Skip to main content
Use FSA/HSA for Tax Savings
Free Shipping on Orders $75+

The Science of Chronic Tension and Stiffness

The End of Guesswork

Learn how Aletha's prolonged pressure method targets muscle tension, one of the root causes of stubborn hip, neck, and back pain that stretching misses. Learn the six key muscle groups that are most often tense and how releasing this tension restores alignment and primes your body so all the other interventions like strengthening and mobility actually stick.

Meet Christine Koth, MPT - Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Aletha Health

Manual physical therapist for 25+ years

B.S., Biochemistry, Masters in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Physical Therapist Engineered

Physical Therapist Engineered

Research Backed

Research Backed

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Targets Overlooked Muscles

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Home of the Original Hip Hook™

Key Scientific Terms to Know

Muscle Tension

When muscles hold a partial contraction, even at rest. This nervous system–driven contraction pulls joints out of alignment, restricts mobility, and becomes both the signal and source of chronic pain.

Muscle Tension Explained: Why Your Chronic Pain is a Signal You Can't Ignore.

Muscle Tension Explained:
Why Your Chronic Pain is a Signal You Can't Ignore.

Pain isn't random. It's your body flagging dysfunction. Muscle tension is both a signal and a source, one that's often ignored or misread. When you decode and address it, you start to resolve the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Tension Insights

Builds Over Time

From desk jobs to deadlifts, instability to stress, tension is silently building over time. Consistent, guided self-treatment stops the cascade of effects and prevents them from returning.

Tension is First

Tension creates a compensatory spiral that pulls joints out of alignment, stiffens your range, irritates structures, and amplifies fatigue. Addressing tension first, before other key interventions like stretching and strengthening, sets the stage for optimal results.

Backed by Science

Clinical research validates sustained pressure and its role in reducing pain, improving function, and restoring postural harmony. Tight muscles are well known to create a multitude of issues and Aletha's products have been shown to work better than stretching.

Uncomplicate your Routine.
Focus on What Matters.

1

The Right Muscles

Tension builds from posture, stress, and overuse. The iliacus & psoas (hip flexors), piriformis, suboccipitals (top of neck), pec minor (chest), and upper trapezius (shoulder) are the key culprits, small but powerful muscles that drive the biggest ripple effects on alignment and pain. We target the 6 muscles that contribute to the biggest pain and dysfunction.

2

The Right Tools

Sustained prolonged pressure signals the nervous system to release. Every Aletha tool is engineered by clinicians to mimic the precision of expert hands, bringing professional-grade care into your home.

3

In the Right Sequence

Release comes first. Then alignment returns and pain fades. Only after that can stretching, strengthening, and recovery truly work. Our method makes the sequence simple and repeatable.

Get Professional-Grade Myofascial Trigger Point Release at Home

Get Professional-Grade Myofascial Trigger Point Release at Home

Ischemic compression isn't new. But accessing it outside a clinic used to be. Aletha Health makes it possible to apply prolonged targeted pressure to the muscles that matter at home, unlocking professional-level care in your living room.

Mark Discover

Headaches

Tension headaches don't start in your head, they start at the base of your skull.

How the Range helps:

This deep-seated tension often causes pain behind the eyes or temples, especially after screen time.

Before You Build Strength,You Need Resolution.

Prolonged pressure doesn't replace other popular modalities, but we believe it is the essential first step in realigning the body before flexibility, strength, or recovery work.

Swipe left to see all columns →

ModalityRelease Trigger PointsImprove FlexibilityIncrease Blood FlowReduce PainImprove AlignmentSupport Long-Term Muscle Function
Prolonged Pressure
Stretching
Percussion Therapy
Rubbing
Heat Therapy
Cold Therapy

Not Just Better. Measurably Better.

External studies and self-reported outcomes show that the Mark reduces pain, eases tension, improves sleep, and provides long-lasting results.

90 Seconds
25%

Immediate Relief

Participants with lower back pain experienced their pain decrease by 25% after a single use

6 Minutes
71%

Less Tension

Participants felt 71% less tension after releasing their iliacus and psoas just once

4 Weeks
60%

Sleep Better

60% improvement in sleep quality on the PSQI due to reduced nighttime low back pain episodes

Long-Term
100%

Relief That Lasts

100% of participants maintained their improvements after the trial, and no side effects were reported

ALETHA HEALTH RESEARCH PILLARS

Built on Real Science, Not Trends.

Ground Truth & Validation

Root-cause solutions

Reveals the direct relationship between myofascial restriction, postural alignment, and chronic musculoskeletal pain using rigorous methodology.

Science-Driven Innovation

Clinically Validated

Every tool is validated by clinical testing, biomechanical data, and Physical Therapist (PT) feedback. Form follows function always.

The Quantified Body

Measurable Results

Our approach helps users measure what matters range of motion, pain, motor control, freedom. This isn't just theory, it's trackable transformation.

Human-Centered Research

Inclusive Approach

Our research and development spans deskbound professionals, elite athletes, and everyone in between. Chronic pain doesn't discriminate.

Meet the Minds Behind the Method

We're not another startup. We're a team of clinicians, engineers, researchers, and coaches who live and breathe movement health.

Christine

CHRISTINE KOTH

Master of Physical Therapy
B.S. Biochemistry
Chief Medical Officer
Debdutta

DEBDUTTA MUKHERJEE

Master of Physical Therapy
Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Specialist
Bobby

BOBBY WEST

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Product Specialist
Kerry Gordon

Kerry Gordon

MS, ATC, CSCS, LMT
KG Sports Med
Former NFL, XFL, NBA, Cirque du Soleil
Clinicians Choice logo

1,000+ clinicians shared this with their patients and were not compensated.

Verified by frontrowMD
Manual Therapist

"This set is probably the most concise and functional collection of self-release bodywork tools I have ever used. I have been a manual therapist for 13 years and have tried MANY different self care systems available - all of which seem fine but have not provided the results from just one full session. I am literally obsessed. The Range is probably the best tool for self structural release I have ever used. I love the versatility of the applicators and how you essentially have 6 different tips depending on the placement of the device and the angle at which you align and then load soft tissue into it. I was not sure what to think about the Orbit initially until I started to explore releasing fascia with it. It is truly unlike any other spherical tool I have used and is also incredibly versatile. Thank you so much for producing these! I will likely buy a second set for clients."

-- Pete, Manual Therapist
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164
Studio Owner

"As a personal‑training studio owner, I'd spent thousands on exercise, massages, supplements, yoga, and even exploratory surgery for my own pain. Nothing worked until I released my iliacus. Now it's in every client intake."

Cajun in CT
Massage Therapist

"I've been practicing massage therapy for 15 years. After finishing this book I ordered five more copies to lend out. It gives me scientific backup for iliacus work and a handout for those tough conversations with the less informed. Thank you!"

CHL
Physical Therapist

"I stumbled upon Christine Koth's book as a Physical Therapist. Her holistic view on the body and approach to solving the root of pain aligns perfectly with what I teach in the clinic. My whole staff is reading it."

Kelly V.
Pain Physician

"I've treated chronic pain for 20 years as a physician. Aletha's method gives my patients a tool they can finally use at home."

Bearcat51164

OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS

We work with leading institutions to drive validation and impact.

Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University
Carroll University
EvolveWell
Seton Hall
BioStrap
Coastal Carolina
Duke University