The Pressure Positive Company

What The Pressure Positive Company does

The Pressure Positive Company, founded in 1979 by Bun Gladieux and headquartered in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures durable self-massage tools for trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Its core product line centers on the patented Backnobber II (fiberglass-reinforced nylon), Backnobber Regular (handcrafted cold-rolled steel), Knobble II (polymer with non-latex Santoprene band), Index Knobber II, and Jacknobber II, plus specialty products such as the patented MyoFree Solution for TMJ disorders and discontinued SKUs like the Vibrassager. Tools are priced between $14.95 and $119.95 and sold primarily through a Shopify-powered direct-to-consumer website at pressurepositive.com, with manufacturing retained domestically in the USA.

The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market model combining DTC e-commerce, a wholesale "Become a Retailer" program, and an SCA Affiliate Program. Beyond hardware, Pressure Positive acts as a reseller for Neil Asher Education's professional continuing education courses ($39.95–$395), serving licensed manual therapists with CEU-accredited content in trigger point therapy, Bowen technique, cupping, and related modalities; it also distributes educational publishing from Human Kinetics and Lotus Books. The firm serves three customer segments: individual consumers seeking self-care for muscle pain (primary), professional manual therapists purchasing tools for clinical use, and continuing education seekers pursuing CEU credits. The business remains privately held and bootstrapped with 1–10 employees and no outside institutional capital.

Revenue is generated through one-time hardware purchases, course resales, and affiliate commissions, with global shipping enabled across North America, Europe, and additional international markets via localized currency pricing. The company holds registered trademarks and patents on several flagship designs and has been continuously operating for over 45 years, establishing category-defining brand recognition among manual therapists and self-care consumers.

Name

The Pressure Positive Company

Legal name

The Pressure Positive Co

Website

https://pressurepositive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Pressure Positive Company designs and manufactures durable US-made self-massage tools for trigger point therapy and myofascial release, selling direct-to-consumer online and through wholesale to individual consumers with muscle pain and to licensed manual therapists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Self-Care Massage Tools / Trigger Point Therapy Devices

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Posture, Musculoskeletal & Pain-Relief Devices (Posture Trainers, TENS/EMS, Massage Devices) (CRACAQAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trigger Point Therapy & Neuromuscular Massage (HSADAHAF), Medical/Therapeutic Massage (Rehab/Pain Management) (HSALAEAO)

Keywords

• Self-massage tools
• Trigger point therapy
• Myofascial release
• TMJ treatment devices
• Manual therapy equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Gilbertsville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Massage Tool Sales: Direct sales of proprietary self-massage tools including Backnobber, Knobble, Jacknobber, and related products to consumers and professionals. One-time hardware purchases with various price points from $14.95 to $119.95.
2. CEU/Certification Courses: Continuing education courses for manual therapists offered through Neil Asher Education partnership. Products include trigger point therapy certification, Bowen technique, cupping, and specialty courses with CEU credits ranging from 1-19 CEUs. Pricing from $39.95 to $395.00.
3. Affiliate Program: Revenue generated through affiliate marketing program where partners earn commissions for referring customers to the online store.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Pressure Positive Company designs, manufactures, and sells durable self-care massage tools for trigger point therapy and myofascial release, including its flagship Backnobber line. Products are made in the USA from quality materials such as fiberglass-reinforced nylon, cold-rolled steel, polymer with Santoprene bands, and wood, sold primarily direct-to-consumer via its e-commerce site and through a retailer/affiliate network. The company also resells Neil Asher continuing education (CEU) courses for manual therapists and distributes related books.

Product overview

The Pressure Positive Company offers a portfolio of well-crafted self-massage tools designed for self-treatment of muscle pain and trigger points. The core product line centers on hand-held and body-positioned massage devices including the Backnobber II, Backnobber Regular, Knobble II, Knobble, Index Knobber II, and Jacknobber II - each designed for different body areas and pressure preferences. The company also offers specialized products like the Myofree Solution for TMJ/jaw pain and specialty massagers including the Vibrassager, Palmassager, and Orbitmassager. Bundle packages (TMJ & Headache Kit, Friends and Family Deal, Triple Back Deal) combine multiple tools at discounted prices. Additionally, the company distributes Neil Asher Continuing Education professional courses for manual therapists, covering trigger point therapy, Bowen technique, sports massage, and other therapeutic modalities with CEU accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Original Backnobber II A fiberglass-reinforced nylon massage tool with a curved design that hooks over the shoulder or under the arm to apply firm, deep pressure to muscle knots and trigger points in the neck, shoulder, and back. Breaks down for travel and storage. Used by individual consumers and professional therapists for self-care and myofascial release.
• The Original Knobble II A hand-held polymer massage tool with a non-latex Santoprene band that provides grip and allows pressure application via the tip, base, or edge. Used by individuals for self-treatment and by massage therapists and bodyworkers to reduce hand fatigue during client sessions.
• The Original Index Knobber II A simple hand-held device for applying deep, sustained pressure to muscles within easy reach. Patented design allows use in multiple hand positions interchangeably by right or left hands. Designed for both clinic and home use.
• The Original Jacknobber II A hand-held massage tool with four legs featuring knobs of varying sizes that allow users to apply different pressure intensities (smaller knobs for intense pressure, larger knobs for diffuse pressure). Suitable for small or large hands and for use on myofascial trigger points.
• The Myofree Solution A patented self-help kit for TMJ, jaw, headache, and atypical face pain using intra-oral trigger point release therapy with the Inside-Outside technique. Includes a massage tool, protective carry pouch, and a 20-minute instructional DVD (with private YouTube link for those without DVD capability).
• The Knobble A classically shaped wooden massage tool used by bodyworkers to save wear and tear on hands during trigger point work. Held with fingertips touching the receiver's body so it feels almost like an extension of the hand.
• The Original Backnobber Regular A hand-crafted massage tool made from a US-manufactured 3/8 inch cold rolled steel bar bent in an 'S' shape with wooden balls on each end. Hooks over a shoulder or under an arm to apply direct, deep, steady pressure to trigger points. Approximately 19 inches in overall length with curves 9 inches across. Handcrafted in the USA.
• The Original Vibrassager A rolling massager with two knobbed wheels designed to feel like vibration as they roll across the back, providing a relaxing massage experience. Discontinued with limited inventory remaining.
• The Original Palmassager A massage tool designed for use on the palm and hand area to relieve tension and soreness in the hands.
• The Original Orbitmassager A massage tool featuring an orbital rolling design for smooth massage application across various muscle groups.
• Limited Edition Stainless Steel Original Backnobber A limited edition premium version of the classic Backnobber made from stainless steel, available in Regular or Big Bend sizes, offering enhanced durability with premium materials.
• TMJ & Headache Kit A bundled kit combining multiple self-massage tools designed for TMJ disorders and headache relief, offering comprehensive jaw and head pain management at a bundle price.
• Triple Back Deal A bundled package of back massage tools designed for comprehensive back care at a discounted price.
• Friends and Family Deal A bundled deal offering multiple massage tools at a discounted package price for shared household or family use.
• Neil Asher Continuing Education Courses Professional online continuing education courses in manual therapy, trigger point therapy, Bowen technique, cupping, and related disciplines. Includes certifications such as the NAT Trigger Point Therapy Certification (19 CEUs), Oncology Massage Diploma, Bowen Basics, and Soccer Specifics. CEU-accredited for massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other manual therapists. Course prices range from $39.95 to $395.00.

Quantifiable outcome

• First of its kind for 40 years - established professional standard
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Neil Asher EducationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNeil Asher Education provides continuing education courses for manual therapists that are distributed through the Pressure Positive website. Course catalog includes NAT Trigger Point Therapy Certification (19 CEUs), Bowen Basics, Cupping, and specialty courses. Pressure Positive acts as a reseller for these professional education products.
• Human Kinetics and Lotus BooksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducational publishing partners providing books and resources for professional development in manual therapy, massage therapy, and trigger point treatment.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform powering the Pressure Positive online store, handling payments, shipping calculations, and customer accounts.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Hyperice: Hyperice is a global recovery and wellness technology brand offering percussion, vibration, and thermal products for athletes and consumers. Broader portfolio with overlapping target use cases (muscle recovery, trigger point relief) though focuses on electronic/tech-forward devices rather than manual tools.
• HoMedics: HoMedics is a large consumer wellness products company offering a broad range of massage products (massage chairs, handheld massagers, percussion devices, spa products). A scaled incumbent in the consumer massage category, though not focused specifically on professional-grade manual trigger point tools.
• Therabody: Therabody (maker of the Theragun percussive therapy device) is a much larger, well-funded wellness technology brand offering premium massage and recovery products. While Therabody emphasizes motorized percussive devices, it competes for the same self-massage/muscle recovery consumer wallet.

Emerging players

• Chirp / Plum Amazing Products: Chirp makes wheel-based self-massage tools (Chirp Wheel) targeting back and trigger point release for consumers. Emerging direct competitor in the self-massage category with overlapping consumer self-care use cases, though differentiates through circular wheel format.
• Lacrosse Ball (Generic / TriggerPoint Ball): Lacrosse-style massage balls (including Trigger Point's MB1/MB5 and generic versions) represent a low-cost alternative form factor for self-applied trigger point therapy. Different product type (ball vs. hook), but addresses the same consumer use case at lower price points, making it an indirect substitute competitor.

Direct peers

• Bob and Brad: Bob and Brad are physical therapists who built a YouTube-driven brand selling their own line of self-massage tools (Bob and Brad Cane, foam rollers, massage guns). Compete directly with Pressure Positive in the therapist-recommended self-massage category and have used YouTube authority to scale distribution.
• Trigger Point Technologies: Trigger Point Technologies is a leading manufacturer of self-massage and myofascial release tools, including the GRID foam roller and AcuCurve cane-style massager. Directly competes with Pressure Positive in the trigger point / myofascial self-care category with overlapping professional and consumer audiences.
• Addaday: Addaday makes premium self-massage and percussive therapy tools (Pro Massage Gun, Mini, roller products) targeting athletes and fitness consumers. Overlaps with Pressure Positive in trigger point and muscle recovery positioning, though Addaday leans more toward tech-forward percussive devices.
• Body Back Company: Body Back Company makes leverage-style self-massage tools (Body Back Buddy) for trigger point therapy in the back, shoulders, and neck. Closely comparable in product form factor (S-curve hook design), price point, and target buyer to the Pressure Positive Backnobber line.
• Thera Cane: Thera Cane is a hook-shaped self-massage tool designed to apply trigger point pressure to the back, shoulders, and neck - functionally the closest direct competitor to Pressure Positive's flagship Backnobber. Targets the same professional therapist and consumer self-care segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pressurepositiv
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCL_t-0yCm9DljliokKL7dvQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/PressurePositive
• Instagraminstagram.com/pressurepositive/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pressure-positive-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Pressure Positive Company