Course Description

The clinician learned to understand and apply manual therapy (MT) as a multifactorial approach to addressing voice and swallowing issues. Using a biopsychosocial approach to evaluation and intervention, the clinician utilized the evidence to support this MT model and, through hands-on experiences, learned immediately applicable clinical skills in the context of the diagnoses facing the SLP. This course content also fits within the frameworks of massage, as well as occupational and physical therapy, for those interested in this region. Areas of interest include voice, swallowing, oral-motor disorders, tongue dysfunction, jaw opening and function, breathing, pain, and performance limitations.

Manual therapy, myofascial release, vocal massage, laryngeal manipulation, and other forms of manual care are often stated to eliminate or improve a tissue, postural, or biomechanical-based problem. Patients and clinicians frequently share these perspectives, reinforced by education models and 30-second sound bites on social media. However, every person’s case is complex. When high muscle tension is used to explain laryngeal problems, what drives that tension? A nearly unlimited number of contributing factors set the issue in place, and an equally complex tapestry of elements contributes to successfully remedying the problem. These courses take you down this rabbit hole of complexity, allowing you to see the myriad possibilities for impact and creating comfort in not knowing. Though this last statement may seem contradictory, knowing more often means admitting uncertainty. Filling the void left by not knowing is the therapeutic alliance and understanding how successfully applying its principles can drive intervention success. From this perspective, you have a baseline understanding of how I present this work.

This class centers around two central themes. The first is obvious: teaching the SLP and others the use of manual, touch-based therapy to remediate voice, swallowing, oral motor, tongue-related, breathing, and similar problems. Second, a concept of equal importance is the introduction of a patient-centered model of care, solidly grounded in shared decision-making (SDM). The core concepts of SDM, now common in our shared literature, can be inserted into any intervention, not just manual therapy.

This course is not jam-packed with techniques. Instead, we move through multiple lab engagements framed from the SDM perspective. Adequate time is spent in all covered areas to ensure each clinician feels comfortable applying the intervention. You will be challenged to learn this work, as, unlike most training, we will acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding many aspects of it. Prepare for that challenge!

For a deeper look at the perspectives taught in this class, please refer to the following article:

Fritz W. (2024). The mechanism of action for laryngeal manual therapies: the need for an update. Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery, 32(3), 151–155. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOO.0000000000000966

Learning Objectives for the 2-hour Pre-Seminar Online Module

After successful completion of this online module, the therapist will:

• Compare and contrast the traditional “tissue-based” explanatory model of change with neurologically based models for manual therapy.

• Describe the strengths and limitations of a postural/biomechanical evaluation and treatment-based approach.

• Be able to describe the variations in explanations for manual therapy effects.

Learning Objectives for the 14-hour In-Person Workshop

After successful completion of this online module, the therapist will:

• Demonstrate the ability to apply an effective patient-directed method of manual therapy evaluation.

• Describe and demonstrate the various treatment options in a manual therapy session, including cross-handed, single-handed, compression, gathering/lifting, and traction.

• Describe options and apply effective treatment for the remediation of various voice/swallowing and related disorders.

• Apply manual therapy techniques as preparatory interventions to support client participation in meaningful occupations such as eating, drinking, verbal communication, social interaction, and role performance

Successful completion of the course and associated award of ASHA CEUs are contingent upon:

• Completion of the 2.0-hour online pre-seminar module.

• A passing score on the written, multiple-choice examination, given at the end of the online, pre-seminar module and the live, in-person seminar. A grade of 80% or higher is required to pass.

• Accurate demonstration of the treatment techniques as observed by the course instructor during the hands-on portions of the live class.

• Complete and submit all post-seminar required forms.

As all aspects of this course’s introductory material and hands-on components form the foundations of the approach, no partial ASHA CEUs will be awarded. Full participation in all 14.5 contact hours is required. If you need to leave the seminar early, fail to meet the 80% grade on either quiz, or fail to meet the expectations in the hands-on performance aspects, you agree to forfeit the ASHA CEUs and not receive a certificate of completion.

An online module containing the background information to support this work must be completed before the live seminar. The module will take approximately 2.0 hours to complete. If the module is not completed, you will not be permitted to participate in the live portion of the seminar. The link to this online module will be emailed to you before the live event. This online module aims to enable hands-on training at the live event to begin as soon as possible.

Three weeks before the class, you will receive an email with the link to the online course, syllabus download instructions, directions, and other details. If you do not receive the email, please get in touch with us.

Timed Agendas

Required pre-seminar online module

1:00 hours: Introduction to the science and evidence to support this approach

1:00 hours: Interviewing and evaluation methods/quiz

2.0 instructional hours

In-person seminar

Day 1

8:30 – 9:00 Registration

9:00 – 10:00 (1.00) Introduction and review of live online content

Establishing the scientific basis for an approach to manual therapy that includes shared decision-making and multifactorial explanatory narratives.

10:00 – 11:15 (1.25) Hands-on introduction and oral region lab

Beginning to combine hands-on techniques with patient dialogue to establish shared decision-making. Content is useful with post-radiation-induced fibrosis and trismus, oral motor delays and injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, articulatory concerns, and feeding issues. Manual therapy concepts are blended with manually resisted exercise.

11:15 – 11:30 Break

11:30 – 12:45 (1.25) Internal jaw region lab

Using gentle pressures, co-determined by the therapist and patient, inner mandibular techniques and exercise are used to improve mouth opening, reduce pain and crepitus, improve feeding/chewing, and assist the vocal athlete with performance issues.

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch

1:45 – 3:15 (1.50) Tongue and submental region lab (1)

In this lab, we explore anatomical and physiological considerations of articulation, tongue posture, improving swallowing via gains in fine motor lingual control, airway concerns, and secondary considerations of the jaw and oral region.

3:15 – 3:30 Break

3:30 – 5:30 (2.0) Tongue and submental region lab (2)

This lab is an extension of the previous, with a stronger emphasis on manually resisted tongue actions and awareness.

Day 2

9:00 – 10:45 (1.75) Laryngeal region lab

In this lab, we will explore historical norms in laryngeal manipulation and modify those sequences to incorporate patient input and shared decision-making. Additional technique sequences are taught, all with the target populations, including dysphonia, dysphagia, globus, chronic cough, GERD, airway concerns, and related issues.

10:45 – 11:00 Break

11:00 – 12:30 (1.50) Retrolaryngeal region lab

In this exact and challenging lab, learners will study the anatomy of this region, along with key concerns given the proximity of the carotid arteries and vagus nerves. The techniques and exercises throughout this region are effective methods for local pain, globus, voice disorders (including pitch limitations), dysphagia, and airway concerns.

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 3:30 (2.00) Lower laryngeal and upper sternal region labs

Using simple manual resistance, awareness, and strength-building exercises are taught, combined with slow, sustained manual therapy stretching. Emphasis is on improving ease and safety of swallowing, gaining control over voice pitch and volume, and addressing local pain.

3:30-3:45 Break

3:45-5:30 (1.75) Diaphragm region lab

This final lab sequence is a wide-ranging exploration of techniques and exercises for the cervical, thoracic, and diaphragm regions.

Timing and sequencing may vary.

14.0 In-Person Instructional hours.

Total 16.0 Instructional hours

This course is offered for 1.60 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area)

This course is also approved for 15.0 total CE Hours by NCBTMB/NYS Massage Therapists (2.0 CEUs for the Online Module and 13.0 CEUs for the live seminar) and by many state PT and OT Boards. NOTE: If you request PT or OT CEUs, you must do so early to avoid them not being approved.

Walt Fritz and teaching assistants provide instruction and supervision throughout this course. The ratio of learners to instructors is limited to 14:1 to ensure an optimal learning environment.

Disclosures

Walt Fritz has the following relevant financial relationship to disclose: he receives royalties from similar course content delivered through PatCom, Compton Publishing, LTD., and TalkTools. He has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose. There are no content disclosures; financial/in-kind disclosures may exist and will be stated for each live seminar.

Please refer to the list linked here for complete disclosure of the teaching assistants who may be involved in individual seminars.

Registration Fees, Details, and Cancellation Policy

Registration Fee (includes access to the required prerequisite 2-hour online course, a PDF of the course Hands-On Manual, and post-seminar Facebook group membership. Housed in that Facebook group are videos of labs from the past 3+ years of in-person classes, dozens of full-text research papers about this work, and a support mechanism through interaction with peers.)

$600 up to three weeks before the class.

$650 during the final three weeks before each class.

$300 for retakes of this class. Email for retake rate.

Enrollment at all seminars is limited. The registration fee includes the mandatory 2-hour pre-seminar online module, the in-person, live hands-on seminar, and the PDF of the course syllabus (distributed by email approximately 3 weeks before the class date). No meals, lodging, transportation, or parking are included in the registration fee. For syllabus usage at the live, in-person seminar, you can download the syllabus to an electronic reader, laptop, iPad, etc., or print it out for use at the workshop. You will not be provided a hard copy unless you notify us beforehand.

Registration payment can be made in several ways: through the payment link on the individual class location page listed below, by submitting a check or credit card payment via the registration form available here, or by phone using a credit card (585-244-6180). An email confirmation will be sent to you after we receive payment at our office. The attached registration form must be completed in its entirety, or you will forfeit your seat in the class.

You may cancel your registration up to 14 days before the seminar, subject to a $50 processing fee. If you need to cancel less than 14 days before the seminar, you may transfer your registration to another workshop. Otherwise, you will forfeit the full registration fee. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt of your refund request and issued to the original payment method. Regardless of timing, all refunds for credit card payments will also be reduced by the actual Merchant Fees charged to merchants. The credit card processing company does not refund this fee to the merchant, and it typically amounts to 3% of the purchase price. The actual transaction form, which shows your purchase and the merchant's fees, will be sent to you before the refund is processed, so you can view the fee above.

We reserve the right to cancel any seminar based upon minimum class enrollment requirements or another emergency, in which case the tuition fee will be returned in full within 30 days of the canceled event. Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars is not responsible for any guaranteed/prepaid airline/hotel reservations. Before booking your travel, you are advised to email or call to confirm the class.

Any grievances or concerns regarding Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars should be made to:

Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars

PO Box 548

Lima, NY 14485

585-244-6180

(fax: 1-866-413-9019)

Payment plans are available. Please contact us for more information.

Discounts

Only ONE discount (Retake/group/student discounts) may be applied. Discounts apply only to most USA-based classes. For workshops outside the USA, discounts and pricing are left to the discretion of the sponsoring organization.

To receive the discount, please email us to request it or use the codes listed below. If applying for a group discount, you must email each person’s name and email address. Non-work email addresses are preferred due to the security firewalls of most institutional emails.

Group and Student Discounts

Group Discount: 2-3 therapists registering together will receive 10% off the prevailing rate per therapist. Use the discount code 10group at checkout.

Four or more therapists registering together will receive 15% off the prevailing rate per therapist. Use the discount code 15group at checkout.

Student Discount

$75 off the prevailing rate per therapist. This applies to student SLPs, PTs, OTs, and MTs. You MUST provide the school and degree program when requesting this discount. Contact us to access this discount.

Registration may be made using the payment links at the bottom of this page. If you wish to pay by phone, leave a message or text at 585-244-6180. Also, an invoice can be emailed directly to you for payment. After payment is received at our office, an email confirmation will be sent to you. After payment, please email us your name, cell number, and class location/dates you are attending. The registration form, found at this link, must be completed entirely, or you will forfeit your seat in the class.

Additional Information

Enrollment at all seminars is limited. The registration fee includes the mandatory 2-hour pre-seminar online module, the in-person, live, hands-on seminar, and the PDF of the course syllabus (distributed by email approximately 2-3 weeks before the class date). No meals, lodging, transportation, or parking are included in the registration fee. For syllabus usage at the live, in-person seminar, you can download the syllabus to an electronic reader, laptop, iPad, etc., or print it out for use in the workshop. You will not be provided a hard copy during class unless you notify us beforehand.

Registration payment may be made using the payment link from the individual class location page listed below. Should you prefer to pay by phone or invoice, please email through the “Contact” tab at the top of this page or call 585-244-6180. An email confirmation will be sent to you after payment is received at our office. The registration form must be completed, or you will forfeit your seat in the class.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration up to 14 days before the seminar, subject to a $50 processing fee. If you need to cancel less than 14 days before the workshop, you may transfer your registration to another seminar of your choice. Otherwise, you will forfeit the full registration fee. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of the refund request and returned to the payment method used for your initial payment. No matter the timing, all refunds for credit card payments will also be reduced by the actual Merchant Fees charged to merchants. The credit card processing company does not refund this fee to the merchant, and it is typically 3% of the purchase price. The actual transaction form, which shows your purchase and the merchant's fees, will be sent to you before processing the refund, so you can view the fee above.

We reserve the right to cancel any seminar due to minimum class enrollment requirements or other emergencies, in which case the tuition fee will be fully refunded within 30 days of the canceled event. Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars is not responsible for any guaranteed/prepaid airline/hotel reservations. Before booking your travel, you are advised to email or call to confirm the class.

Any grievances or concerns regarding Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars should be made to:

Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars

PO Box 548

Lima, NY 14485

585-244-6180

Privacy and Security Policy (click here)

Complaints

If you have concerns or complaints, please email us using the “Contact” link in the top menu bar. Please provide the best way to contact you, and we will reply within one week. Our goal is to provide quality continuing education to all, and we will address your concerns and implement a solution to achieve this. Once a complaint is received and rectified to your satisfaction, we will ensure that gaps noted in our programs are addressed, with modifications made to prevent the issue from recurring.

Target Audience

Intended for SLPs/Voice Professionals, Registered Dental Hygienists, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other appropriately licensed health professionals.

This course is offered for 1.60 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level; Professional area.)

While some approvals are already in place, CEUs for PTs/OTs will be approved on an as-needed basis; please inquire early.

Massage Therapy (NCBTMB and NYS MTs, 15.0 CE Hrs.) is approved.

No Prerequisites.

Walt Fritz teaches all Foundations Seminars.

Care to bring a class to your facility or location? Depending on how the class is arranged, you’ll receive free staff seats in return for providing the teaching space. Send us an email.