Many older adults face common problems, one of which is hip pain. In this article, we’ll explore the best living room chairs for hip pain so you can regain your comfort at home.
With over 20 years of experience, our team at Opera Beds understand the importance of achieving proper comfort and support for better well-being. If you’d like to be guided through finding the ideal chair for you or a loved one, get in touch with us today.
The best living room chairs for hip pain
There are various types of chairs on the market which can help alleviate hip pain. Furthermore, depending on the severity of your hip pain, mobility levels and budget, are all considerations before choosing the best chair for you.
It’s important to not overdo things and avoid putting too much strain on your hip -something that is easier to achieve in a riser recliner chair.
Riser Recliner Chairs
A riser recliner chair is an excellent choice for those suffering from hip pain. These chairs offer adjustable seating positions, allowing you to find the most comfortable angle to relieve pressure on your hips.
Meanwhile, the riser function assists with standing and sitting, reducing the strain on your joints when getting up and sitting down. This can be particularly beneficial if you or a loved one have limited mobility or severe hip discomfort. With options to customise position and support, riser recliners provide tailored comfort and have many health benefits, helping to alleviate pain and improve your overall sitting experience.
Considering a riser recliner chair? Speak to an expert for a no-obligation consultation to start your journey to improved comfort.
Saddle stool
Straddle stools are ergonomic seating solutions designed to promote a natural, open-hip posture. By sitting with your legs positioned on either side of the stool, you maintain a forward-leaning stance that encourages hip alignment and reduces pressure on the hip joints.
This seating posture engages core muscles, which can help stabilise the hips and alleviate pain. Straddle stools are particularly useful for tasks requiring forward reaching or prolonged sitting, as they minimise strain on the hips and lower back, providing a comfortable and supportive option for those dealing with hip pain. However, a downside to straddle stools is that they may feel uncomfortable for extended periods, especially for those not accustomed to the forward-leaning posture.
Legless floor chair
Another type of chair that can help with hip pain is a legless floor chair. These chairs can help people with hip pain by providing low, supportive seating that encourages a natural alignment of the spine and hips. These chairs typically offer adjustable backrests, allowing you to find a comfortable position that reduces pressure on the hips.
Sitting closer to the floor can also promote gentle stretching and flexibility, which may alleviate hip discomfort over time. Additionally, the firm support of a floor chair can help stabilise the hips, making it a useful option for those seeking relief from hip pain while sitting. It’s important to note that a legless floor chair may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or severe hip pain, as it can be challenging to get in and out of.
Features of a good living room chair to relieve hip pain
When it comes to features, you must look for a chair that offers supportiveness and adjustability. Both of which are crucial to alleviating hip pain.
Helps maintain good posture
As mentioned earlier, your posture plays a key role in relieving hip pain. The best way to achieve proper posture is to maintain the natural curve of the spine. This means choosing a chair that has good lumbar support to reduce the strain on your hips and ensure the correct alignment.
Riser recliner chairs are a great option for lumbar support because their adjustable backrests allow you to maintain proper spinal alignment, which can help reduce strain on the lower back and hips. Furthermore, the tilt-in-space feature of a riser recliner chair adjusts the seat and back simultaneously, promoting optimal posture and reducing pressure on the hips by redistributing body weight evenly.
Reduces strain on joints
Reducing strain on joints is crucial for managing hip pain. Excessive pressure on the hip joints can worsen discomfort and lead to further complications. A good living room chair should be designed to minimise this strain by offering proper support and promoting healthy posture. Features like adjustable seating positions and adequate cushioning help distribute body weight evenly, reducing the load on the hips and surrounding joints.
Chairs that allow for easy sitting and rising are particularly beneficial as they prevent sharp movements that can stress the hip joints. For example, a rise recliner chair can assist in transitioning from sitting to standing, reducing the effort required from your hips.
Tip: Armrests are also an important factor to consider for reducing strain on the joints. A suitable armrest should provide additional support to take pressure off the hips when sitting down or standing up.
Has supportive features
Hip pain can make it very difficult to sit comfortably, so it's essential you opt for a chair with supportive features. Look for chairs with adjustable positions for targeted support which helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure across the body.
Also, choose chairs with high-density cushions. These conform to your body, offering customised support that relieves stress on the joints and improves circulation around the hips. Having a sturdy backrest is important too, aiding in proper posture and alleviating hip discomfort.
Tip: Be sure to choose the right chair size with an appropriate seat depth and width. You should be able to sit comfortably with your feet being able to touch the floor.
Allows for alternate seating positions
A chair that allows for alternate seating positions is vital for managing hip pain, as shifting positions helps prevent stiffness and reduces pressure on the hips. Riser recliners are particularly effective, offering adjustable angles that let you find the most comfortable position throughout the day.
The ability to recline, sit upright, or adjust the footrest provides flexibility, promoting better circulation and easing joint strain. By choosing a chair that supports multiple seating positions, you can improve comfort and minimise hip pain.
Can be adjusted
The ability to easily change position is another feature to help those with hip pain. Look for chairs with simple controls that allow you to change the height, recline angle and leg rest with minimal effort. Riser recliners, for example, often feature remote controls that make adjustments effortless, reducing the need for awkward movements that could aggravate hip pain. Easy adjustability ensures that your chair meets your specific needs, helping to alleviate discomfort throughout the day.
At Opera Beds, our collection of riser recliners comes with a wired hand control with clearly displayed buttons for ease of use. Why not try the chairs for yourself by booking a showroom visit where you can browse our range and have a 1-1 consultation?
Frequently asked questions
For many people, living with hip pain can be challenging and impact quality of life. Below are some answers to the top commonly asked questions about hip pain.
What exercises can you do to relieve hip pain while sitting?
Movement is a great way to help alleviate hip pain and regain your strength.
The bridging exercise can be done laid down on your bed and is a good place to start getting your movement back.
How to do the bridging exercise:
- Step 1: Lying on your back with your arms either side. Your knees should point towards the ceiling
- Step 2: Using your arms to support you, slowly bring your hips up towards the ceiling.
- Step 3: Hold this for a few seconds and then slowly bring your hips down to the floor.
Adding exercises into your routine gradually to help your hip pain. Start off small and gradually add more repetitions to your daily routine.
Does using a footrest alleviate hip pain?
Absolutely! Using a footrest promotes more ergonomic sitting positions which can ease hip discomfort. A footrest supports your legs and ankles which takes the strain away from your hips. Choose a footrest that keeps your thighs parallel to the floor and keeps your knees at a right angle. Alternatively, a riser recliner chair has an elevating leg rest which is a perfect way to easily lift our legs.
What should you avoid for hip pain?
Avoid high-impact activities, prolonged sitting, and poor posture. Stay clear of chairs with inadequate support or firmness, as they can worsen hip pain and strain your joints.
See how a riser recliner can support you today
With a wide selection of riser recliners, our friendly team at Opera is here to help you. Get started with a 1-1 consultation where we’ll get to understand your exact requirements. Learn more and start your journey to improved comfort and making life easier.
