I had an EMG recently and it was not bad at all. I was very "scared" of the pain that might be involved as I had heard horror stories. Yes they do place leads on different parts of your arm and hand. They do send a current from one lead to another in order to establish that amount of time it takes to get from one to another. I was told that if you go to someone who is qualified and trained it wouldn't be painful. They were accurate. I did feel some discomfort, but nothing like the pain I was having from the pinched and herniated nerves in my neck. Definitely check with the doctor to make sure he is well trained and has up to date equipment. Good luck