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.