What is clinical electrophysiology?

[DesertPT]

I see that ABPTS has a specialty called clinical electrophysiology, but I haven't been able to find much info on what a PT in this area would actually do on a day to day basis. I obviously understand what electrophysiology is on the whole, but I am wondering if there is anybody who actually practices in this area and what it actually entails for a PT. Sounds interesting but ABPTS has only certified 160 PTs in this area in almost 30 years.

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[Azimuthal]

I see that ABPTS has a specialty called clinical electrophysiology, but I haven't been able to find much info on what a PT in this area would actually do on a day to day basis. I obviously understand what electrophysiology is on the whole, but I am wondering if there is anybody who actually practices in this area and what it actually entails for a PT. Sounds interesting but ABPTS has only certified 160 PTs in this area in almost 30 years.

Its electroneuromygraphy (EMG). It's the recording and testing of neuromuscular activity by use of needle electrodes. The military does some and it's used a lot for motion analysis. We visited motion analysis lab last semester. Impressive stuff.

 

[goyo1010]

One of my former professors was an ECS and he owns his own PT clinic. Uses a lot of EMG technology to help diagnose and identify impairments (uses H-reflexes, F-waves, and the like...), usually neurogenic in etiology or something mechanical that affects neuronal activity (e.g., IV foraminal stenosis). And like Azimuthal said, motion analysis. He always joked around on how ridiculously packed venues were during the conferences for the section. He always said that PTs are more gentle than neurologists doing EMG testing. Don't know how true that is.

 

[DesertPT]

Huh, sounds pretty interesting. I wonder how someone actually becomes involved in that area. Is it gonna be something where you need to go to a school that has a professor that does it?

 

[Azimuthal]

Huh, sounds pretty interesting. I wonder how someone actually becomes involved in that area. Is it gonna be something where you need to go to a school that has a professor that does it?

Nah, you just need to gain your hours in that setting like other specialties, plus 500 recorded applications of electrode needling. It's also dependent on state laws.

 

[PTFaculty/Chair]

Clinical Electrophysiology is one of the terms used to specify the performance of Nerve Conduction Studies and diagnostic EMG. This is within the realm of PT practice in most states, but requires being board certified. All PT Programs should be teaching the basics of this testing, as it is key in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and differentiating a neuropathy from a myopathy. I teach this within our program and follow the content guidelines from the Section on Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Care. Many programs barely touch on this topic, but I feel it helps students learn more about differential diagnosis. It's also within our practice act, so all new DPT graduates should know enough about this testing to decide if they want to pursue add'l training.

 

[DesertPT]

Interesting, thanks for your reply