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30/9/03
3:02 PM
Page 117
Book Review
TENS: Transkutane elektrische Nervenstimulation in der Schmerztherapie (TENS:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in
pain therapy)
Raymond Pothmann (editor)
Paperback, Pages: 153, Price: ^34.95
Hippokrates Verlag (Thieme Verlagsgruppe),
Stuttgart (2003)
3rd edition, revised and enlarged
www.hippokrates.de
ISBN 3-8304-5228-4
TENS
(transcutaneous
electrical
nerve
stimulation) is an important tool for any
practitioner who works with pain.
Since Deirdre Walshs standard textbook on
TENS was published in 1997,1 the only new UK
books on the subject have been marketed by
distributors of TENS devices, that by Keith Tippey
being the most useful.2
For those who read German, this new edition
of a book which first appeared 12 years ago neatly
complements Walshs. Its 21 chapters include
contributions from highly experienced French and
Finnish as well as German authors. Technicalities
are kept to a minimum, and clearly explained.
Chapters are short and pithy, with the personal
expertise of the authors bringing their subject
matter to life.
Pntinen, for example, broadens his discussion
of the neurophysiology of TENS to include laser
stimulation, and contributes a whole chapter
on the vascular effects of TENS in which the
various treatment options are lucidly outlined
(I particularly like his extension of Kaadas
protocol, 2-4 Hz non-segmental stimulation
of LI4, to include treatment at ST36). He also
writes realistically about the limitations and side
effects of TENS, and how to circumvent them.
Suggestions on treatment parameters that will
be unfamiliar to many non-European readers
are made by Hankemeier and Krizanits-Weine
in their brief chapters on back and joint pain.
There are useful chapters on cancer pain
(Schara), childbirth, gynaecology and paediatrics
(Pothmann). The contribution on pain in dentistry
(Scherman, Goepel), constructed around a small
clinical study, is particularly instructive.
However, other chapters are disappointing.
117
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Equipment Review
Reference list
1. Walsh DM. TENS: Clinical applications and related
theory. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1997.
2.
118
Mode
Constant
Fast+Slow
Surge
Sweep
Constant
Frequency
20
2/6
100
3-10
70
Pulse width
150
400
100
300
100
Time (mins)
2
4
3
3
3
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Page 119
Equipment Review
Western (medical) acupuncturist. This is not a
machine for beginners in electroacupuncture.
Critically, I would say that the search probe needs
a more precise tip, and I would like to see a mixed
frequency stimulation mode of alternating 4 and
100Hz frequencies (Han stimulation).
However it is exceedingly good value for
money, and must come high on the list of anyone
looking for an extremely well specified
electroacupuncture unit.
I am grateful to Oxford Medical Supplies Ltd
(tel: 0800 975 8000) for making the unit available
for testing.
Tested:
1st July 2003
Declared interests: none. Independent review.
Colin Lewis
Correction
AIM 2003;21(1-2):47
Practising Acupuncture in the Developing World
Sarah Watkins
Sarah Watkins correct email address is
sallywatkins50@hotmail.com
119
doi: 10.1136/aim.21.3.117
Updated information and services can be found at:
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Notes