As with all initial visits to a physician diagnosis begins with
taking a careful medical history, a thorough examination and evaluation,
and appropriate laboratory and physiological testing.
Although the diagnostic tools available to our PM&R physicians
are the same as those used by other physicians, such as x-ray, CT
scan or MRI, we also utilize sophisticated equipment that can pick
up and record electrical signals from your muscles. One such test,
the electromyogram (EMG), is similar in principle to an electrocardiogram
(EKG). Musculoskeletal performance may also be evaluated with state-of-the-art
isokinetic testing, which is widely accepted for it's precision
and safety.
These techniques help the physiatrist diagnose the underlying conditions
that cause pain, weakness, and numbness often overlooked by standard
diagnostic tests.
