Pose Modifications or Emphasis to Consider: Sacroiliac / SI Joints Anatomy, Pain & Issues

Adho Mukha Svanasana

  • Downward Facing Dog Pose
  • Turn heels out

Pelvic Tilts

  • Avoid overarching low back

Baddha Konasana

  • Bound Angle Pose
  • Place rolled blanket under outer thighs to reduce stress that the weight of the thighs places on the SI joint (Ram Rao)
  • Use the same modification in Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose)

Setu Bandhasana

  • Bridge Pose
  • Focus on abdominal engagement – not backbend – by rolling up slowly and keeping hips in straight line from shoulders to knees (not arching) (Doug Keller)
  • Squeeze block between legs

Supta Padangusthasana

  • Reclined Hand to Toe Pose
  • Focus on maintaining natural lumbar curve
  • Note that with one side, the back is more likely to flatten or hips to tip; counter this by using a prop, focusing on neutrality and/or bending opposite knee

Utthita Parsvakonasana

  • Extended Side Angle Pose
  • Treat the two sides differently based on pelvic asymmetry (see article for instructions)