Research interests: Manual therapy in speech-language pathology, voice intervention, laryngeal disorders, breathing disorders, oral motor dysfunction, and related communities.
Accepting mentees: Yes (3)
Biography
Walt Fritz, PT, has worked as an educator in the manual therapy field since the mid-1990s and expanded into voice, swallowing, oral motor, and airway issues in 2013. He is considered a content expert and teaches his Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders internationally. Though manual therapy is historically described as a passive modality that remediates local tissue-based problems, Walt has evolved the manual therapy model into an active one incorporating strong movement-based components. His workshops challenge learners to look beyond what they were taught and know the potential of multifactorial impacts and drivers throughout the therapeutic process. Walt's approach leans strongly on shared decision-making instead of one-sided clinician perspectives, with the principles embodied in his approach applicable across the spectrum of therapeutic models. In addition to teaching, Walt maintains a physical therapy practice in Upstate New York, USA.
Qualifications
BS in Physical Therapy State University at Buffalo, NY 1985
BA in Community Mental Health, State University at Buffalo, NY 1984
Masters in Voice Pedagogy (Professional Practice) - Voice Study Centre, UK (ongoing)
Publications
"The mechanism of action for laryngeal manual therapies: the need for an update." (2024) Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. Doi:1097/MOO.0000000000000966.
"Manual Therapy in Voice and Swallowing: A Person-Centered Approach," by Compton Publishing Ltd (2023).
Contributing author for The Oxford Handbook of Voice Pedagogy, which will be published by Oxford University Press (2025 release).
Contributing author for The Vocal Athlete, published by Plural Publications (2024).
Upcoming Short Courses
Tuesday 16th December 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Walt Fritz
“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.