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Office Hours with Dr. Allison Oswald, Pelvic Floor PT
November 15, 2025
How did you first become passionate about pelvic health?
My passion for pelvic health started right out of PT school. Once I began working with women, it became even more evident how deeply needed this work was. Over the years, as I’ve moved through different seasons of my own life, my passion has only grown stronger. Pelvic health has personally supported me through my pregnancies, my losses, my postpartum healing, and now the transitions of perimenopause. It continues to remind me how interconnected our physical, emotional, and hormonal health truly are and how empowering it is when women understand and trust their own bodies.
What is the pelvic floor? What’s one thing women might not know about it?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, fascia, and connective tissues that form the base of your pelvis. It’s truly the foundation of your core—supporting your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, and playing a role in everything from posture to sexual function to breathing. One thing many women don’t realize is that the pelvic floor isn’t just about strength. It’s also about coordination and release. A healthy pelvic floor can both contract and relax, and learning to do both is key to feeling balanced.
“A big misconception about pelvic health is that it’s only for women who have had babies, or who have symptoms like leaking or prolapse. The truth is, everyone benefits from understanding their pelvic floor. It’s part of how we move, stabilize, and connect to our center. Another common misconception is that “tight” equals “strong.” In reality, many people have overactive pelvic floors that actually need softening before they can build true strength." –Dr. Oswald
Does nervous system regulation factor into your work?
Absolutely. The pelvic floor and the nervous system are deeply connected. When we’re in a state of stress or tension, the pelvic floor often mirrors that by holding on. Through breathwork, gentle movement, and mindful awareness, we can begin to shift the body out of “fight or flight” and into a place where healing can happen. It’s one of the most profound connections I see in my work.
For women in perimenopause and menopause—what pelvic floor-related changes do you commonly see, and what can they do to support their pelvic health?
As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, the tissues throughout the pelvis can become less elastic and hydrated, which may lead to dryness, discomfort, or a sense of weakness or heaviness. I also see more urinary urgency or leaking and changes in sexual function. The most important thing is not to ignore symptoms of any kind. Staying connected to your body is what allows you to notice subtle shifts early on and address them with care. Taking the time for mindful movement focused on the pelvic floor, nervous system regulation, and moments of self-connection supports not only your pelvic floor but your overall well-being. I also encourage women to speak openly with their providers about the options of menopause hormone therapy (MHT), local estrogen options, and nourishing topical products to help keep tissues healthy and comfortable.
A TIP FROM DR. OSWALD
“I often use Dew Body Oil for abdominal massage—a simple but powerful pelvic wellness practice that encourages blood flow, relaxation, and connection to your center. Those moments of mindful touch can feel incredibly grounding and support your overall pelvic wellness.”
What’s the most unconventional wellness practice you’ve tried? Would you recommend it?
The most unconventional wellness practice I’ve tried was using a jade egg. I don’t believe these are what the pelvic floor truly needs, but there was a time when many of my clients were curious after a wave of media buzz, so I wanted to understand the experience for myself even though I already had an opinion about them. What I appreciate is that it brings attention to an area of the body that’s so often overlooked, our pelvic floor, and encourages women to connect more deeply with it and learn about it. That said, holding a jade egg internally isn’t a cure for pelvic floor dysfunction, and mindful movement and education remain far more supportive ways to build real strength and connection.
How can readers get started with their pelvic health journey?
Start small. Simply becoming aware of your breath and how your pelvis moves with it is powerful. From there, gentle movement, intentional relaxation, and learning how to both engage and release your pelvic floor can make a world of difference. On my website, I offer guides and digital programs that help women reconnect with their bodies. Whether they’re preparing for pregnancy, healing postpartum, or navigating perimenopause. The most important thing to remember is: Your body is wise, adaptable, and capable of healing at any stage.
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