Checking reflexes is a way to understand the health of the nerves. The reflex arc involves the tendon of the muscle tested, the sensory nerve, the spinal cord and the motor nerve/ muscle.
A diminished reflex can indicate a problem with any of the above structures but normally is an indicator of nerve compression (herniated disc). An increased reflex indicates irritation with the central nervous system (spinal cord compression or brain problems). Unless there is a new onset of symptoms while you are seeing the physician (a new herniation), the reflexes will not change.
Your shoulder surgery does not warrant a new EMG unless there is some thought of a nerve injury from the surgery. I have found that EMGs for cervical issues are generally not necessary as the examination should reveal what the EMG will reveal and the EMG does not pick up responses from the pain nerves.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.