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Electrophysiologic Testing: Choosing the Right Position

Michael C. Lescallette, PT, DPT, ECS, R.NCS.T#630

December 18, 2013

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Question

Do you ever test a nerve placed in a stretched position?

Answer

No.  If you test a nerve in a stretched position, you will affect how that nerve conducts.  We try to standardize the positions that we put patients in, that way the data is standardized and it means something to electrobiographers and physicians all over the country.  There are booklets that are published that show the standard position for doing a work-up of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.  The booklets, for example, show that for this test, it has to be bent but not stretched.  We instruct students to do them all the same way.  Standardization is key.  


michael c lescallette

Michael C. Lescallette, PT, DPT, ECS, R.NCS.T#630

Mike received his Masters in Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2001 and Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2010. He earned a Certificate in Electrophysiological Evaluation from Expert Clinical Benchmarks, LLC, in 2004.  Since that time, Mike has worked as a full-time electromyographer for a large healthcare organization in Harrisburg, PA and has completed over 7,000 EMG/NCS evaluations. He completed a didactic and practical examinations through AAET as a Registered Nerve Conduction Study Technician in 2011 and is an Electrophysiological Certified Specialist (ECS), sponsored by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, attained in 2008. He has presented at both the APTA Combined Sections and APTA National conferences. Mike also works as an adjunct faculty member for Lebanon Valley College Physical Therapy School providing lecture and laboratory expertise for differential diagnosis and electrophysiologic testing modules. 


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