A FEES view of manual therapy
For most, getting the opportunity to visualize how manual therapy impacts internal structures is a rare event. I’m fortunate to have owners of FEES devices bring them to select Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders classes, allowing us to view those images. The methods taught in the workshops differ from traditional laryngeal manipulation, with the manual therapy input done in a slower, sustained fashion. Based on specific studies and conceptual approaches, such a method allows the patient time to assess meaning and relevance. Shared decision-making is used through this approach and elevates the patient’s perspectives to levels equal to the clinician. In the case of the various techniques in the video, we had a few opportunities to connect our patient to her past/present conditions, allowing her to decide what manual therapy maneuvers might be helpful.
Thanks to PatCom Medical for providing the equipment and venue and Shelby Earwig, MA, CCC-SLP, for being my volunteer and FEES operator. For information on the approach taught through the Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders courses, refer to www.WaltFritz.com. In-person, online, and short-format classes are available.
Nice and good 👍