Services  Electrodiagnostics (EMG & NCS)

Patients referred to our Electrodiagnostic services will have a consultation with our physiatrist about their nerve and or muscle condition first and then test are done afterwards if necessary.

What is an EMG?

Electrodiagnostics, including both nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), are studies used to help diagnose nerve and muscle diseases. 

NCSs demonstrate how the body’s electrical signals travel through the nerve. We use a small electrical shock placed on the skin that activates the nerve and we record how the nerve is working.

For EMG, we use a small, thin, needle electrode that is placed into muscles to help understand the nerve or muscle issue.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. A physician referral is required to receive an EMG test.  Patients referred to our Electrodiagnostic services will have a consultation with our physiatrist first and then tests are done afterwards if necessary.  The EMG Testing Referral, found in the link below, may be used or the referring physician can fax their own referral form to 416-479-8688.

What to bring?

Bring a list of all your medications, and tell your EMG doctor if you are taking any blood thinners, have a pacemaker, or a bleeding disorder.

Bring shorts and/or tank top depending on the area of the body being tested. 

Wear loose clothing.

How should I prepare for the test?

Do not use body lotion on the day of your test.

You may go about your regular daily activities (eating, working, driving, exercising, etc) before and after the test. There are no lasting side effects to the tests.

What else should I know before I go to my appointment? 

Some tests can take up to 2 hours to complete.   

The EMG doctor will discuss your test result with you once the examination is completed. The results will also be sent to your referring doctor. At Athlete's Care, we only offer OHIP-covered EMGs, and therefore do no accept private payments if the patient has OHIP. 

Locations

Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton2401 Yonge Street, Suite LL01Toronto, ON M3H 4P1tel: 416-544-9065fax: 416-479-8688

Athlete's Care Markham72 Copper Creek Drive, Unit 101AMarkham, ON L6B 0P2Tel: 905-201-3583Fax: 416-479-8688

Athlete's Care Oakville South271 Cornwall Rd, Suite 202Oakville, ON L6J 7Z5Tel: 905- 844-2711Fax: 416-479-8688

Athlete's Care Leaside1820 Bayview Avenue, Unit 12 (Mezzanine Level)Toronto, ON M4G 4G7Tel: 416-546-9454Fax: 416-479-8688

Location: Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton Dr. Kevin Hsu is a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatry) and completed his residency training at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and a Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists Diplomate in Electromyography (EMG).   Dr. Hsu is currently a staff physiatrist at Humber River Hospital and West Park Healthcare Centre with a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine and nerve injuries.  He previously competed as a varsity wrestler at McMaster University and now stays active playing basketball and golf. He is also an avid sports fan and is patiently awaiting the next Leafs Stanley Cup parade.

Location: Athlete's Care MarkhamDr. Allison Chan is a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry). She completed her medical degree and 5-year residency training at McMaster University. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and a Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists Diplomate in Electromyography (EMG). Dr. Chan's interests include musculoskeletal and sports injuries, ultrasound-guided procedures, and electromyography. Dr. Chan enjoys working with her patients to optimize their function and independence. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, weightlifting, and is an avid Toronto Raptors fan.

Location: Athlete's Care Oakville SouthDr. Maneesha Sachdeva is a specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and completed her 5-year residency training at McMaster University. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Sachdeva's interests include sports medicine, ultrasound-guided MSK injections, electromyography and acquired brain injury. Dr. Sachdeva is interested in working with patients to help restore their function and optimize their quality of life and believes in using a multimodal approach to care. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, hiking with her family and traveling.Location: Athlete's Care LeasideDr. Kailai Zhang completed his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McMaster University, and holds a diplomate in electromyography (EMG) through the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN). His practice interests include musculoskeletal medicine (including ultrasound-guided injections) and peripheral nerve pathology.