Recovering from an injury or surgery is challenging enough without having to navigate the overwhelming world of yoga mats. Choosing the right yoga mat is crucial for safe practice and a successful recovery.
In this guide, I share what I learned firsthand, including my personal story, lessons from my recovery, and practical advice for choosing a yoga mat that supports your body and your practice.
My Life Changed on July 13, 2016
All that changed at 9:36 PM on July 13, 2016, when a horrific bicycle accident became a defining moment in my life.
My husband and I were on our way back from dinner and ice cream, enjoying a bike ride through the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota, when I crossed a pair of railroad tracks at the wrong angle. My tire got caught, and I was thrown to the street, breaking the tibial plateau in my right knee.
Normally, this would not have been more than a minor bump in life. But the break caused compartment syndrome, a rare condition where my lower leg swelled so tightly that blood could no longer flow through it. If untreated, it could have led to muscle death and possible amputation.
This condition happens to only one in ten million women annually. That is me. Not one in a million, a one-in-ten-million situation.
I underwent four surgeries over two weeks, including a fasciotomy, an external fixator, an internal fixator, two skin grafts, two plates, and fourteen screws. I left the hospital with a wheelchair and a lot of internal hardware I did not have before.
The months that followed required round-the-clock care from my husband. I progressed from lying in bed in a medicated haze, to wheelchair outings, then with a walker, then crutches, and finally walking unsteadily on my own. By the following spring, I was walking with confidence and eager to return to my yoga mat.
Returning to Yoga: Resetting Expectations
Radiant Chapters
My first time back on the mat was a humbling experience. Nine months off due to a life-changing injury required both mental and physical adjustments. I was thrilled to be back, but it quickly became clear that not all yoga mats are created equal, especially when your body is recovering.
The black Lululemon mat I had used for years felt good and familiar. My hands and feet fit neatly into the indentations and wear spots, badges of honor earned through thousands of hours of practice and hundreds of chaturangas over a decade.
Then, in a twist of fate, another yoga lover inadvertently walked off with my mat, leaving hers in its place. My yoga story felt erased. That mat was not just a tool, it was a trusted companion through years of practice and recovery.
To read more about my journey and how this accident changed my life, click here to learn my full story.
Turning a Setback Into a Lesson
I decided to treat it as an opportunity to find a new mat, a better mat. Years had passed since my last purchase, and surely things had improved.
Not exactly. Most mats were thinner, flimsier, cheaply made, and poorly designed. They lacked durability, grip, and the tactile connection I had relied on. Something had to change.
I dove deep. I researched materials, fabrics, and printing processes. I spoke to other yoga lovers, tested different surfaces, lined up suppliers, and hired designers. After two years and many attempts, I found the best combination of size, weight, and material for a yoga mat.
How to Choose a Yoga Mat After Injury or Surgery
Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a mat for recovery:
1. Cushioning for Joints and Surgery Areas
Rainbow Camo
After injury or surgery, your joints and sensitive areas need extra protection. A thicker mat provides support for knees, wrists, and hips without compromising stability.
2. Material and Comfort
Material affects grip, comfort, and durability. Consider:
-
PVC mats: Very grippy and durable, but not eco-friendly.
-
Natural rubber mats: Great traction and cushioning, ideal for recovering bodies.
-
TPE mats: Lightweight, soft, good for gentle flows.
-
Cotton or jute mats: Soft and absorbent, ideal for restorative practice.
I personally chose natural rubber. It gave me the traction and cushioning I needed during my recovery.
3. Non-Slip Grip
Silent Snow
Slipping on a yoga mat after surgery can be dangerous. Look for mats with texture or sticky surfaces to keep hands and feet stable. Regular cleaning helps maintain grip over time.
4. Balance Cushioning With Stability
A mat that is too soft makes balancing poses harder. A mat that is too firm can stress your joints. Find a mat that offers cushioning without compromising stability.
5. Size and Space
Standard mats are 68 inches by 24 inches. After injury, a slightly longer or wider mat can make movements safer and more comfortable.
How the Right Mat Changed My Recovery
Monarchs by Maria Overlay
Once I found a supportive, grippy, and durable mat, my yoga practice returned to being a source of strength and joy. Poses felt safer, and I could focus on rebuilding strength and flexibility instead of worrying about slipping or aggravating my knee.
The right mat did not just improve my practice, it accelerated my confidence and independence on the mat. Even after life-altering setbacks, careful choices can restore your body and your spirit.
Practical Tips for Yoga After Injury
-
Start Slowly: Begin with gentle stretches and short sessions.
-
Use Props: Blocks, bolsters, straps, and blankets provide extra support.
-
Listen to Your Body: Honor pain signals or discomfort. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
-
Care for Your Mat: Regular cleaning keeps it grippy and safe.
Your Recovery Mat Matters
Into the Garden
Investing in the right yoga mat is an investment in your recovery. Look for cushioning, non-slip surfaces, durability, and appropriate size. Your mat is part of your healing journey.
Ready to find your perfect recovery mat? Explore our collection of durable, grippy, and supportive mats designed for joint safety and post-injury comfort.
Continue Your Healing Journey
Your recovery is unique, and your yoga practice should reflect that. With the right mat, props, and mindful practice, you can regain strength, confidence, and joy in your movement.
I personally recommend using a Big Raven Yoga mat for recovery practice, it’s supportive, durable, and designed to keep you safe on the mat.