Folks We Love with Allison Oswald, physical therapist and pilates instructor
Tell us a little bit about your journey and how you’ve come to arrive here.
I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness and after an internship with a physical therapist in college, I decided to get my doctorate in physical therapy. During that time I was exposed to the specialty to Women’s Health and had an immediate connection. From there I went on to take numerous Women’s Health courses and continue to do so today.
Especially during my pregnancy with my first son, I grew a deeper connection and understanding of a woman’s body. This experience has greatly impacted my work and focus as a physical therapist and has allowed me to more greatly relate to clients.
Who’s in your family? Ages? Names?
Husband, Pete 36 / Two boys, Vincent 5 and William 4
How did you choose your kids names?
Vincent is a family name, my grandmother’s brother’s name.
And William we just liked!
Location?
Santa Monica, CA
Occupation?
Women’s Health Physical Therapist
What’s on your manifest board?
Currently: writing a book/or publication, a house, to travel internationally with the family, and possibly another little one!
Tell us some of your most loved ways to spend the day with your clan?
We enjoy hiking, a day at the beach, going to a museum, or just neighborhood walks!
What are some silly/fun things that the kids do or say?
The boys are currently in this stage where they love to dress in their “handsome clothes” – usually adding a sports coat, bow tie or loafers to dinner at the family table.
When you were a teenager what did you dream of? Do things look different?
When I was a teenager I really dreamt of having a family and a profession and trying to figure out the balance between the two. I would say that to this day, I’ve found that everyday is different and not everyday is perfect in finding balance – but being able to have both a family and profession now is something that I am truly grateful for.
What are some things you really believe in?
I believe in loyalty, authenticity, and clear and constant communication with others whether that be your husband, mother, kids, co-workers or girlfriends. Often times, we have so many assumptions with one another that we can get lost in that constant shuffle which can lead to frustration, so being able to clearly communicate and that an almond milk cappuccino can make any day better 🙂
Where do your passions lie?
My passion lies in wanting to help people feel empowered, strong and capable of taking care of themselves. I believe we deserve to feel our best and should have the knowledge and resources to do so.
Has your relationship with your other half changed since having kids?
Absolutely. Having children has expanded my heart/love to depths I didn’t know I was capable of. That deepening of love is not just towards my children but also towards my husband. Seeing/experiencing him as a father makes me love him more each day.
What are some of your favorite life lessons you’ve grown to love? (even if learning them at the time was hard)
Don’t take anything personally is one of my favorite life lessons I’ve grown to love especially as an entrepreneur. Another life lesson I’ve grown to love is understanding patience and timing of everything in life. As someone who likes to plan, it can be challenging for me to go with the flow.
What do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were a teenager?
Embrace each moment. So cliche but so true. Enjoy the time you have spending it with your family, friends and just be happy.
What do you find most challenging about being somebody’s parent?
The sense of responsibility of raising good humans. I want to be able to expose them to culture, art, academics, travel and community so they can become their best selves.
What do you want your kids to learn about the world?
I want them to learn compassion. To care and empathize for others is the most valuable lesson in life.
What are 4 things you can’t live without as a parent?
iCal, baby wipes, caffeine and sleep.
Allison Oswald (DPT, WCS, CPT) Physical Therapy, Board Certified Women’s Clinical Specialist, Certified Pilates Instructor, and mother. Allison’s work relies heavily on strengthening and healing the pelvis. The maintenance of core strength and mobility impacts mind and body, including anorgasmia, loss of bladder control, prenatal and postpartum preparation, and elements of emotional stability which all needs to be looked at holistically. She has owned and operated her own private clinic, Plumb Line: Pilates and Physical Therapy Studio in Santa Monica, CA.