Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine
EMG Testing Near Farmington, MI Find the source of numbness, weakness, and nerve pain
For the diagnosis of many different nerve conditions, including the various forms of neuropathy, there is no test better than electromyography, or EMG testing for short.
★ 4.7 Google rating · Board-certified physicians · Rochester Hills & Grand Rapids
What is EMG testing and why is it used?
EMG, or electromyography, measures how your nerves and muscles respond and work together, unlike X-rays that show anatomy. At the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, board-certified physicians use EMG results to find nerve irritation, compression, or damage, tell whether symptoms start in the spine or peripheral nerves, and guide treatment choices.
For the diagnosis of many different nerve conditions, including the various forms of neuropathy, there is no test better than electromyography, or EMG testing for short.
For those near or in the Farmington area, the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine is now offering EMG testing and treatment for the multitude of conditions it can diagnose.
But what is electromyography, and how does it work?
Read on below for a complete list of conditions, treatments, and how this unique technology can benefit Farmington residents!
What Is Electromyography?
EMG testing can be traced back to the early 1950s and is a form of diagnosis that has been built upon and refined over the past 70 years. So, how does EMG testing work? When you move your muscles, your brain sends electrical signals along the spinal cord as a command. EMG testing uses probes to interpret these electrical signals and check for any irregularities or signs of damage.
When you undergo an EMG test, the probes are directly inserted into the muscle to take measurements. Moreover, a nerve conduction study can utilize electrode stickers applied to the skin to test the speed and strength of responses. EMG testing must be conducted by a licensed physician, like those at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine.
What Types Of Conditions Are Diagnosed By EMG Testing?
EMG testing, when paired with a physical exam, imaging, and blood tests, can be used to diagnose several different types of conditions. Here is a short list of those that can benefit the most:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome– A common condition where the median nerve, which runs along the forearm to the wrist, becomes pinched or pressed on.
- Peripheral Neuropathy- A condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves that exist outside of the brain and spinal cord.
- Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)- Pinched nerves happen when the root nerves outside the spinal cord become pinched due to disc degeneration or another condition.
- Herniated Disc- Herniated discs occur when part of the spine’s disc becomes enlarged or is pushed out of alignment with the bones of the vertebrae.
- Sciatica- Similar to a pinched nerve, sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve, located near the base of the spine, becomes pinched.
- Diabetic neuropathy- Caused by nerve damage that occurs from those with diabetes, it is a condition that is degenerative and requires immediate intervention.
How Does EMG Testing Feel?
EMG tests can cause some discomfort but do not require any pain intervention. They feel similar to any test that requires a needle but differ from blood draws or injections as the probes must remain attached to an EMG machine for feedback. EMG testing can last from 60-90 minutes and will require you to move your muscles, which can cause mild soreness. After an EMG appointment, you may suffer some muscle soreness in affected muscle groups, but this is normal and should subside naturally within a few days.
How Can Farmington, MI Residents Prepare For EMG Testing?
When your doctor is considering administering an EMG test, they must have all the medical information you can provide. Have a list of all current medications and symptoms that cause you discomfort, and disclose whether you have a pacemaker or another implanted device. The electrical stimulation of an EMG test can impair pacemakers, leading to potentially dangerous consequences for the typically low-risk procedure. There is no need to fast before an EMG test, but you may be advised to cease any caffeine or tobacco consumption for a few hours before.
Conditions
Conditions Evaluated With EMG
Pinched nerves, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy are common reasons patients are referred for EMG testing.
Lumbar or cervical radiculopathy causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Pain that radiates from the low back into the leg.
Numbness and tingling in the hand from nerve compression.
Nerve Entrapment
Ulnar or radial nerve compression in the arm.
Burning, tingling, or numb feet and hands.
Lasting symptoms after trauma to a nerve.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
In Their Words
We were amazed at how thorough the explanation of the recommended procedure was. I knew just what would happen and what I was agreeing to.
Steve G. Regenerative medicine patient
This doctor is very professional, using layman’s terms and taking his time with my parents to fully explain everything, and in answering all our questions!
Rosanna Windsor, Ontario · Family of a stem cell patient
Dr Nabity answered every question/concerns I had prior to the procedure in detail. If you leave a message for him he always calls you back himself.
Connie H. New Baltimore, MI · Stem cell patient
Excerpts from our patient testimonials.
Individual results vary. Reviews reflect each patient’s own experience.
Your visit
Your Path to Treatment
Most visits follow four simple steps. Our team guides you through each one and answers questions along the way.
1. Consultation
Meet your physician, talk through your symptoms, and review your history and goals.
2. Diagnosis & Imaging
Ultrasound or other imaging helps identify the source of your pain.
3. Treatment
Your physician performs the EMG test and reviews the results with you to guide next steps.
4. Follow-Up
Check-ins track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Insurance & cost
Insurance, Self-Pay, and Clear Pricing
We accept many major insurance plans for consultations, testing, and many spine and joint procedures. Regenerative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy are usually self-pay, so you get a clear estimate before you decide.
Usually billed to insurance
- Consultations and office visits
- EMG and nerve testing
- Epidural, facet, and SI joint injections
- Nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve stimulators
Usually self-pay
- PRP and stem cell therapy (BMAC)
- Prolotherapy
- PRP hair restoration
- Stem cell banking
Self-pay options include prompt-pay discounts, payment plans, and HSA or FSA funds for eligible expenses.
Plans we accept
- PPO Trust
UMR coming soon. Blue Care Network plans require a referral. Coverage varies by plan and service, so call Rochester Hills (248) 216-1008 or Grand Rapids (616) 288-1109 and we will check your benefits.
Why patients choose MCRM
- Board-certified physicians Every procedure is performed by a board-certified physician, not a technician.
- Image-guided precision Ultrasound or fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance places treatment exactly where it is needed.
- Your own cells, prepared on site Platelets and bone marrow cells are processed in our in-house lab during your visit.
- Results we track We have reported patient outcomes to the DataBiologics registry since 2019.
- Clear, upfront pricing Itemized estimates before treatment, prompt-pay discounts, and payment plans.
- Physicians who teach physicians Our doctors teach orthobiologic courses and helped write national back pain guidelines.
Our physicians
Meet Your Care Team
Thomas Nabity, MD
Board-certified physician
John Santa Ana, DO
Board-certified physician
Robert Farhat, DO
Board-certified physician
Kevin M. Nemeth, MD
Board-certified physician
John Steele, MD
Board-certified physician
Christopher Hannasch, DO
Board-certified physician
Credentials & memberships
Training You Can Look Up
Board certification shows a physician completed specialty training and passed independent exams. Our physicians go further, with added certifications and memberships in orthobiologics, musculoskeletal ultrasound and electrodiagnostic medicine. Each program is run by an independent organization, so you can see exactly what it requires.
PM&R Board Certification
Board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the specialty focused on restoring function.
Pain Medicine Board Certification
Board certification in pain medicine, covering evaluation and treatment of complex pain conditions.
IOF Certification Courses
Advanced knee, hip and spine certification courses in image-guided orthobiologic procedures.
IOF Instructors & Training Hub
Our physicians teach other doctors as IOF instructors, and our Rochester Hills clinic hosts training.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Certified in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, the imaging used to guide our treatments.
Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Board certification in electrodiagnostic medicine, the specialty behind EMG and nerve testing.
American Academy of PM&R
The national society for physiatrists, physicians focused on restoring movement.
Interventional Pain (ASIPP)
A society that sets education and practice standards for interventional pain medicine.
Orthopaedic Medicine (AAOM)
A physician group focused on non-surgical musculoskeletal care, including prolotherapy.
DataBiologics Registry
We report patient outcomes to a national orthobiologics registry to track results over time.
Patient stories
Hear From Our Patients
Patients describe their own experiences with care at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. Individual results vary.
Patient Testimonial
Patient Testimonial
FAQ
EMG Testing Questions
Answers to common questions about EMG testing. Your physician can address your specific situation during a consultation.
What does EMG stand for?
Electromyography, a test of how your nerves and muscles work together.
How is EMG different from an MRI?
MRI and X-rays show structure. EMG shows how nerves and muscles function.
Why would I need an EMG?
For persistent numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain, especially when other tests have not found the cause.
What conditions can EMG help identify?
Pinched nerves in the neck or back, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, peripheral neuropathy, and nerve injuries.
Who performs the test?
Board-certified physicians at our clinics perform and interpret EMG testing.
What happens after the test?
Your physician reviews the results with you and explains which treatments fit.
Is EMG covered by insurance?
EMG testing can usually be billed to insurance. Coverage depends on your plan.
Can EMG show whether pain comes from my spine?
Yes. EMG can help tell whether symptoms start in the spine or in the peripheral nerves.
How should I prepare?
Your team will give you instructions when you schedule.
How do I schedule EMG testing?
Call (248) 216-1008 for Rochester Hills or (616) 288-1109 for Grand Rapids, or use the short form on this page.
Keep learning
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Next step
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Share your symptoms and goals in the short form.
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★ 4.7 Google ratingBoard-certified physiciansTwo Michigan clinics
Prefer to talk?Rochester Hills (248) 216-1008Grand Rapids (616) 288-1109
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Our locations
Visit Our Michigan Clinics
Rochester Hills Clinic
355 Barclay Cir, Suite A
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Grand Rapids Clinic
1000 E. Paris Ave SE, Suite 221
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Areas we serve
EMG Testing Near You
Patients visit our Rochester Hills and Grand Rapids clinics from across Michigan.