Diagnostic Services | Orthopaedic Institue of Ohio Orthopaedic Institue of Ohio

Diagnostic Services at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio

The first step to finding the right solutions for joint pain, loss of flexibility and function, muscle discomfort, and nerve symptoms is finding the right diagnosis. When we know more about what is happening in your body and understand the source of your discomfort, we can develop a more effective plan for managing pain and helping your body heal. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we have a wide range of in-house testing to diagnose bone, joint, muscle, and nerve disorders. Using everything from X-rays to EMG testing, we can take the next steps to improve your comfort and function.

When Diagnostic Testing Is Needed

We use diagnostic testing when your symptoms don’t have a clear cause or are not improving with time or basic care strategies. It can be helpful for acute cases, such as an injury or sudden pain, or chronic cases, when pain or discomfort continues for months or gets worse. You can consider more advanced testing for symptoms such as:

Joint pain or stiffness
Muscle weakness or cramping
Numbness, tingling, or nerve-related symptoms
Loss of mobility or function
Swelling, inflammation, or suspected injury

X-Rays

We often start with an X-ray because it gives us a quick view of your bones and joints. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to take images inside your body, and they can be used on the specific areas where you feel pain. These images help us check for fractures, arthritis, joint space narrowing, and signs of wear or injury. X-rays are also useful for helping us spot any changes in your bone structure that may be causing your symptoms. This type of test is fast, painless, and offers rapid results.

DEXA Scan for Bone Density Testing

A DEXA scan uses a low-dose X-ray to scan your bones and measure their density. This test is used to screen for osteoporosis and osteopenia and assess your risk for fractures. The scan will compare your bone density to the ideal bone density scores of other similar patients. During this scan, you simply have to lie still on a padded table while the scanner moves over your body. The process will take less than 20 minutes, and the test does not require any special preparation.

CT Scans

A CT scan can give us a more detailed view of your bones, joints, and soft tissues than a regular X-ray, and it can be used to look for complex fractures, joint damage, or signs of internal injury that may not show up on other tests. The test uses X-rays and computer processing to take a series of images of the affected area from different angles. The computer combines the images to create a clear, cross-sectional view. During the test, you will lie on a table that moves slowly in and out of the device while it captures the images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI helps us to get a detailed look at your soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and spinal discs. Rather than using radiation, this device uses magnets and radio waves to create clear images of the inside of your body. We may use this diagnostic test to find the cause of joint pain, back problems, unexplained swelling, and more. During an MRI, you will need to lie still in a tunnel-shaped machine while we take a series of scans. The process can take 30 to 60 minutes, but we take many steps to keep you comfortable throughout the test.

Electromyography (EMG)

If you have muscle weakness, cramping, or unexplained pain that could be caused by a nerve or muscle disorder, we may recommend an Electromyography (EMG). Electromyography shows us how your muscles and nerves work together by measuring electrical activity during movement or rest. We position a thin, sterile needle electrode directly into the muscle and then have you activate the muscle or hold still while we examine and record how the muscle fibers respond. Abnormal signals can point to nerve compression, nerve injury, or diseases that affect the muscle itself.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing

Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing (NCV) helps us find out how well your nerves carry signals through your body. We use it for patients who have numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations that could be linked to nerve damage. We will place small electrodes on your skin and apply a gentle electrical pulse to stimulate the nerve. Then we measure how fast the signal travels and how strong it is when it reaches the next point.

Why Choose OIO for Diagnostic Services?

It can be frustrating to wait for answers and balance multiple providers while trying to find solutions for pain or limited movement. We make diagnosis easier by offering comprehensive on-site testing at several convenient locations, so you don’t have to travel or wait weeks for an appointment. Our setup allows you to get results faster and reduces the need for outside referrals, which moves your case forward.

Because we have both testing and orthopaedic care under one roof, our specialists work closely together to understand your results and plan what comes next. You will receive care in a setting that is always focused on care and efficiency. We are here to get you the information you need to feel better, faster.

Learn More About Our Diagnostic Tools in Lima, OH

Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to feeling better and moving with less pain. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we offer on-site testing to help you avoid delays and keep your care moving in the right direction. If you are suffering from joint pain, nerve symptoms, or muscle discomfort, we can help. Schedule diagnostic testing or find out more about our services in Lima or Findlay by calling 419-963-4870 or reaching out online.