Summary
Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy System is a TENS unit that is alleged to offer a drug-free method of relief for some of the most common pain conditions. Scientific support is lacking, however, and TENS doesn’t address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Pros
Cons
By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S
Updated on: May 12, 2020
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Dr. Ho claims that the Pain Therapy System can relieve pain, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (TENS).
Pain is among the most common reasons for a trip to the doctor’s office. More than 20% of US adults are estimated to suffer from chronic pain.
As the source of the pain can be wide-ranging, the treatment choices are just as variable. Common management options can include medications, supplements, ointments and creams, hot and cold packs, physical therapy, as well as more invasive medical procedures.
Both your pain and its management can carry substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
Dr. Ho claims that his Pain Therapy System provides a drug-free and more cost-effective option for addressing your pain.
In fact, he claims that the Pain Therapy System can be used to manage the following conditions:
In this article, we’ll help you determine if these claims are true by detailing the recommended use of the device, reviewing the science behind TENS, as well as addressing the available purchasing options for the Pain Therapy System.
Dr. Ho claims that the Pain Therapy System can help relieve pain from the comfort of your own home. This is said to be accomplished through TENS - the application of a gentle electrical current through adhesive massage pads.
To use your Pain Therapy System, start by placing the self-adhesive pads on to the skin overlying your pain. Next, click on the power dial.
Once the unit powers on, you can gradually increase the intensity and choose from three separate massage patterns modules; deep, vigorous, or gentle, calming massage. Also, each module offers four different massage techniques.
Set the built-in timer for 10 or 20 minutes - the Pain Therapy System will shut off automatically after your desired duration.
According to the website, TENS should work by sending electrical impulses along your nerves to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. Dr. Ho claims that this will help relieve pain, decrease muscle tensions and spasms, and improve circulation in as little as 20 minutes.
According to the product page, Dr. Ho commissioned clinical investigations that examined the proposed benefits of the Pain Therapy System.
While the Pain Therapy System was found to be effective in relieving muscle stiffness and tension in pain clinic patients when compared to the control group, this study was funded by Dr. Ho.
Also, without being published in a medical journal, it is unlikely that this study has undergone a rigorous peer-review process. Thus, results must be taken with a grain of salt.
The ability of TENS to relieve a variety of pain-related conditions has been rigorously studied elsewhere, however.
This review concluded that TENS might represent a safer option for pain relief when compared to other medical managements. However, the potential effects may be limited as individuals develop a tolerance to their TENS device.
In a review of 12 randomized trials, TENS did not improve symptoms related to chronic back pain, though researchers did conclude that it may offer short term improvements in functional disability. When reviewing 9 randomized studies, researchers similarly found the evidence supporting TENS as a back pain treatment to be lacking, mainly due to poor study quality.
In a study examining previous reviews of TENS use in those with chronic pain, researchers were unable to draw a strong conclusion. Again, they found the available evidence to be insufficient to effectively determine if TENS is beneficial or harmful in those with chronic pain.
Another recent large review also found the available evidence to be inconclusive regarding the ability of TENS to benefit acute low back pain.
As you can see, TENS is a well-studied topic. Unfortunately, due to the variety of study subjects, methods, and results, it has been challenging to draw strong conclusions regarding the effectiveness of TENS.
TENS devices like the Pain Therapy System are generally safe to use, though there are some things you should know about before using.
The risk for serious harm is unlikely, but minor side effects related to skin irritation are possible. You may unknowingly have an allergy to the adhesive used in the skin pads.
Shaving or trimming the area to which you apply the pads can limit irritation and ingrown hairs from repeated use of your TENS. Similarly, your skin should always be clean before pad placement.
While pads are reusable, they should also be kept clean. Ensure that the adhesive cover is free of dirt, debris, hair, etc. when you store them away and replace them frequently.
You should avoid placing pads over broken skin, cuts, abrasions, bruising, etc. to avoid unwanted pain or infections.
Lastly, it is advised that those with heart pacemakers or epilepsy, as well as those who are pregnant, should avoid the use of TENS.
The biggest risk for adverse effects when using TENS is that these devices do not address the underlying causes of pain. They simply mask the signal. Without properly identifying the source of your symptoms and taking proper steps in management, you may never truly experience relief.
Speak with a doctor to determine the best plan of care.
Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy System can be purchased directly from the product page.
Three different options are available:
The Basic Package comes with the TENS unit, 8 regular pads, 2 large pads, foot pads, a travel bag, and an instructional DVD. It currently costs $199.99.
The Deluxe Package includes the same items except that you get double the amount of regular and large pads. This package costs $229.99.
Lastly, the Ultimate Package includes Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy Back Relief Belt and Magic Heat Pad in addition to the contents of the Deluxe Package. It costs $279.99.
You can also purchase pad replacements. The kits vary in both the size and number of pads included and range from $35-$50.
Like other products offered by Dr. Ho, the Pain Therapy System is backed by a 90-day guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, email drho@drhonow.com or call 1-877-DrHoNow (1-888-816-6547) to process your return.
The same packages are also available through Amazon and are priced similarly. Keep in mind that you’ll miss out on the 90-day guarantee with this option, however.
Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy System is not the only TENS unit on the market. With a little bit of investigating, you are likely to find comparable devices available for purchase in-store or online.
For example, the TENS Massager from iReliev comes with 20 pads and offers 8 different settings. At $59, it is less than a quarter of Dr. Ho’s intermediate package.
iReliev also offers a 100% money-back guarantee and has a 4.6-star rating on 677 reviews at Amazon.
This unit offers many additional pads, a variety of settings, and a 60-minute built-in timer. Considering the cost and the return policy, this is probably a better place to start if you’re considering a TENS unit.
Dr. Ho’s Pain Therapy System does offer convenience though the research in support of TENS is lacking. However, you should be aware that even if effective, TENS only addresses the symptom and not the underlying cause.
Therefore, you may find relief during use, but still experience pain when you’re not using the Pain Therapy System.
Nonetheless, the 90-day guarantee does allow ample time to determine if the Pain Therapy System can offer benefits. Though the system is pricey, this helps eliminate much of the financial risk to try it.
At HighYa, 16 users rate the Pain Therapy System 2.9-stars. Those unhappy cite product malfunctions, pad durability, and issues with the return policy. Customer support did seem to address all concerns and mentioned that they couldn’t control return policies when units are purchased through other vendors.
TENS may provide some relief, but given the available research, opting for a more cost-effective unit may be a better idea before splurging for the pricier system offered by Dr. Ho.
Either way, you should speak with your doctor about addressing the cause of your pain. Otherwise, it may persist even with using TENS and other therapeutic options.
Posted on Nov 9, 2016
I do have numbness and pain in my buttocks. My son bought the Dr. Ho's Pain Therapy System Pro through HSN in the USA. This is a great product because it relieves the pain and the numbness does not bother me that much anymore after using it. And, I like the company's proprietary auto modulating pain relieving waves which other ones do not have.
I just started using the unit over a week ago and so far it works great for me.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on May 27, 2018
I had back pain for two weeks, so I went into a Walmart pharmacy to buy some back pain pills. I was surprised to see the Dr. Ho machine there for $159.00. I was very scared to buy it, but at that point, I would try anything. I will swear on this. That night it was working and the next day my back was good. The best money spent. I would swear on this.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 5, 2019
We are honored you took a chance on us and we are so glad that we provided you with the relief you needed!
Posted on Jun 29, 2018
I have been using this product for almost a week. I am feeling much less pain than when I started out. I am experiencing a lower back problem in the left buttocks and upper thigh. I was very skeptical, but am very pleased with the results so far. I am also doing stretching exercises, which I was unable to do before I used this device. I would recommend this product.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 5, 2019
Thank you Judy! We are happy to hear that you are feeling better and can now do your stretching exercises!
Posted on Sep 11, 2018
I used to be a patient of Dr. Ho in Toronto and had the original pain therapy system, which helped me a lot with migraines, neck, shoulder and back pain.
It got lost as I moved around a lot. I recently had a severe muscle spasm in my mid/lower back. I remembered Dr. Ho's system and ordered a new one online. After two weeks of painkillers, muscle relaxant and a cortisone injection, I still had quite a lot of pain, until I started using the pain therapy system. As in the past, it helps me a lot, and I felt relief after just one session.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 5, 2019
It's wonderful to hear that you are getting the relief you need with our system. In addition, we are happy that you remembered us from your clinic days!
Posted on Nov 27, 2018
I have purchased the Dr. Ho's TENS Unit and was so glad! It's user-friendly, easy to figure out. The TENS Unit was able to reach the intensity close to that which the chiropractor's office had! This is much better, it is there when you need, and is rechargeable like a cell phone! It gave me the quality of life, until last week when a friend came over with a friend - who stole it! I have been devastated! They knew I have cancer and severe back problems that is painful with other chronic pain conditions. Oh, please note, if you have a heart defibrillator, etc. - you cannot use a TENS unit.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 5, 2019
We are glad to hear that the unit worked for you, but we hope you get it back from your friend soon!
Posted on Jan 20, 2019
I’ve used this product for years, bought more gel pads, no problem. I’d never used gel pads dampened, made them dry first. Neighbour borrowing tens as she has nerve damage and numbness in foot, today she has done feeling in foot. Looking to buying a machine for herself.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 5, 2019
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying our unit! We do recommend spraying the pads with water before and after as it helps conduct the electricity, and the pads will last longer!
Posted on Mar 19, 2019
I just got it today from HSN. I must say I am completely satisfied. I have spent the day trying the different attachments and finding my settings. I have not felt this tense free since high school. The foot pads work magnificently. Aches and pains are gone that I didn’t even realize I had. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Dr. Ho’s products. Thank you for what is probably going to be the best night sleep I have had in a while.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Company Response from DR-HO'S
Mar 21, 2019
Hi Daniel! Thank you so much for letting us know how much you love it! We are so glad that you are feeling pain-free and sleeping well!
Posted on Dec 28, 2023
Overall, gives temporary relief, but not sustainable. Certainly does not cure, however, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, it appears to enhance my well-being.
Length of Use: 2+ years
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Pros and Cons
Simplicity
Pain relief pads
Can be used virtually anywhere
Cost
Exagerated benefits
Food pad should be slightly tilted at the front
Posted on Aug 8, 2019
I purchased the Dr. Ho Pro Deluxe Package in June 2019. While the main unit works extremely well for relieving pain and muscle spasms from my generalized dystonia, the smaller pads separate too easily (after 1 or 2 uses) and are no longer viable.
I replaced the Dr. Ho pads with much better quality professional-grade TENS pads in order to benefit from the Pain Therapy System. These new pads are also much less expensive.
The travel foot therapy pads, however, did not work well for me at all. I followed instructions, used the system while seated, and found no relief. Instead, the plastic knobs had nearly embedded in my skin and my son had to peel them off both of my feet. Thankfully, no skin was punctured.
I have found that using the professional-grade TENS pads on the bottom of my feet provide the best results for my foot pain.
Dr. Ho's did offer me replacement pads, but I opted to stick with what I know works.
The electronic unit for Dr. Ho's Pain Therapy System is excellent and offers much more pain relief than a typical TENS unit. However, the gel pads are overly priced for the poor quality, and the traveling foot therapy pads aren't worth the pain for tender feet.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Apr 3, 2017
If you think getting a tattoo is relaxing, then this is the system for you.
I made sure I followed the instructions and dampened my pads before putting it on my skin, but every time is starts off feeling like a tattoo needle is violently attacking my skin. Very painful! A few times it would subside and eventually feel fine, however, that initial start to my treatment is so painful that I dread using the system, and if I find the courage to go ahead, I end up crying from the pain!
I have had TENS therapy at physiotherapy appointments, and it NEVER felt painful. I even bought news pads within a week of my purchase of this system to make sure I did not have a bad set of pads, but it was the same result. I have 30 days to return it for a full refund, and I am returning tomorrow with 15 days left on my return timeline. That's how painful it is!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Mar 30, 2018
I never used the product, so I can't say that it's good or bad. I returned it because what they said that it will cost me wasn't true, and they charge me more. They will start sending product and charging to your credit card until you do something. Now I had to pay to return it via certified mail and wait for my refund.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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