10 Gentle Yoga Poses for Arthritis: Flexibility Without the Pain

Key Takeaways

• Gentle yoga improves flexibility, reduces pain, and builds strength without stressing joints
• Research shows yoga reduces arthritis pain by 20-40% and improves physical function
• Chair yoga and prop-supported poses make yoga accessible for all ability levels
• Focus on alignment and breath—never push through sharp pain
• Start with 10-15 minutes daily and gradually increase as your body adapts
• Many poses can be modified for knee, hip, shoulder, or hand arthritis

Yoga might seem intimidating when your joints ache. Images of pretzel-like poses and flexible young bodies can make arthritis sufferers feel excluded from this ancient practice.

But here’s what many people don’t realize: yoga was never meant to be about extreme flexibility. At its core, yoga is about connecting breath with gentle movement—and that’s something anyone can do, regardless of joint limitations.

The right yoga practice can actually reduce your arthritis symptoms while improving the flexibility and strength you need for daily activities.

Why Yoga Helps Arthritis

The Mind-Body Connection

Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it affects your mood, sleep, and stress levels. Yoga addresses all these dimensions:

• Stress reduction - Chronic stress increases inflammation and muscle tension
• Better sleep - Gentle evening yoga promotes deeper, more restorative sleep
• Pain perception - Mindfulness practices can change how your brain processes pain signals
• Mood improvement - Regular yoga practice reduces anxiety and depression common with chronic conditions

Physical Benefits

Beyond the mental benefits, yoga provides targeted physical improvements:

• Increased flexibility - Gentle stretching maintains and improves joint range of motion
• Muscle strength - Holding poses builds the muscles that support and protect joints
• Better balance - Improved proprioception reduces fall risk
• Posture correction - Proper alignment reduces strain on joints

What Research Shows

A systematic review of yoga for arthritis found:

• 20-40% reduction in pain intensity
• 25% improvement in physical function
• Significant improvements in mood and quality of life
• Benefits maintained with continued practice
• No increased risk of joint damage with appropriate modifications

Essential Yoga Props for Arthritis

Before learning poses, gather these props that make yoga accessible:

Yoga Mat with Extra Cushioning Standard mats can be too thin for sensitive knees. Look for mats at least 6mm thick, or place a folded blanket under knees during floor poses.

Yoga Blocks (2) Blocks bring the floor closer to you, reducing the need to bend deeply. They’re essential for standing poses and seated forward folds.

Yoga Strap When you can’t reach your feet, a strap extends your reach without straining. Any long belt or scarf works as a substitute.

Sturdy Chair A folding chair without arms is invaluable for chair yoga and as a balance support during standing poses.

Blankets (2-3) Folded blankets cushion joints, provide height for seated poses, and keep you warm during relaxation.

10 Gentle Poses for Arthritis

1. Seated Cat-Cow (Spine Mobility)

This classic spine movement warms up the back without putting pressure on wrists or knees.

How to practice:

1. Sit on the front edge of a chair, feet flat on floor
2. Place hands on thighs
3. Inhale: Arch your back, lift your chest, look slightly upward (Cow)
4. Exhale: Round your spine, tuck your chin, draw belly in (Cat)
5. Move slowly between positions, 8-10 cycles

Modifications: If neck movement is painful, keep your gaze forward and focus only on the spine movement.

2. Seated Side Stretch

Opens the side body and creates space between ribs, improving breathing capacity.

How to practice:

1. Sit tall in your chair
2. Inhale and raise your right arm overhead
3. Exhale and lean gently to the left
4. Hold for 3-5 breaths, feeling the stretch along your right side
5. Return to center and repeat on the other side

Modifications: Keep the raised arm bent if shoulder mobility is limited. You can also hold the chair seat with your opposite hand for support.

3. Gentle Neck Stretches

Releases tension that often accompanies joint pain and poor posture.

How to practice:

1. Sit or stand tall with relaxed shoulders
2. Drop your right ear toward your right shoulder (don’t force it)
3. Hold for 3-5 breaths
4. Slowly roll your chin toward your chest
5. Continue to the left side
6. Return to center

Modifications: Never roll the head backward if you have neck arthritis. Stick to side-to-side and chin-to-chest movements only.

4. Supported Warrior II (Chair Version)

Builds leg strength and hip mobility without the deep knee bend of the traditional pose.

How to practice:

1. Sit sideways on a chair, right leg forward, left leg back
2. Right foot flat on floor, left leg extended behind you, toes touching ground
3. Open your arms wide, right arm forward, left arm back
4. Turn your head to look over your right hand
5. Hold for 5-8 breaths
6. Switch sides

Modifications: If hip rotation is limited, keep both legs more forward rather than trying to open the back leg fully.

5. Figure Four Stretch (Hip Opener)

Targets the deep hip muscles that often tighten with arthritis.

How to practice:

1. Sit in a chair with feet flat on floor
2. Cross your right ankle over your left knee, flexing your right foot
3. Sit tall and gently lean forward until you feel a stretch in your right hip
4. Hold for 5-8 breaths
5. Switch sides

Modifications: If this is too intense, keep your spine upright without leaning forward. If you can’t cross your ankle, simply lift one knee toward your chest.

6. Supported Forward Fold

Stretches the hamstrings and lower back while supporting the spine.

How to practice:

1. Sit on the edge of a chair
2. Separate your feet wider than hip-width
3. Place a yoga block or stack of books on the floor between your feet
4. Slowly fold forward, resting your forehead on the block
5. Let your arms hang or rest hands on the floor
6. Hold for 5-10 breaths

Modifications: Stack multiple blocks or use a chair seat for support if you can’t reach the floor comfortably.

7. Wall-Supported Downward Dog

Provides the benefits of traditional down dog without wrist pressure or full inversion.

How to practice:

1. Stand facing a wall at arm’s length
2. Place your palms flat on the wall at shoulder height
3. Walk your feet back and hinge at your hips
4. Create an L-shape with your body, back flat
5. Press into the wall, feeling length in your spine
6. Hold for 5-8 breaths

Modifications: Use a higher surface like a table or counter if the wall position is too intense.

8. Supine Twist (Spine Release)

Gently rotates the spine and releases lower back tension.

How to practice:

1. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on floor
2. Extend arms out to sides in a T position
3. Let both knees drop slowly to the right
4. Turn your head to look left (if comfortable)
5. Hold for 5-10 breaths
6. Return to center and repeat on the other side

Modifications: Place a pillow between your knees for support. Don’t force the twist—let gravity do the work.

9. Legs Up the Wall (Restorative)

Reduces leg swelling, calms the nervous system, and relieves lower back pressure.

How to practice:

1. Sit sideways next to a wall
2. Swing your legs up the wall as you lower your back to the floor
3. Scoot your hips as close to the wall as comfortable
4. Rest your arms by your sides, palms up
5. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 5-15 minutes

Modifications: If hamstrings are tight, move hips further from the wall or place a folded blanket under your hips. You can also bend your knees and rest your calves on a chair.

10. Supported Savasana (Final Relaxation)

The most important pose for stress reduction and pain management.

How to practice:

1. Lie on your back with a rolled blanket under your knees
2. Place a folded blanket under your head if needed
3. Cover yourself with a blanket for warmth
4. Let your feet fall open naturally
5. Close your eyes and breathe naturally
6. Rest for 5-10 minutes

Modifications: If lying flat is uncomfortable, practice seated in a comfortable chair with eyes closed.

Building Your Home Practice

Starting Out

• Begin with just 10-15 minutes daily
• Choose 3-4 poses that feel accessible
• Practice at the same time each day to build a habit
• Morning practice can reduce all-day stiffness
• Evening practice promotes better sleep

Sample 15-Minute Sequence

1. Seated Cat-Cow (2 minutes)
2. Seated Side Stretch (2 minutes)
3. Gentle Neck Stretches (2 minutes)
4. Figure Four Stretch (3 minutes)
5. Supine Twist (3 minutes)
6. Supported Savasana (3 minutes)

When to Practice (and When to Rest)

Good days: Try your full practice, perhaps adding an extra pose or two.

Flare days: Stick to gentle seated stretches and extended Savasana. Movement is still beneficial, but keep it minimal.

After treatment: If you’ve had injections or other procedures, wait until cleared by your provider before resuming practice.

Finding Classes and Teachers

Look for instructors with experience teaching people with arthritis:

• Yoga therapists - Advanced training in therapeutic applications
• Chair yoga specialists - Focus on accessibility
• Senior yoga teachers - Experienced with age-related limitations
• Arthritis Foundation yoga programs - Specifically designed for arthritis

Many instructors now offer online classes, allowing you to practice at home with guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yoga safe if I have severe arthritis?

Gentle yoga is generally safe for most people with arthritis, but it’s important to work with a knowledgeable instructor and listen to your body. Avoid poses that cause sharp pain and always inform your instructor about your condition.

How often should I practice?

For best results, practice 3-5 times per week. Even 10-15 minutes daily is more beneficial than one longer session per week.

Can yoga replace other treatments?

Yoga is complementary to medical treatment, not a replacement. Continue working with your healthcare provider on your overall treatment plan while adding yoga as a supportive practice.

What if I can’t get on the floor?

Chair yoga is completely effective and requires no floor work. Many poses can be done entirely seated or standing with wall support.

Will yoga make my joints more flexible?

Over time, yes. Consistent practice gradually improves range of motion. However, the goal isn’t extreme flexibility—it’s functional mobility for daily activities.

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Looking for more exercises for joint health? Explore our chair exercises for knee arthritis or learn about water aerobics for joint pain.

Last medically reviewed: January 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician before starting any new exercise program. If you experience sharp pain during any pose, stop immediately.