How to Practice Yoga with FAI (HIP IMPINGEMENT)

🤔 Want to do yoga BUT you have FAI (hip impingement)?

No worries! I've got 2 awesome resources for you (1 video & 1 article). 

👉 In this short article, I cover the Top 5 Modifications for Yoga Poses (If you have hip problems). It also includes pretty pictures! 😍 

🧐 In the 6-minute video you will learn:

MINI-ARTICLE: The Top 5 Modifications for Yoga Poses (If You Have Hip Problems):

Want to practice yoga but it hurts your hips?

Look no further! This short picture guide will teach you the top 5 modification you need to make to keep your hips healthy and happy.

Squatting: instead of forcing your hips to squat deep (if they aren't ready), try to:

• Stay in "comfy", pain-free ranges
• Elevated the heels if necessary ("free" ankle mobility)
• Find the degree of "flare" or foot angle and spacing most comfy for you

Warrior I: instead of forcing your hips to lunge forward too far:

• Stay in "comfy", pain-free ranges
• Don't try to "face front" unless it's comfortable
• Find a level of hip abduction/extension that works for YOU

Pigeon Pose: instead of forcing a 90 degree angle of shin to femur (thigh) AND folding forward into the pose (deeper hip flexion):

• Stay in "comfy", pain-free ranges
• Try 45 degrees of angle between shin/thigh
• Elevate the knee on a pad/pillow
• Don't fold forward unless it's comfortable

Warrior II: Instead of lunging deep and arching your back, try to:

• Stay taller / don't lunge so deep
• Don't worry about having a big arch (because it might cause anterior femoral glide/front hip pain/pinch.)
• Keep your ribs down, and core & glutes engaged
• Focus on feeling a good muscular stretching sensation in the hip flexors

Forward Folding: instead of trying to reach the ground, try to:

• Feel a good hamstring stretch (regardless of how close to the ground you are
• Don't feel any stress or strain in the low-back
• Engage your thighs (contract quadriceps to "pull kneecaps up")
• Keep light core engagement to protect the back

FIX YOUR HIPS NOW

About The Author

Shane Dowd, CES, CMP is the owner / founder of GotROM.com. He is also a sports performance & mobility coach specializing in injury prevention and flexibility for athletes.