holdingtheorbit.png

Meet the Orbit

The Orbit is a muscle release device used to apply steady, broad pressure to the psoas and piriformis muscles.

These muscles contribute to the movement and stability of the hips, pelvis, and lower back, and may become tense due to posture, instability, trauma, physical activity, or prolonged sitting.

When you apply prolonged pressure to these muscles, it helps facilitate muscle relaxation and supports better alignment and function of the foundation of your body, your core.

Start here

The Orbit is designed to be used slowly, gently, and intentionally. This guide will show you where to place it, how much pressure to use, and what sensations are normal so you can feel confident from your very first session.

Before using the Orbit, review the safety guide included in your box.

where can i use the orbit?

You’ll use the Orbit to apply pressure in the general hip flexor region to target the psoas, as well as the piriformis and general glute area.

lying_on_the_orbit.png lying_on_the_orbit.png

Psoas

Gemini_Generated_Image_peh3o3peh3o3peh3.png Gemini_Generated_Image_peh3o3peh3o3peh3.png

Piriformis

WHERE IS THE PSOAS?

psoas.png psoas.png

How to Find the Psoas Muscle

There are 2 areas where you can target the psoas with the Orbit, both above and below the hip crease. The hip crease is the diagonal line where your hip bends.

Locations

1. Above the hip crease, you will target the psoas muscle as it starts to travel towards your spine.

2. Below the hip crease, you will target the small portion of the psoas and iliacus muscles that attach to the leg

Using the Orbit for the Psoas Above and Below the Hip Crease

hipcrease.png hipcrease.png

Orbit above hip crease

Lying on the ground allows you to fully relax over the Orbit as it presses on the largest section of the psoas muscle. Use your knee out to the side to control your body as you lower onto the Orbit and ease into the pressure. Straighten your leg back behind you for more pressure. Maintain pressure for 90 seconds.

belowhipcrease.png belowhipcrease.png

Orbit below hip crease

Tightness in the psoas and iliacus muscles can be anywhere along the length of the muscle, even below the hip crease. You can find the crease by bending your hip and noting the diagonal line that is formed.

Orbit on psoas

How to Find the Piriformis Muscles

sacrummanual.png sacrummanual.png

After you’ve released the front of your hip, you will use the Orbit to release tension in the glutes, both the piriformis and the deep hip rotator muscles. These muscles become tight as a result of tension in the psoas and iliacus and should also be released next for the best results.

Place your hand on your glute next to the sacrum, the triangular-shaped bone at the base of your spine. Explore this entire region to find where you are tight.

Using the Orbit for the Piriformis

Lie down with your back with your knees bent. Place the Orbit in the middle of your glute and lower your body on the ball. Adjust the placement of the Orbit as needed to find a tight spot. Drop your knee to the side or straighten your leg for more pressure. Maintain pressure for 90 seconds.

Orbit on piriformis

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful guidance for getting the most out of the Orbit.

Muscle release feels different for everyone. Common descriptions include tenderness, pressure, twitching, warmth, softening, or a "hurts so good" feeling.

Finding the right pressure

Aim for moderate pressure where you can stay relaxed and breathe deeply for 90+ seconds. This signals to your brain that it's safe to release tension. If the pressure makes you want to tense up or hold your breath, ease off. Too much intensity can create more pain and tightness, not less.

Common sensations

  • Pressure: The Orbit meets initial resistance from a tight muscle, which gradually softens as you hold.
  • Warmth: Sustained pressure temporarily reduces blood flow to the area; once released, circulation improves.
  • Twitching: A local twitch response often means you've found a trigger point that's beginning to release.
  • Referral sensations: You may feel tightness or discomfort in a location away from where you're applying pressure, such as the lower back, front of the hip, glutes, outer hip, or upper thigh. This is normal.
  • Muscle softening: Over time, the initial resistance under the Orbit decreases as the muscle lets go.

Sensations that indicate you need to adjust your position

  • Tingling or numbness: You may be pressing too close to a nerve.
  • Burning or shooting sensation: You may be pressing too close to a nerve.
  • Throbbing: You may be pressing too close to a blood vessel.

If any of these occur, stop, come off the tool, and try repositioning slightly. Make sure you're pressing above the hip crease, and consider using a lighter pressure technique. As always, listen to your body. If something feels wrong or causes more pain, stop.

If you are experiencing any soreness, 10 minutes of ice to the area can be helpful.

When you find a releasing spot, hold steady pressure for at least 90 seconds. Breathe deeply and stay still. If discomfort doesn’t ease after ~30 seconds, that spot may not be ready. Try another location.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Some people use the Orbit daily, others a few times a week. Many find it helpful before workouts or activities. Follow your muscle release work with strengthening and other exercises to reinforce changes.

Both work, but if you had to choose one, use it before. Releasing tension in your psoas and piriformis before a workout can improve your hip range of motion and lower body alignment, helping you feel better during exercise, strengthen through fuller movement, and build longer-lasting relief from pain. Many users also report a noticeable improvement in performance when they use the Orbit beforehand.

After a workout, the Orbit makes a great recovery tool, helping your hips and glutes relax and bounce back so they don't tighten up over time. Using it later in the same day works too. The key is to be proactive. Consistent use helps you keep making progress and reduces the risk of injury. It's much harder to undo the pain that comes from pushing through a workout when your hips and back are already tight or out of alignment.

Need More Help?

If you still have questions about using the Orbit, our support team is here to help.

Contact Support
Prefer guided sessions and built-in timers?
Download the Aletha App for iOS