NOTE:
As of May 2019, we will no longer offer the Upper Extremity Lymphedema Therapy Certification option. We believe it is in the best interests of the therapist and their patients to complete the full nine-day training in order to provide expert lymphedema therapy. If you have additional questions, please call our office at 303-245-0333.
Course Description
This valuable 90-hour course is designed for therapists who specialize in treating patients after breast cancer. It is also an option for those who want to becoming fully certified in lymphedema therapy but are unable to commit the time or money to the full-length course. Those who successfully complete this Upper Extremity Lymphedema Certification are welcome to complete the second half of the class at a later time.
In this Certification class, you will learn Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for the upper extremities. CDT is the most effective treatment for patients with lymphedema and includes Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skin care, and patient-appropriate exercises. At the conclusion of the course, you will be certified in Upper Extremity Lymphedema Therapy (CLT-UE) and can immediately start working with patients.
The course begins with a 45-hour Online Home Study Module that can be completed at your own pace anywhere you have access to the internet. The online study is followed by 45 hours of classroom (lab) instruction over 4½ days.
Course Educational Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Instructional Methods: Online home-study followed by hands-on lab, lectures, case studies, and live demonstrations.
AOTA Classifications: Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation, Intervention, and Outcomes
About Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
CDT is the most effective treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Primary lymphedema (congenital) and secondary lymphedema (due to a damaged lymphatic system) respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive and highly-effective therapy. CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of the following four steps:
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD):
MLD is a gentle manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. The techniques of MLD were first introduced in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT, of Denmark. MLD is widely recognized in the United States as an effective treatment for post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (as with sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions involving edema. When used to treat lymphedema, MLD re-routes lymph flow around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation.
Compression Therapy:
Compression therapy improves the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump and increases tissue pressure. Multi-layered compression bandages are applied between MLD treatments to help prevent re-accumulation of evacuated fluid. Once the patient’s limb is sufficiently decongested through repeated treatments, they can be fit with compression garments.
Exercises:
Exercises are performed with compression bandages in place to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and further reduction of the swollen limb over time.
Skin Care:
Skin care and general hygiene are essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Infections are very common complications of lymphedema so meticulous skin and nail care is vital.
Prior to the start of the classroom (lab) portion of the course, you will complete a 45-hr online Home-Study Module that introduces you to lymphedema and the techniques used to treat it. The lessons ensure that every student coming into the classroom has a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. The Module is composed of graphically-dynamic video lectures and demonstrations. Included is a lecture by Dr. Kathleen Francis, one of the few physicians in the U.S. specializing in lymphedema. An accompanying course manual reinforces the video presentations. The Home-Study Module MUST be completed prior to the start of the classroom (lab) portion.
Contact us for a free tour of our online Home Study Module! (info@klosetraining.com)
Topics covered by the Home Study Module include:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
- Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymphedema
(NOTE: These lectures are given by the dynamic Dr. Kathleen Francis, an expert in the treatment of lymphedema.)
- Introduction to MLD
- Introduction to lymphedema bandaging and compression therapy
- Indications and contraindications of MLD and CDT
- Exercises for upper-extremity patients with lymphedema
- Patient evaluation and weekly measuring (circumference and volume)
- Self-MLD for the upper extremities
Instructional Methods: Self-paced online video lectures plus reading material
Testing Methods: Online quizzes (multiple choice)
After completing the 45-hr Home Study Module, you’ll be prepared for the 4 1/2-day (45-hr), in-classroom portion that focuses on the instruction and practice of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging.
Topics include:
- Basic and advanced techniques and sequences of UE MLD (Vodder technique)
- Treatment of primary and secondary UE extremity lymphedema
- Lymphedema bandaging techniques and compression therapy for UE
- 3M Coban2 bandaging for the upper extremities and trunk
- Skin and nail care for patients with UE lymphedema
- Measuring and fitting techniques for UE lymphedema support garments
- At-home maintenance and self-treatment for UE lymphedema
Instructional Methods: Lectures, case studies, live demonstration, hands-on lab
Testing Methods: Final exam, case study presentation, evaluation of manual techniques
Each participant will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy for the upper extremity (UE). Upon completion of the class, the therapist will be able to:
- Identify the components of the lymphatic system and its function
- Identify various medical conditions that can lead to the development of edema and lymphedema
- Differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas and identify necessary treatment strategies for each condition
- Identify the application, medical indications, and contraindications for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Identify various compression therapy application strategies for patients with lymphedema of the UE
- Attest to the importance of skin care and hygiene for patients with lymphedema
- Attest to the importance of a proper exercise protocols for individuals at risk for and with lymphedema
- Identify risk-reduction practices for patients at risk for lymphedema
- Distinguish between a variety of measurement techniques used in the evaluation of UE lymphedema and custom-made compression garments
- Identify the most effective lymphedema treatment protocols based on current evidence
- Establish CDT treatment plans for individuals with primary and secondary lymphedema of the UE
- Effectively perform MLD sequences for patients with primary and secondary lymphedema of the UE
- Competently apply short-stretch compression bandaging systems for patients with upper extremity lymphedema.
The following items are included in your tuition. Some of these materials will be mailed to you when you register. Others, you’ll receive in class or after class as a benefit of being a Klose Training graduate.
- Course Study Manual divided into 16 sections
- Lymphedema bandaging materials for upper extremities
- Lymphatic system posters (set of three)
- Manual Lymph Drainage videos
- Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) and G-Code Calculator
- Jobst Elvarex compression garment certification
- Product samples, brochures, and catalogs from many companies that support patients with lymphedema
- Free listing on the Klose Training online Therapist Directory (Great for referrals!)
- One full year of complimentary access to the lectures, videos and quizzes of our online Home Study Module following your class (a GREAT resource to prepare for the LANA exam!)
- Exclusive, lifetime access to 200+ reference articles, 50+ instructional videos, treatment forms, and other resources on Klose Training’s Graduates Page
- And more…
A total of 90 hours of instruction is provided in this Upper Extremity Lymphedema Therapy Certification course. After completion of the mandatory 45-hr online Home Study Module, students will receive 45 hours of classroom instruction over a 4.5-day period.
Usual class hours are:
Friday – Monday, 8:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday, 8:00am – 12:30pm.
UE-LTC Hourly Schedule
For a full list of dates and locations, please visit our Schedule Page.
This course is offered to all Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Massage Therapists*, Nurses, Athletic Trainers Certified, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and Doctors of Chiropractic.
*Massage therapists must show proof of completion of a minimum of 500 hours of massage education or be certified through the NCBTMB.
NOTE: This course is geared toward enhancing the practice and knowledge of Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants treating patients with lymphedema; parts of this course may be outside the scope of practice for Massage Therapists. It is the responsibility of all health professionals to ensure that they work within the limits of their license.
All classes are held in accessible hotels or medical facilities. In addition, Klose Training is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individual students who have a disability. Students should call Klose Training directly (303-245-0333) to discuss your needs at the time of registration.
Tuition for the UE Lymphedema Therapy Certification course is $2100. A deposit of $700.00 is required at the time of registration to hold your spot and allows us to send your Home Study Module course materials. The balance must be paid no less than three (3) weeks prior to the start of the classroom portion of the course. For our refund and cancellation policy, please refer to the
Student Agreement.
Please contact our office for information on discounts and payment plans.
We recommend that you register at least four weeks prior to the start of the classroom portion of the course so you’ll have time to complete the required 45-hr Home Study Module at a comfortable pace.
Register OnlineRegister by Mail
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the terms of the following Student Agreement which you’ll be asked to sign and submit on the first day of the class.
Klose Training Student Agreement - Lymphedema Therapy CertificationThis course totals 90 contact hours and has been approved for CEUs for Physical, Occupational, and Massage Therapists by the organizations and states listed
here. To successfully complete this course, the student must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 80% or better, devise an appropriate treatment plan in response to a case study presented to the student, and demonstrate competency in manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging for lymphedema patients. The student will then earn the credential CLT-UE (Certified Lymphedema Therapist – Upper Extremities) and receive a certificate in the class.
After completing the Upper Extremity course, Klose graduates are welcome to later complete the coursework required for full certification by attending the last 4.5 days of any of our Lymphedema Therapy Certification course offerings. Students will learn skills and knowledge specific to the lower extremity including treatment of LE lymphedema, basic and advanced MLD techniques for LE, compression bandaging for LE, measuring and fitting for LE garments, plus skin and nail care, exercises, and self-treatment for patients with LE lymphedema. In addition, treatment of head and neck, genital, and pediatric lymphedema will be covered.
To complete your training after becoming UE certified, call Klose Training at 303-245-0333. The cost is $1000. Once you have finished the last 45 hours of curriculum, you will be qualified to sit for the LANA certification exam.
Directions and suggested accommodations for your class location will be provided with your confirmation packet. Course location details can also be accessed from the Klose Training
Schedule Page by clicking on the location name.
You may also contact our office at 303-245-0333 or email us at info@klosetraining.com.
