Academic Buffalonias in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, P.C.

2121 Main Street, Suite 210, Buffalo, NY 14214 Phone: (716) 832-1000 Fax: (716) 832-1001

Frequently Ask Questions

What is an EMG test ?EMG, EMG Buffalo,EMG Buffalo NY

How to Prepare EMG study ?

EMG stands for Electromyogram (Electro-myo-gram). Similar to an ECG (Electro-cardio-gram) that evaluates electrical activity of the heart muscle, an EMG helps to determine if your medical problem is affecting the skeletal muscle and/or the peripheral nerves that innervate them. This study can detect if there has been muscle and/or nerve damage, and if so, the severity and how active vs. chronic. During an EMG study, the physician analyzes the electrical activity in muscles by inserting a fine pin electrode. Electrode insertion may cause mild temporary discomfort. The physician can determine whether the muscle, and the nerve supplying that muscle, is working properly by analyzing the firing pattern of muscle fibers on a video monitor and listening over a loudspeaker. Evaluation of both the resting muscle membrane as well as the recruitment pattern from the muscle fibers yields valuable information. Only brand new, laboratory sealed and sterilized disposable needles are used for every patient which are discarded after use to prevent transmission of infection including AIDS or hepatitis. EMG, EMG Buffalo NY

Tell your doctor if you:

Are taking any medicines. Certain medicines that affect the nervous system can change EMG results. You may need to stop taking these medicines 3 to 6 days before the test.

Have had bleeding problems or take blood thinners, such as warfarin or heparin. If you take blood thinners, your doctor will tell you when to stop taking them before the test.

Have a pacemaker.

Does an EMG test hurt ?

There may be mild discomfort when the electrode is inserted into the muscle.

Will I be able to drive back home after the test ?

Absolutely. There are no specific restrictions subsequent to electrodiagnostic EMG/NCS testing.

Will the physician performing the test discuss the test results with me, after the testing is done ?

The physician will do his/her best to give you a brief overview of the study findings at the completion, although often needs time to analyze the nerve and muscle responses and correlate the findings with other studies before finalizing the impression and recommendations. A detailed report will be sent to your referring physician within a few days (and often on the same day of the procedure.

Is Electrodiagnostic (EMG/NCS) study covered by insurance ?

Yes. Virtually every medical insurance recognizes and covers EMG/NCS study similar to lab work and other diagnostic studies although some insurances require a co-pay and/or prior authorization.

What is Acupuncture ?buffalo acupuncture, Buffalo EMG

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain in China. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force ---- known as QI or CHI (CHEE) --- believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves. muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

We offer Acupuncture as alternative Pain Treatment. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns.