Compensation, when referred to in rehabilitative health care, is referencing the body's response to an area of the body that is suffering from some sort of discomfort. The body seeks to remove or reduce the sensation of pain in the damaged area by ceasing movement in the affected area and shifting away from that area. This means the centre of gravity changes and the balance of the body is shifted away from the painful area to healthier areas that are suffering less (or no) discomfort.
This shift occurs in the opposite direction and the opposite side in relation to the painful area. It is a counterbalancing of the structure or function of one part of the body by increasing activity or muscle development in another or other parts of the body. For example, if a dog is suffering from arthritis in her right hip, she will shift her weight forward to her front assembly (opposite direction), and most of the weight towards her left forelimb (opposite side). Compensation protects the injured area and allows for healing, but this counterbalancing asks the body structure to perform tasks it is not originally intended to handle. Over an extended period of time, the compensating structures, while allowing healing in other areas, are themselves weakened and fatigued, leaving them susceptible to dysfunction and injury. This is why massage therapy is crucial in relieving this overused area (however temporary this overuse may be). But in the winter, due to the possibility of inactivity (too cold for walks, or long walks, or playtime) coupled with cold temperatures potentially causing stiffness, massage becomes that much more important. To avoid injury, particularly when compensation is a factor, joints must be lubricated and muscle tension eased so that range of motion is optimal. The healthier your pet’s range of motion is, the less likely they are to be injured. So, let’s not let the cold get in the way of your pet’s wellness!
0 Comments
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments an older pet can suffer from. It is a chronic pain that occurs when an unstable joint causes the bones to move abnormally within the joint. Over time this unnatural movement causes the cartilage that lines the joints to erode. Then the bone rubs against bone, which creates chronic inflammation. Large and Giant breed dogs are probably the most prone, but it can happen in any dog or cat breed.
Massage therapy eases arthritis because it improves range of motion by stimulating blood circulation to the bone, directly nourishing it. Regular sessions keep joints well nourished and therefore well lubricated, which maintains, and even increases, range of motion. Your pet experiences less pain, and their mobility improves. Why is massage even more essential for arthritis in the winter? Cold weather exacerbates this condition, causing your pet to get even stiffer than before. Even it your pet is inside more often during cold and even not so cold days, there is a compromise. They are getting less exercise, which normally helps keep joints loose (in addition to helping with muscle tone and keeping weight off, which would otherwise be even harder on the joints). So, if your pet is less active during colder temperatures, massage is needed to lubricate those joints! Even with something like intervertebral disc disease (as long as you are well past 2 weeks after any associated surgery), massage therapy increases circulation, which will get blood where it needs to go—those overcompensating muscles, and underused, atrophied muscles that will need stimulation to increase and maintain tone to support the back. Inactivity due to winter (or whatever else) is the enemy, as weight may increase and cause extra strain, too. All in all, massage therapy will help increase circulation when movement may be reduced due to the cold weather—whether joints are stiffer due to the cold, or it’s just plain too cold to go outside. Don’t hesitate to continue (or start!) massage therapy for your pet during the chilly winter months! Ricky is a delightful Blue and Gold Macaw. Ricky is 28 years young so at this point he is only halfway through his potential lifespan. He had a great family that absolutely adored him and he only had that one family. Ricky is very curious and loves to run around and affectionately we say he likes to get into trouble, but most of this is only out of his absolute curiosity for everything around him. He’s a very animated parrot who loves nothing more than to dance and attempt to sing with his person, his special person. He’s very charismatic. One of his big loves is absolutely to destroy a toy. He loves to forage he loves to find his treats and his favourite foods amongst a box of cardboard with different items placed inside. He will-amuse himself and carry on as though he’s talking to the box which can only help make you giggle. He does spend very active and engaging times of the day with his people, but he also will settle and just enjoy some quiet attention. Ricky is the kind of bird that needs; a home that wants a character to live with them who will engage him in activities, who wants a parrot to very much be active! Ricky can be very loud at times but after all, he is macaw, a big bird with a big voice, but those times aren’t very long durations. He will vocalize he loves to get attention but once he is settled into an activity he is a relatively quiet guy , Ricky is looking for a home where he will be part of activities and fun and engaged with the people. He very much knows how to entertain himself with objects, and so he will need things to do when he is in his cage, or on a stand on his own, but this guy keep you all smiles for many many years to come. Ricky is an absolute joy a little bananas but after all, he’s a parrot and a great one at that! Genus: Ara | Species: ararauna Size: 86 cm (33.5 in) Weight: 1040-1286g (36.4-45 oz) Subspecies including nominate: one Colour Adult: Both adults bright blue above, mostly golden-yellow below; with long blue and yellow tail; bare white facial disc with fine lines of green feathers; throat black; crown and forehead green. Large black/grey bill. Eye yellow. Colour Juvenile: As in adult but with grey/brown eye. Call: Loud raucous calls, some harsh. Most calls gutteral with varying sounds. Listen Now Video Links: Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 More Information: Avibase Find out more about Blue-and-Gold Macaws from Lafeber Company by clicking the image below... Find out more about Ricky from The Parrot Sanctuary
Day 11 of the 12 Adoptable Pets of the Holiday Season...Abraham & Jasper From Annex Cat Rescue!12/23/2023 Abe is a very shy and sweet orange boy. He doesn't like to be touched, and doesn't like it when a human gets too close to him. Abe hisses a lot, but never swats or scratches. Abraham loves to play and wrestle with his brother Jasper, and is happiest when they are left alone together. But he will tolerate being in the same room as a human as long as they don't come too close. He likes using a tall scratching post. Jasper (black) and Abraham (orange) are senior brothers who lived in a managed feral colony, among the "Simpsons seniors" cats.va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_rvraj4PAfj1qaimww_720.mp4 They are a bonded pair who must be adopted together. They adore each other, and love to wrestle and play. They are also okay with other cats. We don't know how they would be with dogs. They hide from children and strangers. Jasper and Abraham are very shy, and still being socialized, after 14 months of living with their foster mom. Both boys are very quiet, but will chatter a lot among themselves when left alone to play. They are both toothless, and can eat dry and wet food. They are healthy, though prone to over-eating. They are playful, good about using a scratching post, and have excellent litter box habits. Abraham must be adopted with Jasper. Video: Abe eating Churu https://va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_rvraj4PAfj1qaimww_720.mp4 Jasper is a very handsome and quiet black cat. He is shy around new people, but a lot more outgoing than his brother. He loves playing with small balls and batting toys, and using flat scratching pads on the floor. Jasper will sometimes tolerate being gently petted on the head. He will give a warning swat when he's had enough, but rarely uses his claws. Over the last 14 months, Jasper has warmed up a lot to people, and with the right owner and a lot of patience, he might one day be a cuddler. Jasper (black) and Abraham (orange) are senior brothers who lived in a managed feral colony, among the "Simpsons seniors" cats. They are a bonded pair who must be adopted together. They adore each other, and love to wrestle and play. They are also okay with other cats. We don't know how they would be with dogs. They hide from children and strangers. Jasper and Abraham are very shy, and still being socialized, after 14 months of living with their foster mom. Both boys are very quiet, but will chatter a lot among themselves when left alone to play. They are both toothless, and can eat dry and wet food. They are healthy, though prone to over-eating. They are playful, good about using a scratching post, and have excellent litter box habits. Jasper must be adopted with Abraham. Video: Abe and Jasper cuddling https://va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_rvranazLfb1qaimww_720.mp4 Find more information on Abraham & Jasper from the Annex Cat Rescue!
About Angus I'm an adult male albino paradox ball python and I'm available for you to adopt me today! I require a minimum of a 75 gallon enclosure to live in. My adoption fee is $120
Good with Adults, Hypoallergenic, Apartment OK, Prefers warm climate, Needs special care, Timid, Even-tempered, Not good with small dogs Click here to find out more about Angus from Little RES Q!
|
AuthorRegan is a certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT), has certification in First Aid and CPR for Pets, and some beginner training in Herbal Remedies and Aromatherapy for personal use. Archives
July 2024
Categories |