The Belly Whisperer Dr. Kelly Peterson PT, DPT

The Belly Whisperer Dr. Kelly Peterson PT, DPT Follow on TikTok & Instagram .belly.whisperer for more information! LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/TheBellyWhisperer

My mission as a pelvic, visceral, and ortho Doctor of Physical Therapist is to help educate patients about their body (especially the intimate parts!) and provide a safe environment to discuss and treat abdominopelvic issues at all ages.

11/30/2025

Do you want to workout but have no time because you take care of your kids 24/7?🙋‍♀️P.144

OR maybe you don’t have kiddos and still have a hard time getting a workout in (sometimes you need to rest too)! It’s time to do some “pelvic floor snacks”!😋⬇️

AND STOP the KEGELS & CRUNCHES…AND START the functional exercise! Kegels are often not needed and can make issues worse! This is one of my fav exercises for lower cross syndrome too!⬇️⬇️⬇️

High impact classes, cardio, and lifting are soooo fun (and I can’t lie I miss being able to workout for 1-2 hours) BUT being a full time mom and trying to also run my business gives me limited time to myself so most days it’s 15 min of exercise😅

If you are someone that has NO time to workout or a busy schedule then don’t worry you aren’t alone! Best MOM HACK I have discovered for this issue is working out with your kiddos and doing EXERCISE SNACKS! (Obviously the more kids you have the harder it gets so be patient w/ your healing journey!)❤️

There are a variety of factors that you just can’t control during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum…(like an emergency c-section)⬇️

So it is important to focus on all the things you can control like EXERCISE! It’s important to prepare mentally, and physically for whatever comes your way. That’s why I recommend patients see or talk with a pelvic floor PT at least once during pregnancy and again pp!

I’m did this during both my pregnancies and still do the SAME exercises NOW to help protect my belly and pelvic floor from injury and issues!⬇️

In video doing➡️ Side Plank on Knees + Clams 8-12 reps x 1-3 sets ea side!🔥

Want to learn how to incorporate functional
exercises into your day?!🙋‍♀️⬇️⬇️⬇️

CHECKOUT The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program & The Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum Online Program for more information, safety, and body mechanics for everyone but especially pregnant and PP mamas! All you need is 5-15 min a day at home!🔥

P.S 25% OFF Cyber Monday SALE ends tomorrow! Use CODE: CYBER25 during checkout!🔥🔥🔥

-The Belly Whisperer

11/29/2025

Does your low belly stick out and back sway no matter what you do (aka lower cross syndrome) causing back/hip pain and/or abdominopelvic issues?!🙋‍♀️⬇️

You want to start engaging your deep core and glutes during exercise, lifting, functional activities, chores, at work, etc.! (BUT don’t suck it in all day long but during an activity!)🤯⬇️

See the difference when I engage (pelvic tilts/back flattens) and relax (rib flare and arch in low back)?!🙋‍♀️⬇️

If this is you, don’t worry you aren’t alone. I struggled with this issue for years until I learned how to correct it after PT school🙌⬇️

Abdominal weakness from an injury, pregnancy/postpartum, and/or lack of strengthening exercises can cause your belly to protrude out from decreased tone but you may also have…⬇️

Lower crossed syndrome is a postural issue due to tight erector spinae and hip flexors and weak abdominals and glutes⬇️

It often affects posture resulting in an arched or swayed back and excessive anterior pelvic tilt causing the stomach and buttocks to stick out.

So even if you haven’t ever been pregnant, you can still appear pregnant due to lower cross syndrome!

In fact, you may be doing all the right core exercises BUT doing them incorrectly because of tightness in the hips (like tight hip flexors) so you will always have a swayed back or belly that sticks out!😖

I have struggled with lower cross syndrome my whole life as an athlete and people have always commented on how “skinny” my arms and legs are but commented on my “weak” core and belly “pooch” (even before kids!) and having c-section & VBAC which made it worse! BUT I now know the exercises to help prevent it because it causes me back, hip, and pelvic floor pain!🤦‍♀️

I finally learned how to STRENGTHEN and STRETCH correctly after getting my doctorate in physical therapy and created The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program to help others heal their issues like lower cross syndrome!🙌⬇️ AND…⬇️

NEW 7 Day “Exercise Snacks” Home Exercise Programs For Lower Cross Syndrome (Excessive Anterior Pelvic Tilt + Lumbar Lordosis or Sway Back Posture)🔥🔥🔥

LINK in BIO and comments to sign up!⬇️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/28/2025

shoulder, core stability, & posture > kegels🤯⬇️

Yes, kegels are overrated (and over prescribe by doctors all the time…🤦‍♀️⬇️)

If you go to your doctor for an issue and they say “just kegel” please go see physical therapist for proper treatment because most people don’t need kegels and they can actually make your issues worse…⬇️

Strengthening the muscles of your shoulder girdle such as the rotator cuff, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, the deltoids, trapezius, and the serratus anterior will indirectly affect your core and pelvic floor!🤯⬇️

Your RTC & entire shoulder girdle effect your posture, for instance, if you have hunched back and rounded shoulders the it will change how you stand, sit, move, etc. and will effect how your core and pelvic floor activate in specific positions such as in a side plank like I’m doing in this clip! You need both to be strong shoulder & core/pelvic floor because they effect each other!⬇️

That’s why your PT needs to treat your entire body because your pelvic floor issues can be caused by your jaw or neck position or foot position etc.🤯

I’m engaging my deep core and pelvic floor while doing this Copenhagen adduction exercise (this is advanced but you can modify it in so many ways!)⬇️⬇️⬇️

AND it’s way more functional than KEGELS!🙌

Try holding side plank with leg lift 3-5 sec for 8-12 reps x 1-3 sets (video sped up!)✅

Learn more exercises like this to do at home in The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program!⬇️

50% OFF TODAY ONLY Black Friday SALE! Use code: FLASHFRIDAY50 until midnight🔥🔥🔥

-The Belly Whisperer

11/28/2025

Have you been diagnosed with a diastasis recti(DR) and told “surgery is the only way to fix it” without really understanding what it is or how to treat it?!🙋‍♀️

Don’t worry! You aren’t alone! You can heal even if it’s been years since the injury or pregnancy! (And if your doctor says “just Kegel” or “there’s nothing you can do but rest” then please see a pelvic floor PT ASAP!🙏⬇️

Avoiding all exercise is not answer!⬇️

I had DR above the belly button PP w/ BOTH my pregnancies (not as bad with my second & VBAC!) but have been healing and protecting it with the right exercises, posture, and breathing from The Belly Whisperer® Method & Pregnancy Prep and Postpartum Recovery Online Program! And you can too!🙌⬇️

DR is the separation of the re**us abdominus muscle along the midline of the abdomen at the linea alba. The linea alba is the midline of the abdomen which is made up of connective tissue that weakens or stretches out resulting in this separation due to inc. intra-abdominal pressure❌

DR is common in pregnant and pp individuals due to a growing belly, increased pressure in the abdomen, and the demands of labor and lifting/taking care of a newborn !⬇️

You will typically see doming” or “coning” which can be seen during pregnancy or after delivery. It’s also common to see an “indentation”⬇️

BUT pregnancy/delivery are not the only cause of a DR! It’s also prevalent in people that do heavy weight lifting activities, have rapid weight gain, abdominal weakness, and/or after abdominopelvic surgery!⬇️

It’s important to breathe properly, activate core correctly, and have good body mechanics with heavy lifting and activities of daily living to prevent DR and manage it so it doesn’t get worse❌

After the line alba separates, soft tissue restrictions or adhesions can form and inhibit the re**us abdominus from coming together again! It’s critical to approximate or bring the linea alba to midline to avoid lumbopelvic dysfunction and pain❌

50% OFF today ONLY for The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program & The Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum Recovery program (DR mini course also available)! ✅

Email me for questions on best programs for you❤️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/27/2025

Do you ever have the urge to p**p but nothing is coming out on during the holidays, on vacation when you travel, or in public bathrooms?! TRY THIS P**P HACK to protect your pelvic floor from hemorrhoids, fissures, prolapse, constipation, bloating, pain, etc.⬇️⬇️⬇️

YES, p**ping should take less than 3-5 min to protect your pelvic floor and prevent issues BUT constipation is common on vacation from lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, diet changes, etc.⬇️

That’s why you should learn how to BREATHE your P**P out! It’s risky for your pelvic floor and health to push and strain and sit longer than 5 min!⬇️

TRY one of my FAV P**P HACKS for adults and kiddos (yes, I have taught some of these to my toddler when we potty trained at 20 months oldand now she can go anytime/anywhere🙌)⬇️

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week or having difficult bowel movements💩

How many times you have a bowel movement in a day and/or during the week will be different for everyone!💩

I go about 1-3 times a day💩

How often do you go? Do you have difficulty or pain? What is the color and consistency of your p**p?💩

These are important questions to think about! Don’t be afraid to discuss with your doctor if you think something is abnormal💩

Are you sitting on the toilet longer than 5-10 minutes for a bowel movement?💩

Pooping should be completed within seconds to a few minutes!💩

Yes, even sitting for 5 minutes is a very long time.

One of the most common mistakes I see with patients is difficulty breathing into the pelvic floor.

You want to try to INHALE your P**P out!

Avoid pushing your p**p out and straining to prevent injury and tearing to your butt hole!❌

You want to limit the amount of “wear and tear” on your b***y hole especially as you get older✅

And if you already suffer from hemorrhoids, a**l fissure, and pelvic floor dysfunction!🙏

Find how to use breathing, stretching, posture correction, and strengthenening to have improved bowel movements with The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program!💩

LINK IN BIO to sign up…AND NEW 30 Day Constipation Daily workouts to help you P**P!

-The Belly Whisperer

11/26/2025

Does you belly stick out not matter what you do (aka lower cross syndrome) to fix it causing belly/pelvic pain or issues?!🙋‍♀️⬇️

Start engaging your deep core and pelvic floor during exercise, lifting, functional activities, chores, at work, etc.! (don’t suck it in all day long but during an activity!)🤯⬇️

See the difference when I engage and relax?!🙋‍♀️⬇️

If this is you, don’t worry you aren’t alone. I struggled with this issue for years until I learned how to correct it after PT school🙌⬇️

Abdominal weakness from an injury, pregnancy/postpartum, and/or lack of strengthening exercises can cause your belly to protrude out from decreased tone but you may also have…⬇️

Lower crossed syndrome is a postural issue due to tight erector spinae and hip flexors and weak abdominals and glutes⬇️

It often affects posture resulting in an arched or swayed back and excessive anterior pelvic tilt causing the stomach and buttocks to stick out.

So even if you haven’t ever been pregnant, you can still appear pregnant due to lower cross syndrome!

In fact, you may be doing all the right core exercises BUT doing them incorrectly because of tightness in the hips (like tight hip flexors) so you will always have a swayed back or belly that sticks out!😖

I have struggled with lower cross syndrome my whole life as an athlete and people have always commented on how “skinny” my arms and legs are but commented on my “weak” core and belly “pooch” (even before kids!) and having c-section & VBAC which made it worse! BUT I now know the exercises to help prevent it because it causes me back, hip, and pelvic floor pain!🤦‍♀️

I finally learned how to STRENGTHEN and STRETCH correctly after getting my doctorate in physical therapy!🙌

NEW 7 Day “Exercise Snacks” Home Exercise Programs For Lower Cross Syndrome (Excessive Anterior Pelvic Tilt + Lumbar Lordosis or Sway Back Posture)🔥🔥🔥

LINK in BIO and comments to sign up!⬇️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/25/2025

Do you suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, diastasis, flares ribcage, leaking, and constipation?!🙋‍♀️⬇️

Then you need to focus on your BELLY!

More specifically you need to learn how to activate your CORE correctly!⬇️⬇️⬇️

It’s not always about what CORE exercises you do but more importantly HOW you do them that matters most...🤯

You need PROXIMAL stability for DISTAL mobility when it comes to CORE STABILITY✅

See how my CORE stabilizes the pelvis and lumbar spine while I reach overhead in a diagonal pattern with a theraband?!⬇️⬇️⬇️

Meaning your CORE muscles should activate in a proximal to distal patterning so if you are trying to perform a Transverse Abdominis Hold (TA hold) as shown in video and your chest drops or neck extends/flexs then you are NOT properly performing the exercise and most likely don’t turn on your CORE quickly or efficiently while bending forward, lifting your kids, reaching overhead, or rolling on your side in bed🤯

What causes the muscles to activate proximal to distal?🤔

PNF! Proprioceptive Neurmuscular Facilitation (PNF) according to Kabat and Knott, “in an efficient state the trunk provides appropriate proximal stability or controlled mobility to support optimal task or postural performance.”✅

It’s important to utilize PNF techniques and exercises to help facilitate CORE activation! Find a PHYSICAL THERAPIST near you to evaluate your CORE!

Remember, having a strong core is not about doing a 150 sit ups (that hurts my neck and back thinking about it!) It’s about activating the right CORE muscles at the right time specifically the TA!✅

The MAIN CORE MUSCLES include pelvic floor muscles, transverses abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, re**us abdominis, erector spinae and diaphragm!

The important take away is to make sure you perform CORE exercises safely and correctly! I see these mistakes all the time in the clinic! That’s why I created The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program!✅✅✅

You need to have proper core activation, breathing, and strength/flexibility for p**ping, peeing, and functional activities!

LINK in BIO to SIGN UP today!🔥

-The Belly Whisperer

11/25/2025

“When should I start doing scar desensitization, self-soft tissue mobilizations, and pelvic floor physical therapy exercises after my C-section?”🤔⬇️

The short answer…IT DEPENDS!

When did I start? The same day I had surgery. Yes, I started implementing education to protect my surgery site such as splinting, log roll technique, breathing, bracing, standing at edge of bed, sitting at edge of bed, walking to the bathroom, etc.✅

When did I start desensitization techniques? Day 3 of recovery! I started touching around the surgical site to help with burning pain, numb ness, and hypersensitivity🙌

You can use a Q-tip, a make up brush, cotton ball, and/or your hand over the scar once it’s fully closed (can be 8-12 wks post op or > 3 months depending on healing)✅

I talk a lot about this in The Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum Recovery Online Program for C-Section recovery and management✅

I’m almost 3 years post emergency c-section (& 12 months post VBAC!) and no longer need to use desensitization techniques to help with pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity (I just have stiffness and adhesions that I work on about once very few months for 5-10 min!)✅

I’m using diaphragmatic breathing and self-soft tissue mobilizations aka my belly stiffness (due to diastasis) and c-section scar!)🔥

You can desensitize the area everyday for a few minutes BUT it should always feel better after! More pain means the stimulus was too much (I waited 2 years to use upping on my scar because it can darken scars if used directly on top too soon!)🤯⬇️

Healing your scar with desensitization and self soft tissue mobilizations should be as pain free as possible! (Yes, physical therapists help relieve pain NOT make it more painfu!✅

Learn what I did for the first 3 months post emergency c-section to help with my postpartum recovery and c-section recovery in my Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum Recovery Online Program (I’m fortunate to have no more numbness, pain, or sensitivity but it took me 5 months!) It may take you up to 2 years‼️

I also have a mini course for c-section healing and self-massage! LINK in BIO

Email me to find out which program is best for you!

-The Belly Whisperer

11/24/2025

When should I start pelvic floor physical therapy exercises before, during, or after pregnancy?!🤔

Answer: ASAP…BUT it’s never too late! (Yes, I did diaphragmatic breathing the day I gave birth to my 2nd to help me heal and P**P!🙌⬇️

Once you are postpartum, you are always postpartum (yes I’ll be doing these exercises forever to stay healthy and functional)❤️

Is it safe to exercise during and after pregnancy?!🤔

Short answer:⬇️

It depends!🤷‍♀️ BUT for majority of MAMAS, the answer is….YES!!!✅

For example, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the best exercises to do befores, during, and after pregnancy(I do it daily!)⬇️🔥

TRY this exercise: TA Hold + Heelslide to help with recovery! You can hold 3-5 sec x 8-12 reps 1-3 sets🔥

Everyone’s body and pregnancy/pp journey is different so don’t compare yourself to others✅

If you are nervous about what type of exercise is safe or good for you during pregnancy & pp then see a pelvic floor physical therapist and talk with your OB/GYN✅

There are a lot of fear based behaviors and fear avoidance when it comes to exercise during pregnancy and pp recovery but evidence based research suggests that regular physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and postpartum is associated with many health benefits for the baby and mother⬇️

✅maternal psychosocial well being
✅cardiovascular fitness
✅maintaining body mass
✅decreased risk of gestational hypertension
✅preeclampsia
✅gestational diabetes
✅decreased risk of C-section delivery, perineal tears, and instrumental delivery
✅increased pelvic floor muscle strength ✅decreased urinary incontinence
✅ reduced recovery time

That’s why I created this new Pregnancy & Postpartum (AND Postpartum ONLY!) Online Programs to help guide you along your pregnancy journey and pp recovery! I know first hand how scary and overwhelming pregnancy can be (especially if its your first pregnancy like me!). Everything in the program is what I use everyday in the clinic and online to help teach and prepare moms and moms-to-be for common issues that occur during pregnancy and pp⬇️

I was 1 weeks post VBAC here trying to prevent and heal common belly/pelvic floor issues!❤️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/23/2025

Do you know how to use diaphragmatic breathing (aka 360 breathing) to BREATHE into your hole(s) to help your p**p slide out and avoid pushing/straining to prevent and manage belly + pelvic floor issues like urgency, leaking, hemorrhoids, fissures, and constipation (escpsiclly post HYSTERECTOMY or surgery?!🤯⬇️

Not to mention helping with painful intimacy and pain with tampons/cups and retention of leaking due to prostatitis or prostate surgery!

Try breathing into your hand (or use pillow) on a stability ball or chair to help cue you to inhale downward into pelvis and holes!⬇️⬇️⬇️

Try laying on a pillow or putting it on your belly during child pose while breathing!⬇️⬇️

Learn more in The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program & NEW 30 Day Constipation Workouts to do on your own at home!🔥

P.S 40% OFF Early Black Friday ends TONIGHT! Use code: FRIDAY40 until 11:59 PM PST!🔥🔥

Are you sitting on the toilet longer than 5-10 minutes for a bowel movement?💩

Pooping should be completed within seconds to a few minutes!💩

Yes, even sitting for 5 minutes is a very long time.

One of the most common mistakes I see with patients is difficulty breathing into the pelvic floor.

You want to try to INHALE your P**P out!

Avoid pushing your p**p out and straining to prevent injury and tearing to your butt hole!❌

You want to limit the amount of “wear and tear” on your butt hole especially as you get older✅

And if you already suffer from hemorrhoids, a**l fissure, and pelvic floor dysfunction!🙏

If you suffer from acute or chronic constipation then you really want to make sure you avoid pushing and straining during bowel movements!✅

Find how to use breathing to have easier and more frequentl bowel movements throughout the day/week with The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program & NEW 30 Day Constipation Home Exercise Program with simple at home exercises to do daily to help you💩

Email me to find out which program is best for you!❤️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/22/2025

What are the best belly and pelvic floor exercises to keep you healthy and prevent injuries (especially after a baby like me!)…NOT KEGELS?!🤷‍♀️⬇️

Answer: Functional exercise like diaphragmatic breathing (I like modified quadruped to target more deep core stability too!)

I like to do these off my kitchen table, bath tub, and counter top at home too since I workout in my living room 90% off the time now!🔥

One of the best ways to support the pelvic floor, spine, and core is diaphragmatic breathing to help stabilize deep core and pelvic floor for functional aciticites like➡️p**ping, peeing, walking, jumping, squatting, running, coughing, s*x, etc.✅✅✅

It’s WAY BETTER than KEGELS! And it’s how to treat common issues like diastasis, prolapse, hernia, constipation, etc🔥🔥

I hear too many moms and doctors say, “Don’t do this or that because you have prolapse or diastasis” AND “just KEGEL and you’ll get better with time” without actually referring them to PELVIC FLOOR PT for treatment❌

The truth is that anyone, at anytime can get injured during ANY exercise so I get why you are scared to workout when you receive a scary diagnosis with no sense of direction!⬇️

That’s why I created The Belly Whisperer Method and my Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum recovery online programs so MAMAS could start healing from home and recovery safely especially for those that don’t have access to pelvic floor PT near them✅

Just because you have a diagnosis, doesn’t mean you will always be injured or having symptoms!❌

You can HEAL and overcome issues and even eliminate a diagnosis (I see this all the time!)✅

And trust me, not matter what age you are, WE ALL NEED exercises like step downs🙌

LINK in BIO to SIGN UP to my online programs to learn more!

40% OFF Early BLACK FRIDAY SALE ends tomorrow! Use code: FRIDAY40 during checkout now!🔥🔥🔥

Email me for questions on what program is right for you!❤️

-The Belly Whisperer

11/21/2025

Do you want to workout but have no time because you take care of your kids 24/7?🙋‍♀️P.143

OR maybe you don’t have kiddos and still have a hard time getting a workout in (sometimes you need to rest too)! It’s time to do some “pelvic floor snacks”!😋⬇️

AND STOP the KEGELS & CRUNCHES…AND START the functional exercise! Kegels are often not needed and can make issues worse! This is one of my fav exercises for lower cross syndrome too!⬇️⬇️⬇️

High impact classes, cardio, and lifting are soooo fun (and I can’t lie I miss being able to workout for 1-2 hours) BUT being a full time mom and trying to also run my business gives me limited time to myself so most days it’s 15 min of exercise😅

If you are someone that has NO time to workout or a busy schedule then don’t worry you aren’t alone! Best MOM HACK I have discovered for this issue is working out with your kiddos and doing EXERCISE SNACKS! (Obviously the more kids you have the harder it gets so be patient w/ your healing journey!)❤️

There are a variety of factors that you just can’t control during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum…(like an emergency c-section)⬇️

So it is important to focus on all the things you can control like EXERCISE! It’s important to prepare mentally, and physically for whatever comes your way. That’s why I recommend patients see or talk with a pelvic floor PT at least once during pregnancy and again pp!

I’m did this during both my pregnancies and still do the SAME exercises NOW to help protect my belly and pelvic floor from injury and issues!⬇️

In video doing➡️ Plank on Hands + TA Hold with Alternating Hip Extension 8-12 reps x 1-3 sets!🔥

Want to learn how to incorporate functional
exercises into your day?!🙋‍♀️⬇️⬇️⬇️

CHECKOUT The Belly Whisperer® Method Online Program & The Pregnancy Prep & Postpartum Online Program for more information, safety, and body mechanics for everyone but especially pregnant and PP mamas! All you need is 5-15 min a day at home!🔥

P.S 40% OFF FLASH BLACK FRIDAY SALE ends this weekend!

-The Belly Whisperer

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