ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) & NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY (NCS)
Electromyography or EMG is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles. Nerve Conduction Study is done along with Electromyography to stimulate specific nerves and records their ability to send the impulse to the muscle. As a physiatrist, Dr. Imelda Cruz-Banting has several years of training in these type of tests to help diagnose conditions such as:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (numbness and tingling of hands)
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerves) like sciatica which causes back pain and leg pain; neck pain that radiates to the arms and hands with numbness, tingling sensation, and weakness
• Neuropathy (Paresthesias) – numbness and tingling sensation especially in diabetics, alcoholics, chemotherapy patients, patients with vitamin deficiencies, patients with prolonged intake of cholesterol lowering agents
• Muscle Weakness – to rule out Myopathy, motor neuron disorder, etc.

VESTIBULONYSTAGMOGRAPHY (VNG)
Vestibulonystagmography (VNG) is a series of tests designed to document a person's ability to follow visual objects with their eyes and how well the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system. This test also addresses the functionality of each ear and if a vestibular deficit may be the cause of a dizziness or balance problems.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy is a type of treatment that helps individuals move better and may relieve pain. Patients with neuromusculoskeletal (nerve,muscle, bone) problems in general can benefit greatly from physical therapy. It helps improve and restore physical function and fitness level. Physical Therapy can help recovery after surgeries . Doctors may recommend physical therapy for injuries and to help in the treatment of some long term health problems.

Dr. Imelda Cruz-Banting carefully chose her staff of Physical Therapists for their expertise and dedication to exceptional quality care. They begin with an in-depth evaluation to create a personalized program of physical therapy sessions that is just right for you. Their goal is to help you move better and feel the best that you can to eventually return to work, do your activities of daily living and enjoy your sport/hobbies once again.

PAIN MANAGEMENT
An alarming 86 million American adults are suffering from chronic pain. Pain management has been prescribed by doctors in conjunction with pain medicine to provide relief. The clinic of Dr. Imelda Cruz-Banting offers patients the following pain management treatments:

• TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS with anesthetic & or steroids to help patients with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, etc.
• JOINT/PERITENDINOUS INJECTIONS to help patients with arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, etc.
• ACUPUNCTURE is done by inserting very thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body. It may be used as a part of pain management, stress reduction, weight loss, weight control, and smoking cessation program.

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy that has been used for centuries. It is based on the theory that there is energy, called chi or qi, flowing through your body. Chi is thought to flow along energy pathways called meridians. Acupuncturists believe a blocking or imbalance of the flow of chi at any point on a pathway may result in illness. Chinese medicine practitioners believe acupuncture unblocks and rebalances the flow of chi to restore health. It is now being incorporated with the western medicine in treating a lot of medical conditions.

Dr. Cruz-Banting is a physiatrist and a physician certified to use acupuncture. She trained extensively at the New York Medical College and adheres to the strict guidelines set forth by her licensure. Acupuncture may be used to relieve pain or a part of a treatment program. Acupuncture may reduce pain through body chemicals that have calming effects (opioid peptides). It may reduce pain by affecting glands (such as the hypothalamus) that produce substances (hormones) that regulate the body.

BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback is a technique that trains people to improve their health by controlling certain bodily processes that normally happen involuntarily, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and skin temperature. Biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions, but it is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, tension headache, migraine headache, chronic pain, stress, and urinary incontinence.

BRACES/ORTHOSES/SURGICAL SUPPLIES
A lot of patients with problems in their joints, muscles, nerves can benefit from use of different kinds of braces/orthotics.  We provide wrist splints, knee braces, back supports, air casts for ankle/elbows, arm slings, neck braces and many more.  Patients with pain in their feet, legs or back can be helped with special shoe inserts or modifications.  These orthoses can be off the shelf or custom-made.  Dr. Cruz-Banting works with certified orthotists/prosthetists who help her provide this braces or prostheses (for amputees).  In addition, Dr. Cruz-Banting also prescribes assistive devices, gait aids (walker, cane, wheelchair), and adaptive equipments to enable patients function normally despite their disabilities.  Most of the time these are covered by your insurance provider.