The Journey To Pain Relief

Extract from the Back Cover of Second Edition

“For every pain sufferer who has not been helped by conventional medicine, does not want to remain dependent on pain medications and is looking for innovative alternatives – this is the book.”

The Journey to Pain Relief is both a complete handbook of pain-management options and a detailed introduction to specific cutting-edge techniques. It explains the physiology of pain; the effects of fear, stress and worry; and the importance of cultivating attitudes that will help you tap into the body’s ability to heal. The book presents detailed information on pain-relief modalities including:

  • exercise, breathing, laughter, relaxation and distraction
  • alternative techniques, including magnet therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments and prayer
  • the broad range of physiotherapy options
  • acupuncture and electroacupuncture
  • electrical stimulation techniques

Other chapters cover how to take care of areas that commonly hurt, like the back, knees and head; a summary of coping skills and quick-relief options; and how to create and follow a self-directed pain-relief program.

An exciting Appendix delivers news from the front lines. Orientated more to practitioners, it contains detailed descriptions of breakthrough treatments that are based on the interactions between the brain’s chemistry and its electrical circuitry. The techniques discussed are

  • new acupuncture treatments that are being developed to relieve stress and inflammation; boost the immune system; alleviate headaches and joint, back and muscle pain.
  • Advances in TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) treatments and in MDC (Modified Direct Current) treatment methods. In particular, Action Potential Stimulation (APS) Current therapy, based on devices developed in South Africa in the 1990s, has been shown to provide more relief and less immediate discomfort than traditional electrical therapies.

Written for both pain sufferers and helping professionals, this book empowers both audiences. Most sections are accessible for readers at all levels of technical understanding, while the closely illustrated descriptions of new treatments will offer fresh options and insights to pain-relief practitioners.

Purchase this book

  • 2003 Edition – Purchase this edition direct from The Pain Management Practice. Click here to Contact us.
  • 2007 Edition – Purchase the Second Edition from Exclusive Books, Hyde Park, Johannesburg or directly from the Publishers: Hunter House

Introducing Action Potential Currents

I wrote this book with the desire to address a lack of knowledge of electrical currents, particularly the action potential current. Knowledge of this current will assist the medical profession, and the man on the street, in the treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling, relieving lack of movement, easing the symptoms of certain diseases and the reduces the use of medication.

The medical profession and the public easily considers the application of electrotherapy for the treatment of pain. Yet they are unfamiliar with the concept of using an electrical current as a tool for the improvement of physical well-being.

The value of this book is in that it caters for the layman, creating an understanding of the potential available in using this current. It also assists patients wishing to use this type of device in their own treatment, after consultation with their own health professional.

Extract from the Forward of the book:

In this book, the author has applied her skills and vast clinical experience of physiotherapy and electromedicine to one form of peripheral stimulation analgesia, namely that of action potential simulation current. She has carefully dissected out its development, clinical applications, and the difference of its electrical waveform and electrical characteristics as compared to that of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (or TENS) and other currents. Its uses in the treatment of both acute (sports injuries, burns, bruises) and chronic painful conditions (osteoarthritis, spondylo-artropathies) are discussed.

The methodology of electrode placement, electrode types and the various electrical current modalities used is presented in detail. Treatment at sites distant to the pathology (general versus local therapy) is also discussed.

This book serves not only to probe open this fascinating area for further scientific exploration, but acts as a practical guideline to health care professionals wishing to make use of “action potential stimulation type currents” as an additional armamentarium in their practice.

Professor EA Shipton

MBCHB (UCT); DA (SA); FFA (SA); FRCA (HON); MMED: D MED

Comments from the Publishers

Phyllis Berger, of Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of a few physiotherapists with a strong inclination towards alternative medicine. She considers this different approach to treatment a “scientifically creative art”. For 18 years, Phyllis was a conventional therapist, then acupuncture took her attention and pain control therapy followed. For 12 years, Phyllis has focused on therapy which blocks pain in the brain by electrically stimulating the body’s chemicals.

“I enjoy treating patients with intractable conditions including chronic pain”, she explains. Unusual cases are a challenge, she adds. Lecturing internationally and having attended numerous international congresses, Phyllis has her finger on the pulse of healing, having learned a great deal about various ways of treating patients.

“I believe by learning more about the chemicals in the body, and especially in the brain, one could produce more chemicals electrically”, she continues. “In this way less medication, which often causes side effects, would be needed. The body would be stimulated to heal itself. It has a wonderful capacity to do this and if we allowed it to happen we would have a healthier society. By tapping into the body’s inherent knowledge, it will tell you what it needs”.

A patient’s state of mind is of the utmost importance to Phyllis. Believing in mixed treatments, her approach is holistic yet also scientific.

Purchasing

Purchase your copy of the book direct from the author! Click here to Contact us at the Pain Management Practice.

Worldwide shipping available. Various postal rates apply.

Proof of payment is required prior to postage.