What is that stiffness I'm feeling?

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annadenise77
Participant

November 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm

Post count: 18

#2222

Hey there!

So, I’ve been practicing since June now and making great progress in all poses and also in this pose. Like many people, though, there seems to be a big difference between my left and right hip. I can easily push my right leg to my shoulder without feeling much pressure or pinch, while the left leg isn’t even close and I definitely feel the discomfort on that side when pulling.

Now, to be honest, although it’s interesting to me that the difference is so large, I’m not too worried about it. I’m working on my left leg and it’s improving and I’m sure everyone has this in some poses. I would just be interested in knowing WHAT is it that I am feeling? WHAT part of my hip is stiff? What can explain the difference? What exercises could I be doing to improve?

I guess it’s more an anatomy question – I just want to know what’s happening 🙂
Love, Anna Denise

aminta_seay
Participant

November 26, 2011 at 3:19 pm

Post count: 4

#9047

I’ve got a similar situation — one hip more open than the other. But, I’ve made a lot of progress. Bikram is so good for helping open your body up bit by bit. I believe the stiffness come s from a lot of things ranging from possible injuries to just your daily activities and the unbalanced strain they put on your body. I think some of my stiffness goes back to childhood! Just keep plugging along. I’ve had breakthroughs where “things” have gone back into place. And it feels so good. Ironically though, after a breakthrough I’ll have additional soreness for awhile as the surrounding muscles get used to the change. So if you’re really interested in finding out exactly where your stiffness is located and how you got it, think about your activities now and in the past.

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

December 26, 2011 at 12:25 am

Post count: 3048

#9115

Hi Anna

Happy Holidays … My bad, it’s been a while since you posted. :red:

I am pleased you’re not worried about the pinch. There are hip flexors that intervene that you are most likely feeling. They have to go somewhere when you’re bending the leg and they can get ‘caught up’ in the process. Sometimes the tightness of them or a slight dysfunction means that they are uneven in expression. As you say, it’s not worrisome. What you can do is work on your hip flexors to stretch them out. Even massage could help you with such an asymmetry.

Simple poses such as Bow (standing or floor) will help. You can do all sorts of stretches at home without going through the rigor of the hot yoga class itself. Take a look around the net for some pictures to inspire you (or I can describe some for you here)

I hope that makes sense!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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