Find ways to be comfortable – even with hip, back, or knee pain
Have you ever had a hard time getting comfortable in Savasana or finding meditation positions for hip pain? Supporting your body well is important, not only for hip-specific discomfort, but also for people with back, knee, or foot pain.
We use our hips frequently when we’re connecting with the ground, whether through walking, running, sitting, or standing. This means your hip pain can be especially frustrating when you’re simply trying to relax—whether that’s during a meditation practice, at the end of a yoga session, or just trying to find a comfortable position to watch TV or sleep. Exploring different meditation positions for hip pain can help you discover what works best for you, and make a real difference in your ability to rest with ease.
Common Question About Meditation Positions for Hip Pain
Is there a more comfortable posture I can use for meditation and rest?
As a yoga therapist, I often hear “My hip pain makes it so uncomfortable for me to sit cross-legged or lie down. Is there a more comfortable posture I can use for meditation and rest?”
And my answer to that is – Yes, there are definitely rest and meditation positions for hip pain!
Hip, back, and knee pain can easily create discomfort in traditional meditation poses like sitting cross-legged or lying flat on your back. But don’t worry – with a little trial and error, my yoga therapy clients can find comfortable meditation positions for hip pain that allow them to experience meaningful rest.
Tips for Finding Comfortable Meditation Positions for Hip Pain
When you’re spending some time in the same position, whether for meditation or rest, it’s important to support your body as much as possible so that you can be comfortable! Here are some options for supporting yourself to feel more comfortable in lying down meditation or rest positions.
- Use padding: Whether this means doubling up your yoga mat, adding blankets or cushions underneath you, or using your furniture, sufficient padding can reduce pressure and relieve discomfort for many people.
- Support your legs: If lying on your back, try using yoga props, pillows, blankets, or cushions under your knees or thighs to elevate and change the angle of your knees and hips. This additional support can help reduce strain and relieve tension in the hips, making it easier to remain in a rest position without discomfort. You can also place a blanket or pillow between your legs in side-lying positions.
- Explore different positions: Lying flat isn’t the only option. Side-lying, supported reclined, and semi-seated poses can offer relief. These options give your hips a chance to relax in different ways, increasing the chances of finding helpful meditation positions for hip pain.
- Use what you have: While yoga props can be helpful, you don’t need special equipment. Common household items like couch cushions, bed pillows, or even a sturdy chair can be positioned to help support your hips, knees, or back. Give these everyday items a try and see if you find meditation positions for your hip pain that work without spending money on expensive yoga props.
Examples of Rest and Meditation Positions for Hip Pain
In the video below, I demonstrate several alternatives to Savasana, or corpse pose, the yoga posture that closes most yoga classes. These positions can also be used for Yoga Nidra meditation. I’ll also offer a few options that might help people with hip pain sit more comfortably in meditation and rest positions. (And stick around to find more useful videos on my YouTube channel while you’re at it.)
Final Thoughts on Finding Meditation Positions for Hip Pain
There’s no single “correct” position for rest or meditation—especially if you’re dealing with hip, back, or knee pain. If none of these postures feel quite right for you, I encourage you to experiment – or better yet, seek support from a knowledgeable teacher or yoga therapist who can help you find the perfect rest position. If I can help, please let me know!
If you need guidance or have questions, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help.
