why it works

your body has some hidden superpowers. unlock them with (un)BlocksTM.

time + pressure

Experience a new level of recovery with your bodyweight on our specialized (un)Blocks, pain-free.

Anchoring the muscle for long holds (~4 mins) allows broad, sustained pressure + localized heat (piezoelectricity) is generated in the tissues.

The mechanical pressure and heat change the viscosity of sticky, densified hyaluronic acid (hello, thixotropy) in the fascia. 

This allows the layers of the tissue to glide again, increasing mobility and while reducing nerve entrapment to decrease pain. It also frees any capillaries and lymph fluid caught in the densified area.

Coming off the blocks allows fresh blood and oxygen to rush in, helping our cells produce energy (ATP) and eliminate waste.

Avoiding pain means you're not signaling stress to double down on densification, or triggering adrenalin & cortisol while your body braces against too much intensity.

what's the evidence?

  • Stecco at al. (2011)

    Hyaluronic acid densifies under stress, trapping nerves and causing pain. Sustained compression melts it back to a lubricating fluid via thixotropy.

  • Langevin et al. (2006)

    Fibroblasts respond best to broad, sustained mechanical loading. Wide stable blocks used singly or in multiples stimulates a massive mechanoreceptor surface area.

  • Schleip (2003)

    Pain triggers myofibroblast contraction. The fascia gets stiffer. Cringe-free isn't a preference — it's required for release.

better than a foam foller

bulky and painful

foam rolling introduces mechanical pressure BUT It's hard to achieve balanced, sustained pressure without pain.

you have to support your body weight and twist your spine to get access to the places you need relief.

they're bulky and don't travel well.

your foam roller can't do this

better than a massage ball

one trick pony

your lacrosse ball offers a much smaller surface area that feels like an elbow or two thumbs digging in that single spot. tricky to get the pressure just right

try to roll on it? it has a mind of its own. you spend more time chasing it than you do getting relief.

they're often rubber and sticky, pulling on your skin and picking up lint in your bag. allergic to latex? they're not for you.

upgrade your tools

better than a massage gun

big power, small impact

your massage gun delivers mechanical force - shaking - to create thixotropy but in very small areas at a time. thixotropy is time dependent - you need to hang out in the same spot to really make the magic happen.

your ability to dial the intensity is limited by the device defaults - even low speed might be too much to avoid triggering a bracing response.

they're great to travel with - unless you care about weight and remember your charging cord

your body weight can do better