Electromyography (EMG) measures and records the electrical activity of a muscle. The test can record a muscle's electrical activity at rest or during a muscle contraction.
Most EMG studies include nerve conduction studies and the EMG test. In many cases, this test looks for evidence of nerve damage, diseases of the nerve and/or muscle or disorders of the neuromuscular junction (where the nerve and muscle connect).
We use EMG most often to:
- Aid in diagnosing the source of pain, cramping or weakness
- Differentiate between true muscle weakness and limitations due to pain
- Determine if muscles and nerves are working properly
- Distinguish between muscle and nerve disorder