rest and muscle contraction. This test can help diagnose conditions like muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and other muscle disorders.

Why are These Tests Important?

Both NCS and EMG are essential in diagnosing and understanding the extent of nerve and muscle disorders. They provide valuable information that helps in creating effective treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. By identifying the specific location and nature of nerve or muscle dysfunction, these tests guide the therapeutic approach and ensure targeted, effective interventions.

Meet Our Specialist: Alex Gonzalez

At Waystone Physical Therapy, these specialized diagnostic services are provided by Alex Gonzalez, a board-certified physical therapist in clinical electrophysiology. Alex has extensive experience in performing and interpreting NCS and EMG studies, making him uniquely qualified to provide accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

How to Access These Services

To undergo NCS or EMG studies at Waystone Physical Therapy, a physician referral is required. This ensures that the tests are medically necessary and appropriate for your specific condition. Once you have a referral, Alex Gonzalez will work closely with you and your referring physician to perform the tests and interpret the results, guiding your treatment plan for optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding nerve and muscle function is crucial in diagnosing and treating various neuromuscular disorders. Nerve conduction tests and EMG are invaluable tools in this process. At Waystone Physical Therapy, under the expert care of Alex Gonzalez, we offer these diagnostic services to help you achieve a comprehensive understanding of your condition and the most effective treatment plan. If you think you might benefit from these tests, talk to your physician about a referral to Waystone Physical Therapy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or contact us directly.

At Waystone Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing comprehensive, expert care to help you live a pain-free and active life.