Static and Dynamic Surface EMG

What Does SEMG Stand For?

SEMG stands for Surface Electromyography. SEMG is a device which measures the amount of electrical activity your muscles release when they are contracting, more commonly known as muscle tension. It is similar in function to an EKG which measures heart muscle activity.

The reliability of SEMG has been documented in studies and confirmed with The New York Chiropractic College, The Mayo Clinic, and University of California, Irvine.

Normal EMG
All the bars are even and have no color

Actual EMG
Green – Mild tension/spasm
Blue – moderately severe tension/spasm
Red – severe tension/spasm increased muscle activity

Imbalance
Most of the spikes are on the right showing major pulling of these muscles cmpared to the left side at the same spinal levels.

Same Patient
Less tension and better balance on the next scan.

Is it Painful?

Not at all. It is totally non-invasive does not cause pain or irritation. This makes it totally safe for children, pregnant women or seniors. It simply requires the placement of small sensors against the skin. The test takes less than a few minutes.

Why is Muscle Activity Important?

Muscles have a tendency to “brace” in response to spinal misalignments known as Vertebral subluxations. These subluxations create nerve interference which may effect muscles, blood vessels and internal organs.

Why Am I Being Tested?

To assist your chiropractor in finding the cause of your problem.

How Does This Relate To Chiropractic?

Vertebral subluxations reduce your body’s ability to maintain optimal health. When Vertebral subluxations are present, the nervous system is negatively effected resulting in increases or decreases in muscle activity. The SEMG shows the muscular component of the Vertebral subluxations. The Chiropractor’s job is to detect and correct these Vertebral subluxations by a simple and effective procedure called an “adjustment”.

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Affect My SEMG?

The Chiropractic Adjustment has many positive benefits to your nervous system. In most cases, the SEMG normalizes and balances. The information from your SEMG will help your Doctor of Chiropractic determine the type of care best suited to your case. Follow up testing is used to monitor and evaluate your Chiropractic progress.