Lymphedema Therapy Certification

The Power of Lymphedema Certification

Course Description

Upper extremity lymphedema before and after CDT

This engaging 135-hour course teaches you the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively treat patients with lymphedema using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). You will learn Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skin care, and patient-appropriate exercises. At the conclusion of the course, you will be certified in Lymphedema Therapy (CLT) and can immediately start working with patients.

Lower extremity lymphedema before and after CDT

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. This Module is followed by 90 hours of classroom (lab) instruction over nine 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 components:

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

MLD is a very gentle manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In lymphedema therapy, MLD is used to re-route lymph flow around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation. MLD is also an effective treatment for post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (as with sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions involving edema.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy increases tissue pressure and improves the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump. 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 a vital component of treatment.

Home-Study Module

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.

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 presented by the dynamic Dr. Kathleen Francis, an expert in the treatment of lymphedema.)
Introduction to Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Introduction to lymphedema bandaging and compression therapy
Indications and contraindications of MLD and CDT
Exercises for patients with lymphedema
Patient evaluation and weekly measuring (circumference and volume)
Self-MLD sequences for all extremities
Treatment of genital lymphedema

Instructional Methods: Self-paced online video lectures plus reading material

Testing Methods: Online quizzes (multiple choice)

Classroom (Lab)

After completing the 45-hr online Home Study Module, you’ll be prepared for the 9-day (90-hr) 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 MLD (Vodder technique)
Treatment of primary and secondary extremity lymphedema
Treatment of head and neck, genital, and pediatric lymphedema
Short-stretch bandaging techniques and compression therapy for lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities, genitals, head & neck, and trunk
3M Coban2 bandaging for the upper and lower extremities and trunk
Skin and nail care for patients with lymphedema
Measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
At-home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema

Instructional Methods: Lectures, case studies, live demonstration, hands-on lab

Testing Methods: Final exam, case study presentation, evaluation of manual techniques

Course Objectives

Each participant will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy. 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 and chronic venous insufficiency
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 edema/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
Effectively perform MLD sequences for patients with primary and secondary lymphedema and post-traumatic and post-surgical edema
Competently apply short-stretch compression bandaging systems for patients with upper and lower extremity lymphedema

Course Materials & Resources

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 Manual composed of 16 sections
Lymphedema bandaging materials for upper and lower extremities
Lymphatic system posters (set of three)
Manual Lymph Drainage videos
Lymphedema Life Impact Scale 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…

Class Times/Schedule

A total of 135 hours of instruction is provided in this Lymphedema Therapy Certification course. After completion of the mandatory 45-hr online Home Study Module, students will receive 90 hours of classroom instruction over a 9-day period.

Usual class hours are 8:00am – 7:00pm. LTC Hourly Schedule

For a full list of dates and locations, please visit our Schedule Page.

Prerequisites

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.

Disability Accommodations

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

Tuition for the full Lymphedema Therapy Certification course is $3100. 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.

Registration

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.

Student Agreement

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 Certification

Certificate/Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

This course totals 135 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 (Certified Lymphedema Therapist) and receive a Certificate of Completion in the class.

LANA Certification Exam

Our Lymphedema Therapy Certification course meets the instructional course requirements to sit for the LANA exam. For more information on the LANA exam, please visit the LANA website.

Directions & Accommodations

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.