Today I interview Dr. Kelly Peterson on the role pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and diaphragm play in digestion and digestive comfort - an often under recognized contributor to digestive symptoms!

Dr. Kelly Peterson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and specializes in visceral and pelvic Physical Therapy. She currently practices at an outpatient clinic in Huntington Beach, California. She created her own online business providing Telehealth and in-person treatments for pelvic and visceral physical therapy as the "Belly Whisperer". She also works part-time as a home health physical therapist through out Orange County, California.

Her mission as a visceral and pelvic 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. Her goal is to provide an outlet for patients to seek medical treatment and advise on issues that often go undiagnosed or may not be effectively treated with current, widely practiced management strategies.

She followed in my mother's footsteps as a physical therapist and strive every day to serve those not only in need of skilled medical treatment, but more importantly compassion and understanding.

Dr. Peterson and I discuss:

What manual therapy is
How normal movement of the viscera contributes to digestive wellness
The different systems that influence digestion including the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor
The vagus nerve and its influence on digestion
What is diaphragmatic breathing
How diaphragmatic breathing influences nervous system function, and proper muscle tone influencing digestion
How normal versus maximal inhalation influences movement of the organs
How to get back to basics to have a good foundation to strengthen your core

Want to learn more about physical therapy for digestive issues? Follow Kelly on Instagram @BellyWhisperer

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