High Voltage Stimulation: An Integrated Approach to Clinical Electrotherapy.

High Voltage Stimulation: An Integrated Approach to Clinical Electrotherapy The aims of the authors were to develop a clinically oriented model for use of electrical stimulation and to advance improved understanding of the art and science of electrotherapy among clinicians. The authors have produced a book that should make a valuable contribution to the electrotherapy literature. The early chapters set the stage for understanding clinical electrical stimulation by classifying the types of current used by physical therapists, clearly describing the basic characteristics of electrical stimulation and presenting terms and definitions in generic and scientific format. The case is made for the generic use of the term "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" (TENS) for all surface types of electrical stimulators delivering 100 V or more.

Unfortunately, the discussion of high voltage stimulators in Chapter 5 confounds the prevailing confusion in electrotherapy over coined and commonplace terms. Interchanging the terms of resistance and impedance also contributes confusion rather than clarification toward understanding electrotherapy. Nevertheless, this book has much to offer clinicians and instructors of electrotherapy about this specialized area of high voltage electrical stimulators. Because of its specialized topic, the book is limited as a reference for students of electrotherapy.

Frequent use of illustrations enhances reader understanding of presented concepts. References at the end of each chapter are numerous and up-to-date, support the topics presented, and offer readers a great opportunity for in-depth information and study. Occasional vagueness and lack of an index are only minor inconveniences.

The final five chapters follow the unique format of defining a specific clinical problem (pain, effusion/edema, blood circulation, ulcers/wounds, and neuromuscular dysfunctions), of presenting their physiological rationale, of proposing treatment approaches, and of providing available data that support the possible clinical outcomes. The authors make every effort to present treatment approaches based on scientific data, but readily point out those treatments that are founded on anecdotal reports.