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The Surface Electomyography- Hi Tech/ Hi- Touch
The Surface Electromyography (SEMG) machine is a powerful analytical tool that allows the practitioner to objectively monitor the health and integrity of the body's electrical system, also known as the nervous system.
The nervous system has three main functions in the body. The first function of the nervous system is the regulation of sensory perception in that it allows one to feel touch, temperature, and pain. The second function of the nervous system is the motor function which regulates the muscle activity of the body thus allowing one to have coordination and mobility. The third function of the nervous system is the autonomic function, which regulates the body's organs and glands. In order for one's body to function to its highest capacity it is paramount that the health of the nervous system be maintained.
By measuring the amount of action potentials (electrical impulses) that are sent from the peripheral nerves of the body to the muscles, the SEMG quantifies whether there is a healthy level of activity or excitability present in the motor, or musculoskeletal system.
The results of the SEMG readings illustrate the presence of either elevated muscle tone (hypertonicity) or decreased muscle tone (hypotonicity). These findings have been documented (1,2,3) as indicators that the self regulatory capacity of the nervous system has been compromised, thus producing a decrease in the function of the immune system, the autonomic system, and the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.
References
1. Uematsu, S., Edwin, D., Jankel, W.R., et al., "Quantification of Thermal Asymmetry", J Neurosurg., Oct. 1988, 69:552.
2. Spector B: Surface electromyography as a model for the development of standardized procedures and reliability testing. JMPT Dec. 1979 2(4):214
3. Haig AJ, Gelblum JB, Rechtien JJ, Gitter AJ. Technology assessment: the use of surface EMG in the diagnosis and treatment nerve and muscle disorders. Muscle and Nerve 1996, 19:392. |