I have had the EMG ( electromyogram) which is the needle part. I did not mind it. There are several things that might cause one test to be different from another and those things are the skill level of the practitioner and the areas on your body that are being tested. I thought the thumbs were the most tender.
I have also had the NCV's ( nerve conduction velocities) and that is the zapping part. This is my least favorite test. When they zap you it feels like u have hit your funny bone, big time. And to me it isn't funny!! The worst part is IF they can't isolate the nerve and they keep zapping it, it can quickly start to feel like they are snapping you with a rubber band, repeatedly. Caused some swelling on the back of my leg and the tech finally gave up. At Cleveland Clinic a physician did the EMG and a tech did the NCV'S. Like I said it is do-able.