EMG Testing in Mountainside, NJ

Get Clear Answers About Your Symptoms

Precise electromyography testing that reveals what’s really happening with your nerves and muscles.

A healthcare professional attaches electrodes to a patient's fingers and wrist while operating a medical device on a table, possibly for a nerve conduction or electrophysiology test.

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A person wearing blue gloves applies electrodes with wires to a patient's hairy leg, likely for physical therapy or electrical stimulation treatment.

Electromyography Diagnostic Testing

Finally Know What's Wrong

You’ve been dealing with numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain for weeks or months. Your doctor suspects a nerve or muscle problem, but you need concrete answers before you can move forward with treatment.

EMG testing gives you those answers. This diagnostic procedure measures the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves, pinpointing exactly where problems exist and how severe they are.

When you know what you’re dealing with, you can stop wondering and start treating. No more guessing games. No more trying treatments that might not work. Just clear information that leads to the right treatment plan for your specific condition.

Mountainside EMG Specialists

Experience You Can Trust

We have been providing electrodiagnostic testing to patients throughout Mountainside and central New Jersey for years. Our team includes board-certified specialists who perform hundreds of EMG tests annually.

You’re not just getting a test – you’re getting expertise. Our physicians understand how to interpret complex nerve conduction studies and electromyography results, translating medical data into clear explanations you can understand.

We use modern equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure accurate results every time. Most insurance plans are accepted, and our staff handles prior authorizations when needed.

A healthcare professional uses a device with electrodes attached to a patient's forearm and fingers to conduct a medical test at a clinic. Both are seated at a table.

EMG Test Process

What Happens During Your Test

Your EMG test has two parts: nerve conduction study and electromyography. The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on which nerves and muscles need testing.

First comes the nerve conduction study. Small electrodes are placed on your skin, and mild electrical pulses measure how fast and strong your nerve signals travel. You’ll feel brief tingling sensations, but nothing painful.

Next is the electromyography portion. A thin needle electrode is inserted into specific muscles to record their electrical activity. You’ll contract and relax these muscles while the equipment measures their response. Most patients describe this as similar to getting a vaccination – brief discomfort that passes quickly.

Our specialist reviews your results immediately and discusses preliminary findings with you before you leave. A complete report goes to your referring physician within 24 to 48 hours.

A person receives a medical test on their arm using electrodes connected to a diagnostic machine, while a healthcare professional operates the device.

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Comprehensive Nerve Testing

Complete Electrodiagnostic Evaluation

Your EMG testing includes both nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, giving a complete picture of your neuromuscular function. The test can diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, diabetic neuropathy, muscle disorders, and spinal nerve problems.

The testing covers multiple nerve pathways and muscle groups as needed for your specific symptoms. Some patients need testing in their arms and hands, others in their legs and feet, and some require comprehensive evaluation of multiple areas.

You’ll receive detailed explanations of what each part of the test reveals about your condition. The results help determine whether your symptoms come from nerve damage, muscle problems, or issues where nerves connect to muscles. This precision guides your doctor toward the most effective treatment options.

A person in a white shirt has electrodes attached to their arm, while another person in a lab coat operates a polygraph machine on a table, indicating a lie detector test in progress.
Most patients tolerate EMG testing well. The nerve conduction portion feels like brief electrical tingling – uncomfortable but not painful. The needle EMG portion involves thin electrodes inserted into muscles, which feels similar to getting a shot or acupuncture. The discomfort is temporary and stops immediately when the needle is removed. Many patients are surprised that it’s less uncomfortable than they expected. You can resume normal activities immediately after testing.
EMG testing typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves and muscles need evaluation. Simple tests for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome are usually completed in 30 minutes, while comprehensive testing for multiple symptoms may take an hour. You’ll discuss preliminary results with our specialist before leaving, and your complete report will be sent to your referring physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will then contact you to discuss the findings and next steps.
EMG testing diagnoses a wide range of nerve and muscle conditions. Common diagnoses include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves in the neck or back, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, muscle disorders, and nerve injuries. The test can also determine the severity of these conditions and whether they’re getting better or worse over time. This information is crucial for your doctor to recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether that’s physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery.
Preparation for EMG testing is minimal. Avoid using lotions, oils, or creams on your skin the day of testing, as these 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, inform our office when scheduling. Bring your insurance card and a list of current medications. The entire process is outpatient, so you can drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Most insurance plans cover EMG testing when it’s medically necessary and ordered by your physician. We accept most major insurance plans and handle prior authorization requirements when needed. Our staff will verify your coverage before your appointment and explain any out-of-pocket costs. EMG testing is considered a standard diagnostic procedure, similar to X-rays or MRI scans, so coverage is typically straightforward. If you have questions about your specific coverage, call our office with your insurance information for verification.
EMG and nerve conduction studies are complementary tests often performed together. Nerve conduction studies measure how well electrical signals travel along your nerves using surface electrodes and small electrical pulses. EMG uses thin needle electrodes to measure electrical activity directly in your muscles. Nerve conduction studies detect problems with nerve function, while EMG identifies muscle disorders and shows how well nerves connect to muscles. Together, they provide a complete picture of your neuromuscular system, helping distinguish between nerve problems, muscle problems, or issues affecting both.