I have used Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) in my practice for almost a decade. It is one of the primary physical medicine/sport medicine tools I use, in addition to interferential, auriculotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, acupuncture, and tui na. I have a robust referral network that includes several chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and pain management specialists. My referral partners often send people to me because I can get results with their patients when their own modalities alone are not sufficient. FSM plays a significant part in that effectiveness.

The previous reviewer’s knee-jerk assessment that this book has “very significant problems” is both overstated and naive. Dr. McMakin, along with her staff and advisors, pretty much single-handedly developed FSM. In doing so, she developed tools that allowed other clinicians to do the same intervention. To say that there are problems with her book because she has a financial stake in her approach is like saying Dean Ornish is conflicted because he benefits from his writings on a heart-health diet.

Visionaries like Dr. McMakin, Dr. Ornish, Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, and Dr. Starwynn, who developed the Acutron Mentor machine and protocols I also use, employ books to promote themselves, their products, and their approach. Anyone who is not aware that a book is a marketing and education tool, not a research study, or who thinks they can learn to safely use a physical medicine tool without hands-on training in a seminar should perhaps spend a bit more time educating themselves about reality before making pronouncements in a public forum. Dr. McMakin has worked tirelessly to promote research within this field, but when and if other researchers will take up that opportunity is not her responsibility.

That being said, I was a bit disappointed with the book after having waited so long for it to be published. As other reviewers have noted, “Frequency Specific Microcurrent in Pain Management” is an excellent introduction to the clinical utilization of FSM and I am grateful to have such a well-rounded reference text. I have not yet had a chance to view the included DVD, but I am sure it will useful, not only for myself, but in educating the newer members of my staff about what FSM is so they can, in turn, better educate our patients. I would have appreciated some discussion about the more complex conditions FSM practitioners face, however, such as migraines, as well as more guidance about other systems FSM can treat, especially the GI, endocrine, and immune systems.

Overall, however, I am happy with the book and highly recommend it to thoughtful clinicians who are looking for effective non-pharmacological, non-surgical options in managing a variety of clinical problems, particularly those involving pain and functional disorders.