EMG & Rehab Services

Electrodiagnostic Testing

In performing electrodiagnostic testing or electromyography (EMG) our physicians are known for their prompt testing while ensuring diagnostic accuracy and testing that is as comfortable as possible. Common nerve conditions that can be diagnosed include carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves in the neck and back, cubital tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy. Our physicians are among the most experienced electrodiagnosticians in the Pacific Northwest.

Rehabilitation Consultation

As consultants in Rehabilitation Medicine, our physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Such conditions include lower back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injuries, sports-related injuries, work injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, amputations, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spasticity, and physical impairments related to aging. Our goals are to assist patients in maximizing function and adding quality to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

Do you have same day appointments available for electrodiagnostic (EMG) testing?

Yes. We are often able to schedule same day appointments, with the results available immediately.

What types of insurance to you accept?

We accept most insurances. Please call our office for further details.

Do you see patients with motor vehicle accident claims?

Yes, our physicians are able to serve as consultants in these claims. They are happy to work with your primary care provider.

Do you see patients with Labor and Industry or Worker's Compensation claims?

Yes, our physicians are able to serve as consultants in these claims. They are happy to work with your attending physician.

Do I need a referral from my primary care provider?

Yes, in most cases we require a referral from your primary care provider. Self-referred patients can be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Please call our office for further details.

How do I schedule an appointment?

If you are being referred to us by your medical provider, your provider may have already forwarded pertinent information to us. If you have not yet been given an appointment time, please call our office (206.320.2675). Please provide us with your healthcare insurance information and inform us if you are being seen as a result of your involvement in an auto accident or work-related injury.

Questions about electrodiagnostic testing:

What is electrodiagnostic testing?

If a nerve is impaired or injured, it may cause weakness, pain or numbness. Electrodiagnostic testing can indicate if there has been an injury to the nerve. Nerve damage relating to pinched nerves in the neck or back, carpal tunnel, generalized nerve problems or certain primary diseases of muscle may be diagnosed by this testing. Electrodiagnostic testing is usually composed of two separate tests, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

What is electromyography (EMG)?

EMG can help to determine if your medical problem is affecting the skeletal muscle and/or the 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 the tip of a small, fine pin into the muscle. Pin insertion may cause mild temporary discomfort. Only brand new, sterile, laboratory sealed disposable pins are used for each patient and are discarded after use.

Is EMG testing painful?

This test is usually well tolerated. However, once the pin is placed in the muscle, there can be a range of responses from no pain to mild discomfort. We make every effort to minimize discomfort. Our physicians have adopted and mastered the best practices in performing EMG exams in the most comfortable fashion possible. Once the exam is over, there is usually no further discomfort.

What are nerve conduction studies (NCS)?

During NCS, the physician tapes small electrodes on the skin and applies a brief electric stimulus to different portions of the motor and sensory nerves. Nerve stimulation causes a tingling sensation reminiscent of the static shock you receive when touching a metal object after walking across a carpet. The physician evaluates the electrodiagnostic responses of the nerve or muscle being tested and can determine if the nerve impulse is conducted normally, slowed, or not transmitted at all.

What do I wear for my EMG/NCS test?

For this test, it is recommended that you wear comfortable, loose clothing.

What do I need to do to prepare for the test?

EMG and nerve conduction testing does not require any preparation on your part, although it is helpful to avoid use of skin lotions on the day of testing. You may continue all of your usual medications including anticoagulants (blood thinners). There are no significant side effects to testing and you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately following completion of the test.

Who performs my EMG?

All electrodiagnostic testing is completed entirely by one of our physicians. We do not use technicians or other non-physicians in our testing. Our physicians take a careful history and perform a directed examination to customize your testing in relation to your problem.

When can I expect the test results?

The results of testing and test interpretation can be reviewed with you immediately after your testing and sent to your referring provider on the same day. Recommendations for specific treatment based on your test results will be given to you by your provider.

Will my insurance cover this test?

EMG and nerve conduction testing is routinely covered by most health insurances as a very accurate diagnostic testing procedure. Some insurances require a co-pay and/or prior authorization. Please call your health insurance provider if you are unsure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Questions about rehabilitation consultations

What is a Physiatrist?

Rehabilitation physicians are experts in treating nerve, muscle, and bone injuries or illnesses. Rehabilitation physicians have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and are often referred to as physiatrists. Physiatrists also receive extensive training in electrodiagnostic medicine (EMG and nerve conduction testing).

What types of conditions do you diagnose and treat?

Our rehabilitation physicians treat a wide range of orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurologic problems. Their goal is to improve a patient's function whether it is standing, walking, or high level sports activity. Our physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an ailment. They then design a treatment plan that is directed at your specific diagnosis. By providing an appropriate treatment plan, our physicians can help patients stay as active as possible at any age.

Do you treat chronic pain?

Our physicians diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that can cause pain, but they do not take over the prescribing of narcotic medications.

Should I require physical therapy, is it covered by my insurance?

Most insurance policies cover physical therapy although you should verify the extent of your coverage with your insurance provider. If physical therapy is recommended by one of our physicians, they will refer you to the appropriate physical therapy provider. We do not have physical therapy services in our office.