Nerve and Muscle Testing in Douglaston, NY

Get Clear Answers About Your Symptoms

Precise EMG and nerve conduction testing reveals what’s really causing your numbness, weakness, or pain.

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EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies

Finally Know What's Wrong

You’ve been dealing with tingling fingers, shooting leg pain, or muscle weakness for months. Maybe your primary care doctor said it’s “probably nothing” or suggested you “wait and see.” But you know something isn’t right.

Nerve and muscle testing gives you concrete answers. Instead of guessing about carpal tunnel syndrome or wondering if that back pain is affecting your leg nerves, you get precise measurements that show exactly where the problem lies.

When you know what’s actually happening in your nerves and muscles, treatment becomes targeted instead of trial-and-error. No more wondering if physical therapy will help or if you need surgery. The test results create a clear roadmap for getting better.

Douglaston Nerve Testing Specialists

Experience You Can Trust

We’ve been serving Douglaston and the greater Queens area with specialized nerve and muscle diagnostic testing for years. Our physicians are board-certified in electrodiagnostic medicine, meaning we’ve completed additional training specifically in EMG and nerve conduction studies.

You’re not getting a general practitioner trying to figure out complex nerve testing. You’re getting specialists who perform these procedures daily and know how to interpret even subtle abnormalities that others might miss.

We focus exclusively on spine and nerve conditions, so we understand how different problems present and what the test results actually mean for your specific situation.

EMG Testing Process

What to Expect During Testing

The appointment typically takes 45-60 minutes and involves two types of testing. First comes the nerve conduction study, where small electrical pulses measure how fast and strong signals travel through your nerves. You’ll feel brief, mild shocks – uncomfortable but not painful.

Next is the EMG portion, where a thin needle electrode is inserted into specific muscles to measure their electrical activity. The needle is much thinner than those used for blood draws. You’ll be asked to relax the muscle, then contract it gently while the machine records the signals.

Results are available immediately. We review findings with you right after testing, explaining what the measurements show and what they mean for your condition. You’ll receive a detailed report that goes to your referring physician, usually within 24-48 hours.

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Comprehensive Nerve and Muscle Evaluation

Complete Diagnostic Testing Available

Our testing evaluates both sensory and motor nerves, checking for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, radiculopathy from spine problems, and various muscle disorders. Both upper and lower extremities can be tested during the same visit.

Many Douglaston patients appreciate that multiple areas can be evaluated in one appointment. If you’re experiencing both hand numbness and leg weakness, comprehensive testing determines whether these are related problems or separate issues requiring different treatments.

Insurance typically covers nerve and muscle testing when ordered by your physician. We handle pre-authorization when required and work with most major insurance plans accepted in the Queens area.

How painful is EMG and nerve conduction testing?

Most patients describe the nerve conduction portion as feeling like small static shocks – brief and startling but not truly painful. The EMG needle insertion feels similar to acupuncture needles, which are much thinner than injection needles. Some muscles are more sensitive than others, but the discomfort is temporary and stops immediately when the needle is removed. The entire test is designed to be tolerable while still providing accurate diagnostic information. Many patients say the anticipation was worse than the actual experience.

How long do nerve and muscle test results take?

You’ll get preliminary results immediately after testing. We review the findings with you before you leave, explaining what the measurements show and what they mean for your symptoms. A comprehensive written report is typically sent to your referring physician within 24-48 hours. This report includes detailed measurements, interpretation of findings, and diagnostic impressions. If your doctor needs results urgently, same-day reports can often be arranged. Having immediate feedback helps reduce anxiety about waiting for results.

What conditions can EMG and nerve conduction studies diagnose?

These tests diagnose a wide range of nerve and muscle conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy from diabetes or other causes, radiculopathy from herniated discs or spinal stenosis, muscle disorders like myopathy, and nerve injuries from trauma or compression. The testing can also determine the severity of conditions and whether they’re getting better or worse over time. Sometimes the tests rule out nerve problems, which is equally valuable information that prevents unnecessary treatments and helps doctors look for other causes of your symptoms.

Do I need to prepare anything special before nerve testing?

Preparation is minimal, but a few things help ensure accurate results. Keep your hands and feet warm before testing since cold temperatures can affect nerve conduction measurements. Avoid using lotions or oils on your skin the day of testing as they can interfere with electrode placement. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the areas being tested. You can eat normally and take your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. If you’re on blood thinners, let us know when scheduling since this may affect the EMG portion of testing.

Will my insurance cover nerve and muscle testing?

Most insurance plans cover EMG and nerve conduction studies when ordered by your physician for diagnostic purposes. The testing is considered medically necessary when you have symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or unexplained pain that could indicate nerve or muscle problems. We work with most major insurance carriers and can verify your coverage before scheduling. If pre-authorization is required, we typically handle this process. It’s always wise to check with your insurance company about your specific benefits and any copay or deductible requirements.

Can nerve and muscle testing show if I need surgery?

The testing provides objective measurements that help determine the severity of nerve or muscle problems, which is crucial information for treatment decisions. Severe nerve compression might indicate surgery could be beneficial, while mild abnormalities often respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications. However, the test results are just one factor in surgical decision-making. Your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, your overall health, and how much they affect your daily life all play important roles. The testing gives your doctor concrete data to make informed treatment recommendations rather than guessing about the best approach.

Local Resources

Douglaston, NY is located in Queens County in New York State