Why do Nerve Conduction?
Nerves control your muscles and allow you to move and feel sensations.
Your brain sends signals through your nerves to make muscles work and carry
messages such as feeling (hot, cold, smooth, etc.). When your nerves are
healthy, they carry the signals quickly and efficiently. If there is pressure
on a nerve or when a nerve is sick or injured, the signals travel slower
and with less power. A Nerve Conduction Test tells us how well your nerve
signals travel. The test can locate where there is pressure on the nerve
and determine how severe it may be.
Why do Electromyography?
Nerves control muscles. When the muscle contracts, it generates tiny
electrical charges. When there is a problem with your nerves or muscles
changes occur in the physiology, or the way they function, and the electrical
charges generated by the muscle are altered. The EMG test provides important
information about how muscle is functioning that otherwise could not be
detected.
EMG requires the insertion of a thin pin (about the size of an acupuncture
needle) to ‘record’ the muscle’s electrical activity.
What does it Feel Like? Does it hurt?
Like most things in life, someone will tell you how bad anything is
- so don't worry. When performed by a qualified, experienced, professional,
the testing is slightly uncomfortable. The Nerve Conduction Test requires
a mild electric (safe) stimulus. The EMG requires the insertion of a
thin pin to record the tiny electrical discharges within the muscle.
Honestly, for most people, neither test is a big deal.
Who performs these tests?
EMG/NCT studies are performed by physical therapists and physicians
educated and trained in electrophysiologic testing. Although some providers
who are not board certified by their profession are qualified, we recommend
a physical therapist specialist board certified in Clinical Electrophysiologic
Physical Therapy (PT, ECS) or an experienced physician in your area.
How long will it take?
EMG/NCT studies typically take about an hour, but it depends on how
much testing is required to answer the doctor’s questions.
How do I get ready for a test?
Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time
to complete any necessary paperwork.
Do not use any lotions or oils on the skin. Please keep the skin warm and dry.
Wear a tank top or pair of shorts for comfort. This will help the examiner and prevent you from having to wear a gown.
Rick is the President of The Electrophysiology Management Group of Georgia,
Inc and and Vice President of EMG Solutions, LLC. Rick previously served
as the clinical coordinator for St. Francis Hosptial’s Rehabilitation
and Electrophysiology Departments in Columbus, Georgia. He has completed
thousands of hours in testing, interpretation, peer review and administration
and is Board Certified in Clinical Electrophysiology by the American
Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Rick has a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from North Georgia
College and State University and has successfully completed the didactic
education including qualifying examinations for the Doctor of Science
in Clinical Electrophysiology from Rocky Mountain University. He recently
finished a prospective trial investigating proximal median nerve dysfunction
in carpal tunnel syndrome and is currently involved in investigations
in the areas of recording characteristics during NCS of the suprascapular
nerve and the reliability of nerve conduction measures.
He is active in the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTA Section on
Clinical Electrophysiology and the American Congress on Electromyography. Rick
presents regularly at national meetings on electrophysiological testing and serves
on the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) for the ABPTS Clinical
Electrophysiology specialty examination.
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