What is a Physiatrist?

A Physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in the non-surgical treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Physiatrists diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe physical therapy and medications, perform office injections, epidural injections and EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies. A physiatrist specializes in diagnosing your problem and formulating a treatment plan.

What is an EMG or nerve conduction study?

EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies are a two part test designed to evaluate the function of nerves. The nerve conduction part involves stimulating nerves in either your arm or leg to evaluate the function of that nerve. Electromyography (EMG) involves inserting a small needle into some of the muscles in either your arm or leg. There is usually no electrical stimulation involved with the EMG part of the test.