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Dynamic Chiropractic
October 7, 1994, Volume 12, Issue 21
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Book Reviews

By Keith Innes, DC

Title: Principles and Practice of Electrotherapy, 3rd Edition Category: Doctor education Author: Joseph Kahn, PhD, PT Publication: Softcover, 194 pages, $39.95 Publisher: Churchill Livingstone Inc. (212) 206-5000

Dr. Joseph Kahn's list of credentials are far too numerous to mention, however they do include clinical assistant professor, department of physical therapy, State University of New York.

This text contains 11 chapters plus an appendix with two sections. After an "Introduction to Electrotherapy" where the emphasis is on a working knowledge of the physics of the modality, Dr. Kahn states four goals:

  • select modalities skillfully
  • administer effective treatment
  • adapt appropriately when necessary
  • evaluate the results accurately
If nothing other than these four goals was achieved by this text, the owner would have received full value. The ethics of this author and his text are beyond reproach. His is an extremely refreshing attitude in this day when overuse and abuse, for monetary reasons, is the normal procedure.

  • Chapter two examines high frequency currents, (shortwave diathermy and microthermy). It is well-illustrated with many clinical applications.

  • Chapter three deals with radiation: infrared, ultraviolet, and cold helium-neon (HeNe) laser. There is not much new with the first two applications, however the section on HeNe laser is well done considering the equipment available in the USA.

  • Chapter four covers ultrasound and phonophoresis and includes topics such as the piezoelectric effect, indications, contraindications and precautions. Treatment protocol, time, intensity, and duration are listed for approximately 70 conditions and will serve as a quick reminder to anyone using this modality. Ultrasound coupled with electrotherapy and iontopheresis round out this very well organized chapter.

  • Chapters five and six sort out and explain the plethora of mixed and ambiguous terms used to explain electrical stimulation, i.e., functional electrical stimulations (FES), neuromuscular stimulation (NMS), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The physiological responses, indications and contraindications and a large number of clinical entities are covered relative to the physiological responses that occur when the relationship between pulse width and rate vary. Currents and wave forms are explained in exquisite detail so that even a novice will be able to comprehend terms like continuous, surged, and interrupted as they apply to direct current, alternating current and faradic current.
Perhaps the only perplexing part of this text is the section on diadynamic currents. While this section is accurate, this type of current is really only used to any extent in Europe, and somewhat in Canada. Microampere electrical stimulation (MES) is discussed, but Dr. Kahn clearly states that the manufacturers, dealers, and users claims far exceed documented research at this time. This is not to suggest that MES is not a valid modality, but only to encourage more research of an independent nature to substantiate the aforementioned claims.

Interferential current has been around since Nemec first coined the term in 1952, but this text really does not explain the various types adequately and in fact ignores triheterodyne IFC, (available in Canada since 1986 and the USA since 1991).

  • Chapter seven is without question one of the best explanations of iontophoresis and its numerous applications, clearly a beautiful explanation.
The remaining chapters cover testing procedures, treatment planning for a diverse number of conditions, and recent developments in electrotherapy (specifically the Elec Magnetic Field Therapy unit from Germany). The appendix is most interesting, and something that all new graduates should read immediately and certainly prior to purchasing modalities; this appendix will save you money.

This is one of the best texts written on the subject of electrotherapy. It should be the standard for other texts on this subject.

I rate this a 10 because I have 13 others on this topic and not one of them is the equal of Dr. Kahn's brilliant publication.

Innes Rating: 10

Stephen Savoie, DC

Title: Hand Pain and Impairment, 4th Edition Category: Doctor education Author: Rene Cailliet, MD Publication: Soft cover, 311 pages, $19.95 Publisher: F.A. Davis Company, 1915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, phone: (215) 568-2270

It would seem unlikely there are practitioners who have not heard of Dr. Cailliet. Over the years he has produced a number of excellent books dealing with various disorders of the musculoskeletal system, low back pain, neck and arm pain, and many others.

In this latest edition of Hand Pain and Impairment, Dr. Cailliet continues to provide those of us in the health professions with valuable tools for use in patient care. This edition has been updated and is more extensive in its coverage of hand complaints than the previous edition.

There has been a significant expansion in the number of illustrations complementing the section on functional anatomy. These illustrations include many which detail the examination procedures used to evaluate the hand. As in previous editions the illustrations are clear and uncluttered. They greatly complement the text material.

There are expanded sections in the area of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in the area of bracing and surgical alternatives. There is discussion of the current surgical procedures used in many of the hand disorders. These are not detailed descriptions of surgical techniques, but rather an overview of the procedure, indications, and goals. It provides primary care providers with the type of information needed to assist in referring our patients when necessary.

The number of references listed in this fourth edition is expanded. One of the few criticisms of previous editions was the scarcity of references. This has been corrected in this edition.

With the increase in hand and wrist injuries in the work place from repetitive and accumulated trauma, this book will provide the practitioner with a ready, easy to use reference to hand problems. It is also priced within the range of most chiropractic students who would like to begin building a quality library of ready references.

For those who have used and enjoyed Dr. Cailliet's work in the past, Hand Pain and Impairment, fourth edition, should not be a disappointment.

Savoie Rating: 7.5

Dynamic Chiropractic
October 7, 1994, Volume 12, Issue 21
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E-mail to a Friend


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