EMG is an abbreviation for electromyography. Measuring the electric activity is a method to track the ongoing processes in muscles. When a muscle moves or is moved, typical electric changes occur in muscle cells. The evaluation of these activities provides information on the motor functions of skeletal muscle units – motor neurons and muscle fibers – and on possible diseases in the background.
During the examination needle electrodes are stuck on the skin or pierced into muscle fibers, and the muscles are stimulated with a very weak electric current. Their movement is registered with a device and then the results are evaluated. The examination is painless.