EMG nerve test of the arm

An EMG and nerve conduction study (NCS) of the arm checks whether a nerve in your neck, elbow or wrist is pinched or injured. It tells your physician whether arm or hand symptoms come from a nerve rather than the shoulder or elbow tendon, so a PRP plan is aimed at the right place. The test is done and reported by a physician.

Your physician orders this test when the result will change your plan. You have it only if it is ordered for you.

What is EMG/NCS nerve test of the arm?

Two parts: a nerve conduction study that times signals along the nerve, and an EMG that listens to a few muscles with a thin needle.

What does it tell your physician?

Arm or hand numbness, tingling or weakness can start at the wrist, at the elbow or up in the neck. Shoulder pain can come from the neck, too. The test locates the injured nerve and grades the injury, so treatment goes where the problem is.

What does it feel like?

First, quick pulses travel along the nerve from pads on the skin; each feels like a brief snap. After that, a fine needle tests a few muscles, and each one feels like a quick pinch. Most people go straight back to their day.

How do you get ready?

Wear loose sleeves. Skip lotion on your arms that day.

What should you tell us first?

• Let us know ahead of time about blood thinners, a pacemaker, or swelling or skin trouble in the arm

How long does it take?

About 30 to 60 minutes.

Keep reading: whether the pain is the shoulder or the neck, neck injuries after a crash.

Other tests in the program

• Kinetisense
• CMAT (CardioMetabolic Assessment Test)
• RQ (resting metabolic rate)
• EMG/NCS nerve test of the leg

It belongs to the physiotherapy program for PRP and joint care at PRP STL. A physician orders and watches over every treatment, and nothing starts unless one can step in right away.