By Dr. James Beebee, DVM

EFFECTIVE THERAPY FOR MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN

Understanding Dysfunctional Compensation

BALANCE

In Pete Egoscue's book, Pain Free, the role of maintaining balance starts with the simplicity and strength of the body's design. Its framework is the musculoskeletal system: muscles, joints, bones, and nerves.

When our pets show symptoms of painful joints we assume that a single joint is injured. And while the main injury may involve a primary joint or limb, inevitably dysfunctional compensation will occur. When joints are injured, compensation occurs naturally to relieve pain. When compensation becomes chronic, joint mobility is compromised; i.e. Dysfunctional Compensation. When applied correctly, chiropractic therapy will realign and balance the compromised joints to restore normal mobility and function. The time it takes to reestablish normal function and balance is directly related to the length of time the joint(s) have been dysfunctional. The sooner we can correct the dysfunctional compensation, the faster the recovery.

OWNER RESPONSIBILITY IS PRIMARY IN THE RESTORATIVE PROCESS

We share the goal of returning your pet to normal activity as quickly as possible. As we progress you will grow in understanding the reason for the injury and the steps required to get back to normal balance. At first your pet will need restriction to leash walks. Walking strengthens muscles and joints while avoiding excessive force that can delay healing. Injured joints need time to heal and to return to strength (often 3-12 weeks). Appropriate activity levels need to be established to minimze future injury. Our pets try to convince us that they are "bullet-proof," but they need moderated and balanced exercise to minimize injury.

During each chiropractic visit, Dr. Steve Jakobsen, D.C. and one of our veterinarians will monitor the degree of progress, joint healing needs sufficient strength and mobility to withstand increased levels of activity. When the assessment results in minimal or no adjustment, we are making progress. However continued rehabilitation is required to achieve complete healing. Additional assessments are scheduled to maintain balance and to minimize future injury.