Why and How Are EMG Tests Done?

EMG medical abbreviation of electromyography concept, medical diagnostic research, which measures electrical impulses of muscles. Diagnosis nerve diseases associated with poor transmission of nerve EMG medical abbreviation of electromyography concept, medical diagnostic research, which measures electrical impulses of muscles. Diagnosis nerve diseases associated with poor transmission of nerve emg tests stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

A physician at North Jersey Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Raymond Reiter is responsible for evaluating orthopedic and athletic injuries at his practice. On top of that, Dr. Raymond Reiter performs electrodiagnostic studies, like EMG tests, as part of his evaluation process.

A form of electrodiagnostic testing, electromyography (EMG) tests examine muscle function and nerve function in the body. This type of test is done in under 45 minutes and requires special training to complete. Once done, it provides physicians with information about the extent to which a person’s muscle or nerve is damaged and provides them with insight into the location of the injury and whether the condition is reversible.

EMG tests are done in two parts: a needle EMG and a nerve conduction study. The nerve conduction study is done first and provides physicians with insight into how muscles respond when presented with nerve stimulation. To perform, physicians stimulate different body points with electrical shocks and measure the muscles’ function. Meanwhile, the needle exam is done by inserting fine needles into the muscles capable of reading the electrical signals it gives off.

Physicians perform EMG tests to diagnose a huge range of conditions, like carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica. Neuropathies, pinched nerves, and muscular dystrophy are also detectable via an EMG test.

What Is a Sports-Related Concussion?

Dr. Raymond Reiter evaluates orthopedic and athletic injuries as a physician at the North Jersey Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute. Possessing upwards of 35 years of medical experience, much of which focused on sports medicine, Dr. Raymond Reiter served as team physician and assistant team physician for New York Giants football and the NJ Nets basketball teams.

In both contact and non-contact sports, concussions are extremely common. The United States sees between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions a year that are related to recreational activities and sports, about six percent of whom are from children and youth. Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) resulting from a blow, bump, or jolt to the body or head. This impact may seem minor in some situations, but it causes rapid movement of the brain inside the skull and affects how the brain normally functions.

Football is responsible for the bulk of concussions among high school students, followed by soccer, bicycling, and basketball. Athletes who sustain a concussion have a higher risk of having a second concussion in the future and need medical attention right after sustaining their injury to the head so they know when returning to sports is safe. Memory problems, sleep disturbances, nausea, and headache are all common signs of a concussion, though these issues may not be noticeable until days or weeks after the original injury.

Platelet Rich Plasma Areas of Application

Dr. Raymond Reiter has a career that spans more than three decades as a sports medicine professional. Part of Dr. Raymond Reiter’s responsibilities at North Jersey Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute, NJ, is to perform PRP joint injections under fluoroscopy.

PRP, platelet-rich plasma, is a substance believed to enhance healing when injected into a person. Plasma contains proteins that promote cell growth and help the blood clot. Isolated plasma from blood and concentrated afterward to produce PRP. There are various areas in which researchers are applying PRP use. One of such areas is baldness and hair loss. Doctors inject PRP into the scalp to enhance hair growth and avert hair loss.

Another area of PRP application is osteoarthritis. A 2015 study showed that PRP was a better treatment method for osteoarthritis than hyaluronic acid injections. In addition, doctors have attempted to utilize PRP to tendons heal faster. Other areas of application for platelet-rich plasma are postsurgical repair and acute injuries.

How the SONJ Enables Disabled People to Participate in Sports

Dr. Raymond Reiter is an expert in orthopedic and sports medicine. Outside his professional activities, Dr. Raymond Reiter supports the NJ Special Olympics as a volunteer.

The Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) is a non-profit organization that offers sports and health programs to athletes with intellectual disabilities. It is part of the bigger Special Olympics global program. The organization aims to enable people with intellectual disabilities to benefit socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually from sports training and competition.

SONJ achieves its aims by organizing various events, many of which are competitions. The Central Soccer League is set to hold many at multiple venues on the 11th of September, 2021. The organization also organizes a host of fundraising events to raise money for its activities while helping people engage in competition and experience sportsmanship. Thanksgiving Dash and Splash is a fundraising event organized by the SONJ scheduled for November. It combines a 5k race with a splash plunge.