Nerve and Muscle Testing in Morningside Heights

Get Clear Answers About Your Symptoms

Advanced diagnostic testing that pinpoints exactly what’s causing your pain, numbness, or weakness.

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EMG and Nerve Testing NYC

Finally Understand What's Wrong

You’ve been dealing with unexplained symptoms long enough. Numbness that comes and goes. Muscle weakness that makes simple tasks difficult. Pain that no one seems able to explain.

Our nerve and muscle testing gives you the precise diagnosis you need. Through advanced electromyography and nerve conduction studies, we identify exactly which nerves or muscles aren’t functioning properly. No more guessing. No more generic treatments that miss the mark.

When you know what’s actually wrong, you can finally get the right treatment. Our detailed diagnostic results give you and your doctor a clear roadmap for addressing your specific condition.

Nerve Function Testing Specialists

Experience You Can Trust

We have been serving the Morningside Heights community with specialized diagnostic testing for years. Our board-certified physicians focus specifically on nerve and muscle disorders, giving you access to expertise that general practitioners simply can’t match.

We understand that getting accurate answers about your symptoms is crucial. That’s why we use the most advanced diagnostic equipment available and take the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition. Our patients include Columbia University faculty, local professionals, and residents who demand precise, reliable healthcare.

Muscle and Nerve Evaluation Process

Simple Testing, Clear Results

Your appointment starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. We need to understand exactly what you’re experiencing, when it started, and what makes it better or worse.

The actual testing involves two main components. Nerve conduction studies measure how well electrical signals travel through your nerves. Small electrodes placed on your skin send mild electrical pulses to test nerve function. Electromyography uses a thin needle electrode to measure the electrical activity in your muscles.

Most patients find the testing tolerable, though you might feel some mild discomfort. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on which areas we’re evaluating. You’ll get your results the same day, along with a clear explanation of what we found and what it means for your treatment options.

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Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing Services

Everything You Need in One Visit

Our nerve and muscle testing covers the full spectrum of diagnostic needs. We evaluate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, muscle disorders, and nerve compression syndromes. Whether your symptoms are in your hands, arms, legs, or back, we have the specialized equipment to test those specific areas.

You’ll receive a comprehensive report that includes detailed findings, clear explanations of any abnormalities, and specific recommendations for next steps. We work with your referring physician to ensure they have all the information needed to develop your treatment plan. Most insurance plans cover these diagnostic tests, and our billing team handles the paperwork so you can focus on getting better.

How painful is nerve and muscle testing?

Most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate. Nerve conduction studies feel like small electrical shocks – quick and brief, but not painful. The EMG portion involves thin needle electrodes that feel similar to acupuncture needles. You might feel some muscle soreness afterward, but it typically resolves within a day or two. We take steps to minimize discomfort and can adjust the testing if you’re particularly sensitive. The valuable information we get from these tests usually makes any temporary discomfort worthwhile for patients who’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms.

How long does the testing take?

The complete evaluation typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on which areas we’re testing and how many nerves and muscles we need to evaluate. Simple tests for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome might take 20-30 minutes, while comprehensive evaluations for multiple symptoms can take up to an hour. We schedule appointments with enough time so you never feel rushed. You’ll get your results immediately after testing, and we’ll spend additional time explaining what we found and answering your questions. Plan on being here for about 90 minutes total for your appointment.

Will my insurance cover nerve and muscle testing?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary nerve and muscle testing when ordered by your physician. We’re in-network with most major insurance providers in the New York area. Our billing team verifies your coverage before your appointment and handles all the insurance paperwork for you. If you have a high-deductible plan or limited coverage, we’ll discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises. We also offer payment plans for patients who need them. The key is having proper documentation from your referring doctor about why the testing is needed.

What conditions can nerve and muscle testing diagnose?

These tests are excellent for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, muscle disorders, and various nerve compression syndromes. We can identify problems with specific nerves like the median, ulnar, radial, peroneal, and tibial nerves. The testing also helps distinguish between nerve problems and muscle problems, which require different treatments. If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, or unexplained pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, these tests can often pinpoint the exact cause. We can also monitor disease progression in conditions like diabetic neuropathy or track recovery after nerve injuries.

Do I need to prepare for the testing?

Preparation is minimal, but there are a few important things to know. Keep your skin clean and avoid using lotions or oils on the day of testing, as they can interfere with the electrodes. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the areas being tested. If we’re testing your legs, shorts or a skirt works well. For arm testing, a short-sleeved shirt is ideal. Let us know about any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, though you usually don’t need to stop them. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, inform us when scheduling so we can take appropriate precautions.

When will I get my results and what happens next?

You’ll get your results immediately after testing. We’ll review the findings with you right away, explaining what we discovered and what it means for your condition. You’ll receive a detailed written report that day, which we also send to your referring physician. Based on the results, we’ll discuss potential treatment options and next steps. Sometimes the findings confirm a suspected diagnosis, while other times they reveal unexpected issues that change your treatment approach. We coordinate with your other doctors to ensure everyone has the information they need. If additional testing or specialist referrals are needed, we’ll help arrange those as well.

Local Resources

Morningside Heights, NY is located in New York County in New York State