Meet Trailblazer Allison Oswald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Oswald.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
During my doctorate program in physical therapy, I was exposed to my first women’s health class, and it felt like love at first site. I just knew that women’s health would be my path in this field. As I journeyed through extra courses to learn more and feed my desire to practice within this specialty, I realized that to work with this community in the holistic way I wanted to, I needed to open my own practice. I wanted the environment to model the healing, calming and soothing energy I was bringing to my patients. So, after getting a few years of practice under my belt and becoming Board Certified in Women’s Health, I went out and opened a studio in Santa Monica, CA called Plumb Line Wellness. I have been in practice there for just over eight years and offer women’s health physical therapy and other services in the studio such as Pilates, lymphatic drainage and structural integration.

I work with women across the lifespan, from those planning on getting pregnant, going through fertility, during pregnancy, postpartum, loss and perimenopause. Treatment is guided by exactly what my patient needs, whether it be wellness, pain management, education, labor prep, pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and more. A women’s health PT works with women with a focus on the pelvis, hips and abdominal region. However, treatment is not always just in those areas since our body is all connected and sometimes, for example, issues in the ankle can affect the pelvic floor too!

Over the years and three babies later for me, I continue to learn more, treat differently and experience first hand what some of my patients go through. It has given me such a beautiful perspective and I think improved treatment approach. Ultimately, my goal is to give women the treatment, education, and information they deserve to feel and function their best!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ignorance is sometimes bliss, and since I opened my practice at a relatively young age, I did it with so much passion that I didn’t worry about some of the business aspects. So, I have learned along the way and am always happy to share my challenges and successes. Just like life, a business evolves. So, I have learned to go with the flow. My practice has gradually changed over the years in a very organic way, and as long as those changes have felt true to my values, I have allowed them to happen. Not that it always feels comfortable, because change is usually not comfortable in the moment, but feels good in the end.

My advice for young women wanting to start a business would be to have a clear picture of your brand values and hold on to them tightly!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Plumb Line Wellness Studio – what should we know?
Within my studio, I treat women across the lifespan for women’s health-related needs. These are typically in and around pregnancy, and pelvic health. My approach is holistic, and together we manage their symptoms from a physical, emotional and spiritual manner to achieve the greatest healing.  

I also love and believe in Pilates as a form of therapeutic movement practice, and have therefore incorporated that in my studio as well.  I have worked closely with my instructors to build safe programs for women with pelvic floor dysfunction, duringpreconception, pregnancy and postpartum.  A majority of our Pilates is private and very therapeutic.  However we do offer a few small classes a couple times a week.  We also provide workshops and events to connect with the community and reach a larger group of women.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Working in the field of Women’s Health is such a privilege and honor. And we are truly led by female leadership. We are a group of women supporting women, and I couldn’t be more proud of that. I have also been fortunate enough to have found a community of fellow care providers, healers, teachers, and more that all genuinely want one another to succeed. This is beyond important and I have found that by supporting others, you and your work will only succeed more.

Contact Info:

• Address: Plumb Line Wellness Studio
  1913 Wilshire Blvd.
  Santa Monica, CA 90403
• Website: www.AllisonOswald.com
• Phone: 310.453.2369
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @AllisonOswald
• Facebook: Allison Oswald
• Other: www.PlumbLineWellness.com

Image Credit:
Emma Feil Photography

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