Riffs and Mods Most of us learn manual therapy (MFR, massage, trigger point work, etc.) from a specific paradigm, one that defines a protocol or sequence. That sequence is based on the perception of tissue-based problems and tissue-based solutions. MFR was said to be non-protocol-based, but even they define their terms and rules: always wait… Continue Reading
Demonizing Manual Therapy A new article came to my attention today, one written by Chad Cook, PT, Ph.D., titled, The Demonization of Manual Therapy. Chad has been a defender of manual therapy as a valuable adjunct to many interventions and has put up some great podcasts and interviews that I’ve enjoyed over the past two… Continue Reading
Are we the modality? A common denominator The longer I exist in the world of manual therapy, the more I see little difference between styles of work or modalities. Despite claims of unique access to single tissues or pathologies, all manual therapy is performed in remarkably similar ways. What are the underlying qualities of each… Continue Reading
Putting patient preferences and values back in EBP Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been the accepted norm in medicine and rehabilitation for nearly 30 years, though exploration began of its concepts in the early 1970s (Zimerman, 2013). EBP consists of three elements: the best available evidence, the clinician’s knowledge, and skills, and the patient’s wants and… Continue Reading
Manual therapy and head neck cancer rehabilitation Does manual therapy (MT) have a legitimate place in the treatment of post-head neck cancer dysfunction? Many in the SLP field that there is not enough evidence to consider MT a legitimate, evidence-based intervention. I thought it time to look at the topic. While not common, evidence exists… Continue Reading
State and National Continuing Education Approvals NCBTMB provider #451098-09, expires 8/31/2027 (All approvals, including the NY Sponsored approvals, may be downloaded here.) Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders ASHA CEUs: 1.45NCBTMB CEs: includes New York State, 15.0 Alaska: PT CEUs have been applied for in advance of the August 2024 class. OTs may… Continue Reading
Mastery: A Dangerous Concept Recently Scott Dartnall, RMT, and I sat down for a talk on the concept of mastery in manual therapies. Keeping humble not only benefits our reputation but also keeps us from avoiding errors. With a higher call for adherence to evidence-based practice (EBP) models of care, clinicians are often caught between… Continue Reading
Flipping the Script: Shared Decision-Making Hi new patient, I’m the expert. I a physical therapist (no DPT, sorry) with 35 years of experience. Those years include a ton of continuing education and independent research. They include tens of thousands of patient-contact hours. I’ve been an educator in the continuing education field since 1995. With all… Continue Reading
The myth of the micro-managing client We’ve all had clients or patients who seem to want to script or control the session, telling us what to do, how long to do it, and always asking for different levels of pressure—telling us how to do our job. What to do about this person?? How about listening… Continue Reading
Complexity; simplified Causation in manual therapy scenarios is often discussed as tissue (or pathology) specific issues. But causation is complex, and in this podcast, I joined Rani Lill Anjum, Ph.D. in philosophy at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Rani has authored several books, including Rethinking Causality, Complexity, and Evidence for the Unique Patient, which… Continue Reading
Top Massage Therapy Continuing Education Listing I’m honored to be included on Massage & Fitness Magazine’s list of top massage therapy continuing educators. You can read the list at this link. Cheers, Walt Fritz, PT Foundations in Manual Therapy Seminars and The Pain Relief Center www.waltfritz.com Please consider checking out my online course offerings, ,… Continue Reading
January 5, 2021 Sports Therapy Association Podcast, including papers discussed (Link to the entire video interview) Some of the papers and resources spoken about in today’s podcast: A Framework and Resources for Shared Decision Making: Opportunities for Improved Physical Therapy Outcomes (Moore) Full-text link Manual therapy: Exploiting the role of human touch (Geri) Link The… Continue Reading
Walt Fritz, PT’s Podcasts, Videos, and Articles Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in a number of podcasts and interviews that are available for listening. They range from voice/swallowing-specific to more general interviews that speak to various aspects of the manual therapy work that I teach. Strongly represented are principles… Continue Reading
Person-Focused Manual Therapy and the Singer Recently, I had the extreme pleasure to take part in a Facebook Live interview with Rachel Lynes, from The Sing Space. We unpacked a wide range of topics, including does fascia matter, how manual therapy impacts the singer (from tissues right up to the brain), and many more. We… Continue Reading
Downplaying pathology. One of my favorite podcasts is Dr. Oliver Thomson’s Words Matter. Through his podcast, Dr. Thomson addresses a wide range of topics relevant to my practice, both as a physical therapist as well as an educator. While an entire hour spent unpacking concepts surrounding the way a clinician approaches a patient presenting with… Continue Reading
Manual Therapy in Voice/Swallowing Disorders: Hands-On Online Course (1) NOTE: ONLY PURCHASE THIS COURSE IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED AND COMPLETED THE INTRODUCTION TO THE EVIDENCE AND APPROACH COURSE. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING UNENROLLED IN THIS COURSE. The Course With the exception of the Introductory material, this online course mirrors… Continue Reading
