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
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
Home of the Original Hip Hook™
Physical Therapist Engineered
Research Backed
Trusted by 1,000+ Physical Therapists & Chiropractors
Targets Overlooked Muscles
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.
Trigger Point
A specialized type of muscle tension where there is a hyperirritable knot within a taut muscle band. Trigger points can cause local pain or refer pain elsewhere in the body, disrupting movement and circulation until released.
Prolonged Pressure (Ischemic Compression)
A clinical technique applying steady, targeted pressure to a trigger point for 90 seconds. Prolonged pressure interrupts the pain-spasm cycle, restores blood flow, calms the nervous system, and allows deep muscle release.
Neuromuscular Reset
The process by which sustained, non-threatening input (such as prolonged pressure) signals safety to the brain, enabling overactive muscles to finally let go.
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.Uncomplicate your Routine.Focus on What Matters.Uncomplicate your Routine.Focus on What Matters.
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.
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.
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.
Bunions and Plantar Fasciitis
It may feel like a foot problem—but it often starts at your hip.
How the Mark helps:
When the iliacus muscle is tight, it rotates your pelvis forward and your leg inward. That shifts how your foot strikes the ground—flattening your arch and pushing your big toe outward. Over time, that misalignment leads to plantar fasciitis, bunions, and painful steps.
Release the iliacus with the Mark®, then follow with the Orbit for lower leg tension. Restore alignment—and every step gets easier.
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 →
| Modality | Release Trigger Points | Improve Flexibility | Increase Blood Flow | Reduce Pain | Improve Alignment | Support 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.
Immediate Relief
Participants with lower back pain experienced their pain decrease by 25% after a single use
Less Tension
Participants felt 71% less tension after releasing their iliacus and psoas just once
Sleep Better
60% improvement in sleep quality on the PSQI due to reduced nighttime low back pain episodes
Relief That Lasts
100% of participants maintained their improvements after the trial, and no side effects were reported
Built on Real Science, Not Trends.
Ground Truth & Validation
Reveals the direct relationship between myofascial restriction, postural alignment, and chronic musculoskeletal pain using rigorous methodology.
Science-Driven Innovation
Every tool is validated by clinical testing, biomechanical data, and Physical Therapist (PT) feedback. Form follows function always.
The Quantified Body
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
Our research and development spans deskbound professionals, elite athletes, and everyone in between. Chronic pain doesn't discriminate.
We're not another startup. We're a team of clinicians, engineers, researchers, and coaches who live and breathe movement health.
CHRISTINE KOTH
SUSIE REINER
DEBDUTTA MUKHERJEE
BOBBY WEST
1,000+ clinicians shared this with their patients
and were not compensated.
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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