Aletha Hip Hook Review: Can the hip hook release tension in the psoas and iliacus muscles and ease lower back pain?
When Aletha reached out to see if I’d like to review their hip hook, I did not hesitate. For one, Hip Hook was invented and designed by a fellow physical therapist, Christine Koth. Secondly, I’ve been having recurrent lower back pain. I attribute it to sitting more at my desk, and poor posture. Yes, that sounds terrible for a physical therapist, but since COVID began, I’ve been working from home, and sitting at my desk for at least five hours a day when I work. I have an ergonomic office chair and I am always checking my posture, but still, I can not escape from back pain! (It’s also thanks to COVID quarantine 15 to 20, so now we’re all racing to lose the extra pounds we’ve packed on during the early and middle parts of this dragged-on pandemic.)
Anyhoo, I was very interested to try the hip hook. It’s not a machine, it’s light weight, and it looks quirky.
When I unboxed the Aletha Hip Hook, Jake (my husband) raised his eyebrows. You could definitely tell he was perplexed. “What’s that?” he asked, the puzzled expression on his face still priceless. And adorable!
“A PT’s tool,” I replied, wiggling my eyebrows. “It’s designed to mimic the pressure and angle of a PT’s hands.” I demonstrated how to use the hip hook on myself. I laid on top of the Hip Hook and allowed my own body weight to press against the short and thick hook part (not the handlebar) to release tension in my iliacus muscle.
“Want to try it?” I asked Jake.
“Uh…maybe next time?” He shook his head and walked away. Jake’s not one to warm up to novel things quickly. That’s OK. We can’t both be super adventurous and crazy. That’s how we balance each other out.
As a physical therapist, I can say the Hip Hook works. It digs in deep to specifically release tension in the iliacus muscle, which in turn helps eliminate hip flexor tightness (a common condition most of us who sit suffer from) and helps ease lower back pain.
When using the Hip Hook, locating your psoas and iliacus is the first step. It’s common to have doubts about positioning the hip hook when you’re first using it. I mean, I had a tough time because one, I’ve gained belly fat thanks to the pandemic and staying at home and noshing on junk and comfort foods, and two, I love doubting myself!
Here are a few short videos to help:
Using the Hip Hook against the wall
What should you feel when you use the Hip Hook?
How close to the bone should I place the Hip Hook?
I love everything about the Hip Hook. It’s sturdy and meant to last for years and years to come.
The only thing I think would deter someone from buying the Hip Hook is the price, but Aletha often offers sales and special bundle pricing. (The Hip Hook can cost $139 to $169, depending on if there’s a sale or not.) If the price scares you, think about it this way… do you have unresolved back pain? Do you want a tool that can help you release tension, ease back pain, and bring livelihood back to your life? Back pain is no joke. Here is a tool that you can use at any time and independently. It’s like having your own personal physical therapist at home.
Getting an hour massage costs $100. The co-pay for physical therapy is about $30 a visit, and typically you would make 6 to 8 appointmentsts. So you do the math.
If you don’t like the Hip Hook, or it doesn't work for you, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee on the Hip Hook.
I’m loving my Hip Hook, and my lower back pain has eased these days. I can definitely feel a difference! Check out the Aletha Hip Hook, friends!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. We received an Aletha Hip Hook sample in exchange for an honest review.