Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. 

That’s a mouthful for what’s better known as a TENS device. If you’ve used one before — say, to help rehab an injury, after surgery, or to cope with chronic pain — you may have some questions about Enso, a pain relief device from Hinge Health, and other TENS devices. So let’s have a look. But first, let’s cover the basics about electricity and your body. 

Electricity, Nerves, and Pain

Flip a light switch and electricity speeds along the wires in your home to light up your room. Your body’s nerves are like electrical wiring. They carry messages almost instantaneously to and from your brain so you can move and feel sensations like pressure and temperature. Your brain interprets some of those messages as pain. 

How TENS Devices Relieve Pain

TENS devices deliver safe impulses through your skin that work on your nervous system to calm your pain response. They may also stimulate your body to produce endorphins, which are natural painkiller chemicals.

A typical TENS device has a battery-powered control unit. Wires carry pain-relieving impulses to electrode pads attached to the skin near a painful area. Some TENS devices have settings that allow you to adjust the intensity of the impulses. 

How Is Enso Different?

Enso is a TENS device: safe and effective, FDA-cleared, and specially designed to reduce pain in your muscles. But it’s not just any TENS device. Here are some key ways that Enso is different:

1. It’s Small

Enso is about the size of a matchbook, so it’s comfortable to wear under clothing, making longer treatment sessions more practical. Because Enso is small, your treatment can be better targeted to your specific pain area.

2. It’s Wireless and Portable

Enso uses Bluetooth technology so you can start a session in the Hinge Health app and go about your day — no wires to limit your movement and no being tethered to the control unit, as with some TENS devices. Enso lets you move freely during treatment so you can work, move, do household chores, or be out and about.

3. More Control

Many TENS devices have limited intensity settings. But everyone’s pain — and intensity preferences — are different. Enso has intensity settings from zero to 100 so you can choose a level that feels just right for you. The Hinge Health app has recommended ranges and preset options that make it easy to adjust. 

4. Exclusive Waveforms

Enso has unique waveforms (patterns of electrical pulses) that reduce the sensitivity of nerves and relieve pain. Our research shows that Enso’s exclusive waveforms reduce pain and improve function compared to a control group using a placebo device.

5. Hinge Health Support

Another big difference: Enso is just one part of a comprehensive Hinge Health pain relief program that’s personalized for you. Your Hinge Health program includes exercise therapy sessions designed by physical therapists, a health coach for support, and a library of educational resources to help you get better. 

6. Proven Results

Enso is more effective than traditional TENS devices. A clinical study of 325 participants found that consistent Enso users were 2.3x more likely to have improvement in pain at four weeks compared to traditional TENS users. 

More Effective Pain Relief for Your Organization

For HR and benefits leaders, learn how Enso is taking traditional pain relief to the next level by requesting a demo here.

Get Started With Enso

For Hinge Health members:

• To learn more about getting Enso and find out if you're eligible, click here.

• Have an Enso, but need to set it up? Click here to open your Hinge Health app.

• Already using Enso and still have questions? Talk to a member of our support team. Call 1-855-902-2777 or email help@hingehealth.com.

Read the user manual before using Enso for complete information about indications, instructions for use, warnings, and precautions.