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PNW Sports Institute
Home
Locations
  • Auburn: Lakeland Hills
  • Covington
  • OPT: Covington Satellite
  • OPT: Kent Easthill
  • OPT: Kent Valley
  • OPT: Maple Valley
  • OPT: Puyallup
  • OPT: Renton
Services
  • Diagnostics
  • Sports Rehabilitation
  • Aquatic Therapy
  • Kinotek
  • Massage Therapy
Resources
  • Patient Portal
  • PNWSI Gear
  • Outpatient PT
  • Careers
Bill Pay
More
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Auburn: Lakeland Hills
    • Covington
    • OPT: Covington Satellite
    • OPT: Kent Easthill
    • OPT: Kent Valley
    • OPT: Maple Valley
    • OPT: Puyallup
    • OPT: Renton
  • Services
    • Diagnostics
    • Sports Rehabilitation
    • Aquatic Therapy
    • Kinotek
    • Massage Therapy
  • Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • PNWSI Gear
    • Outpatient PT
    • Careers
  • Bill Pay
PNW Sports Institute
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Auburn: Lakeland Hills
    • Covington
    • OPT: Covington Satellite
    • OPT: Kent Easthill
    • OPT: Kent Valley
    • OPT: Maple Valley
    • OPT: Puyallup
    • OPT: Renton
  • Services
    • Diagnostics
    • Sports Rehabilitation
    • Aquatic Therapy
    • Kinotek
    • Massage Therapy
  • Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • PNWSI Gear
    • Outpatient PT
    • Careers
  • Bill Pay

Diagnostic Testing

PNWSI is the only Physical Therapy practice in western Washington that offers real time imaging!

If you’re dealing with ongoing pain or muscle issues, our specialists can help. Through electromyography (EMG) testing and ultrasound imaging, we identify the exact source of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan to support faster recovery. 

Diagnostic testing and what to expect

What is ultrasound imaging?

What is ultrasound imaging?

What is ultrasound imaging?

 Ultrasound imaging is a fast, non-invasive, and affordable way to see muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves in real time. Unlike MRI or CT, it captures movement for more accurate, on-the-spot diagnoses and targeted treatments. Ideal for sports injuries, arthritis, or nerve issues, MSK ultrasound delivers precise and efficient musculoskeletal care.

What is an EMG test?

What is ultrasound imaging?

What is ultrasound imaging?

 Electromyography (EMG) is a minimally invasive test that measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves to identify the cause of weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain. It’s a key tool for diagnosing nerve compression, neuropathy, and other neuromuscular disorders, helping guide accurate treatment in neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.

How Does EMG testing Work?

How to prepare for diagnostic testing

How to prepare for diagnostic testing

 An EMG uses a thin needle electrode inserted into a muscle to record its electrical activity at rest and during movement. The signals appear as waves and sounds, showing how well the muscle responds to nerve stimulation. This test helps evaluate muscle and nerve function, guiding your care team in identifying the cause and severity of symptoms like weakness, pain, or spasms. 

How to prepare for diagnostic testing

How to prepare for diagnostic testing

How to prepare for diagnostic testing

 No special preparation is usually necessary. Avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of the test. Body temperature can affect the results of this test. If it is extremely cold outside, you may be told to wait in a warm room for a moment before the test is performed. 

If you are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, inform the provider.

Meet The Diagnostics Specialists

Michael Huffington, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS

  I have been a physical therapist and treating patients since 2012 and have always wanted to be able to more targeted and more precise with understanding a patient's condition and how to help them regain their function as efficiently as possible. The times when later I've said "well, if we had known THAT going into this,  we would have done it differently from the outset".   Well, we have arrived!  

Diagnostic testing, whether MSK ultrasound imaging or EMG studies, has been a major clinical game changer for our patients in getting to the actual bottom of their issues and knowing exactly what they need to get better. 

Scott Akers, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC

 As a Physical Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I’m always striving to provide the highest level of care and help my patients recover as quickly and safely as possible. One of the most exciting advancements we now offer is access to diagnostic services, which allow us to deliver even more precise and effective treatment. Diagnostic Ultrasound and EMG testing give us real-time insights into our patients’ injuries, enabling us to tailor care plans more accurately and efficiently. This means faster recovery and a quicker return to the activities you love.

I’m thrilled to be able to offer this next level of care—and I can’t wait to help you get back in action with diagnostics!


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