Trishann Couvillion’s Journey to Small Business Ownership:
On August 1st, 2013, Trishann Couvillion was hit by both a semi-truck and an RV on the Seattle Viaduct. She lost her job as a medical photographer due to her chronic pain. Desperate for relief, she tried medications, massage therapy, chiropractic treatments and acupuncture. Nothing worked until she discovered a lesser known natural modality called Pulse Electromagnetic Field (PEMF). During her second session of PEMF treatment, the chronic pain in her pelvis and back were obliterated. After that she was convinced. “It blew me away,” remembered Trishann, “I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” Within five months of intensive research, Trishann started writing up a business plan and on August 1st, 2019, six years to the day after her accident, opened Pulse Pro Health in Ballard.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field harnesses the electromagnetic energy that comes naturally out of the earth and supplies needed energy to living beings.
In cities, concrete and rubber block electromagnetic frequencies. This is one reason why people often feel rejuvenated after they visit the ocean or hike through forested areas; sand, grass, ocean, and trees offer a large influx of the electromagnetic energy that our bodies need. PEMF devices raise cellular energy through a gently pulsing magnetic field, stimulating the body’s ability to heal itself. By increasing energy to unhealthy cells, PEMF reduces inflammation and increased blood and oxygen circulation. Though PEMF has been prevalent in Europe for forty-five years, it only became available in the United States within the last fifteen years.
Trishann received PEMF at Pulse For Health in Monroe, Washington, from Sean Mayer. Sean was vital to Trishann starting up Pulse Pro Health. He has been incredibly supportive of her opening a clinic in Seattle. It has increased accessibility for people who can’t get up to Monroe for treatment. She had the same training as Sean and even uses the same devices he does. “I’m inspired by how people want to help each other,” shared Trishann. “People want to champion what you do, you just have to share it. I’m a firm believer that opportunity is everywhere — if I put myself out there, opportunity presents itself.”
Providing Pain Relief to the Community:
Offering PEMF in Seattle, Trishann is able to work toward her biggest goal of helping people find relief from their chronic pain. “When people have Lyme disease or chronic pain, or long-term illnesses, and they hear about PEMF, they’re willing to try anything. They may be skeptical, but they literally notice immediate lessening of inflammation or pain and immediately feel some sort of relief. It’s the look of surprise on their face. Seeing that moment is my favorite thing.” Trishann added, “Helping people makes life worth living.”
As an Alaskan Native woman from the Tlingit and Haida tribes, Trishann wants to make it clear and easy for all people to access pain relief with no additional barriers. She has also received a lot of positive feedback from LGBTQ+ clients and wants to continue to support the LGBTQ+ community, especially through hiring practices and partnering with the GSBA.
“It’s important to me to offer people in our community more productivity in their lives in a natural way. I know what it’s like to live without a standard productivity. I believe the more people who try PEMF, the more productive we can all be.”
Pulse Pro Health’s Connection to Community Partners including Business Impact NW:
Trishann learned about Business Impact NW through banking with Verity Credit Union. She participated in Business Impact NW’s 7-week Launch and Grow business class with Henry Wong. She also got an SBA loan that allowed her to start her business within only a few months of drafting her business plan. The cost of PEMF equipment is high, but the loan Trishann received through Business Impact NW helped her to “get up and running quickly.” She said, “I’m super grateful because they were willing to take a chance on [my] brand-new business.”
As a member of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce, and the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Trishann has been working on building awareness of PEMF since February 2019. She finds clients through word of mouth referrals and by going to neighborhood events, working to make personal connections. “Building awareness is key.”
The next steps for Pulse Pro Health moving forward include partnering with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. The goal is to open two or three more clinics. Also to work with others to build awareness about PEMF as a natural modality that can be added to other wellness treatments.
“I want to help the Seattle sports world know PEMF can help ramp up the body’s pure energy levels, thereby boosting performance and competition levels and contributing to pain relief,” stated Trishann.
Sincere in her desire to build awareness of PEMF, Trishann enthusiastically offered me a session during our interview. PEMF is a bizarre but not unpleasant sensation, as I could feel my muscles twitching in response to the device. After concentrated energy on issue areas, the session ended with a soothing twenty minutes, with less localized pulsing, an eye mask, and a blanket. I woke from my inadvertent doze feeling slightly disoriented but certainly relaxed and with lessened hip tightness. As someone who has tried many of the other natural modalities Trishann, I think PEMF seems like a great option for anyone interested in experimenting with opportunities for pain relief.
To learn more, check out Pulse Pro Health on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
To schedule an appointment to try PEMF for yourself, visit www.pulseprohealth.com.
About the author
Katrina Herzog
Katrina Herzog has spent the majority of her professional life working in childcare, youth education, and social services. She is a documentary photographer and recently received a Master of Social Work at University of Washington.