Yoga for Hip Pain

Hip pain can result from injury, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or inflammation. While yoga may not cure these conditions, it can provide relief from pain in the hips and other joints.

How Yoga Can Help

• Tight muscles in the hips and legs can lead to tension and inflammation in the joints, which causes pain and discomfort. Many yoga postures are designed to stretch the muscles and relieve the tension.

Types of Poses

• Certain asanas (postures) are specifically designed for the hip joints and muscles. Forward bends help stretch the long muscles of the legs. Pigeon is a challenging pose that opens the hips. Butterfly is a dynamic pose that helps to open up the hip joints. Cobbler's pose is an extension of butterfly. Triangle pose opens the hips and stretches the long muscles of the legs.

Benefits of Yoga

• In addition to asanas, relaxation exercises help to relieve stress and tension in the body. Follow each yoga practice with several minutes of deep breathing and relaxation.

Time Frame

• As with any exercise program, it takes time to see any benefits. The key to yoga is regular, consistent practice, at least three or four times a week. You may experience an immediate decrease in tension following the first week, but typically, results are most apparent after a month or two.

Precautions

• While yoga is gentle and can be safely practiced by most, always consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning this or any fitness program.