Veterinary Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy)

Dr. Couch completed her training through The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) Program. She provides structured, in-home physical rehabilitation services primarily for canine patients, as well as select feline patients.

This service may be integrated into a comprehensive care plan alongside other therapies (such as acupuncture) or delivered as an independent treatment modality.

Therapy sessions generally range from 30 to 60 minutes in duration. We start with an initial comprehensive evaluation, followed by re-evaluation appointments every 3 to 4 weeks to refine the therapeutic strategy. A customized home exercise program will be established for each patient and will accommodate each family, pet, and lifestyle individually.

For clients desiring ongoing direct oversight, weekly practitioner-led therapy sessions are also available.

Just like humans, all pets can benefit from structured exercise. However, the most ideal candidates include:

• Elderly pets
• Patients with arthritis or lameness
• Post-surgical or injured animals
• High-energy pets

Ozone therapy is an established medical treatment widely used across Europe and Asia for over a decade, and it continues to gain recognition in the United States for both human and veterinary applications.

In our practice, we utilize pure, medical-grade glycerine as a carrier vehicle for ozone. Glycerine efficiently retains high concentrations of ozone, allowing for a slow, time-released delivery over days to weeks while directly targeting harmful microorganisms.

Ozonated glycerine offers a broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Regenerative support
• Anti-microbial activity
• Anti-cancer properties

Methods of Administration

Due to its versatile nature, ozone therapy can be administered through several routes:

• Topical application
• Oral administration
• Rectal administration
• Injection
• Nebulization (inhalation)

Clinical Applications

Ozone therapy can be helpful for a wide array of conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Respiratory conditions (such as asthma or bronchitis)
• Gingivitis and oral discomfort
• Allergies
• Surgical and non-surgical wounds
• Infections
• Arthritis
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• And many other conditions

Acupuncture is the process of inserting multiple small needles into various predetermined “points” on the body. The practice of acupuncture has been used for humans and large farm animals for well over 2,000 years. Within the last 70 years, veterinarians have had immense success providing acupuncture treatments to household pets.

How does acupuncture work?

In general, the Chinese theory of acupuncture is based upon the presence of energy (qi) flow patterns throughout the body. Disruptions in this flow of energy (stagnation, excess or deficiency) can cause health imbalances and diseases. Acupuncture involves the strategic selection of points along the body which are stimulated by fine needle penetration of the skin and /or by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture) or fluid injection (acupuncture) Insertion of a needle into an acupuncture point stimulates the nearby vessels, nerves, and/or lymphatics for a predetermined time to generate its effects. 

The body is made up of a complex network of interconnecting nerve fibers, so placing an acupuncture needle into any particular location not only treats that specific location but also allows its effects to stretch beyond the point of insertion and throughout the body system as a whole. Biologically, the activation of these acupuncture sites also releases endorphins, anti-inflammatory mediators, and hormones- all of which can assist with recovery and healing.

Herbal medicines were our very first medicines. Much of modern medicine was based on these herbal remedies. Herbs can be used for many different things, but are most commonly used and recommended by Dr. Couch to assist in treatment of things such as arthritis, hind end weakness, urinary incontinence, endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s disease, anxiety, liver disease, allergies, cancer, and many more. Herbal medicine can be used instead of or in conjunction with standard western medications.

Dr. Couch only uses herbal formulas from the company Jing Tang. These herbal formulas are safe for pets and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their quality and effectiveness. See below link for more information:

https://www.tcvmherbal.com/Quality-Control/GMP-Process1

Overwhelming recent research shows the importance of a balanced microbiome. An unbalanced microbiome can manifest as GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as allergies, skin problems, obesity, a weakened immune system, chronic inflammation, and heart or brain-related concerns. While broad-spectrum probiotics are an option, they are not a universal solution. Fecal Biome testing allows for a detailed investigation of your pet's GI flora to address chronic conditions or support overall wellness.

The process is straightforward: Dr. Couch provides a link for you to order a test kit, which is shipped directly to your home. You collect a fecal sample and return it to the lab using the provided pre-paid container and envelope. Once the online results are available, Dr. Couch will review them and provide tailored recommendations.

Food sensitivities and intolerances differ from true food allergies and are often linked to chronic conditions such as endocrine disorders, GI issues, allergies, and cancer. Because these sensitivities do not appear on standard serum allergy tests, biofeedback testing for inflammatory indicators in hair and saliva is the most accurate diagnostic method.

To facilitate this testing, Dr. Couch will assist you in collecting small fur and saliva samples from your pet. These samples are then sent to the lab in a pre-paid mailing envelope. After the results are processed, Dr. Couch will evaluate the findings and provide dietary recommendations tailored to your pet's needs.

There is more to “wellness" than just your pets’ annual exam and wellness blood work. While these things are still of vital importance, we can dig deeper to help your pets live the best possible life!

This non-invasive procedure evaluates the body's essential mineral levels and detects the presence of toxic heavy metals. The resulting data is instrumental in tailoring specific dietary and lifestyle modifications.

The Significance of Balanced Minerals

Minerals are fundamental to the healing process and the maintenance of peak health. They act as catalysts in every enzymatic reaction and are vital to almost all biological systems, such as digestion, metabolism, hormonal balance, stress response, and the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Furthermore, this analysis identifies metabolic trends in digestion, helping to determine the most appropriate foods for an individual's unique needs.

Related Health Concerns

Mineral imbalances and heavy metal toxicity are frequently associated with several health conditions, including

• Digestive disorders and allergies
• Hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression
• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and diabetes

Our comprehensive virtual holistic consultation is designed for pet parents seeking a deeper, more integrated approach to their pet’s health and wellness. For a fee of $250, we provide a thorough evaluation that goes far beyond a standard clinical visit.

The Consultation Experience

• In-Depth Review: Prior to our meeting, we conduct an exhaustive review of your pet’s entire medical history and analyze your detailed responses to our health questionnaires.
• 45-Minute Dedicated Session: Experience a focused, 45-minute virtual appointment where you are never rushed. We take the time to discuss your current and long-term concerns, covering aspects of your pet's life that often exceed the scope of a traditional 15-minute vet visit.
• A Holistic Perspective: We want to understand every facet of your pet’s life, including diet, supplements, behavior, energy levels, favorite toys, and daily routines. Our approach considers disease patterns through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), examining factors like whole-body wellness and patient preferences.

Your Personalized Wellness Plan

Following the consultation, you will receive a comprehensive, personalized plan featuring tailored recommendations:

• Nutrition & Supplements: Specific dietary adjustments such as Chinese food therapy to support internal organ balance and targeted supplement guidance.
• Integrative Therapies: Exploration of herbal formulas and other integrative options when appropriate for your pet's specific condition.
• Environment & Comfort: Practical home and environmental modifications to improve your pet’s mobility and daily comfort.
• Monitoring & Collaboration: Tools to track quality of life, identification of clinical "red flags," and a summary of key points to share with your primary care veterinarian.

Ongoing Support

Our relationship doesn’t end with the call. Your consultation includes six months of follow-up email support with Dr. Couch to address questions as they arise. Should new concerns emerge, established patients can schedule recheck appointments at a reduced rate of $120.