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Head & Neck Lymphedema Treatment

Head and Neck

Overview
Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL) is a devastating condition that frequently follows surgery or radiation for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Not only can HNL affect the patient's communication and swallowing function, but in severe cases can affect respiration, vision, and even ambulation, not to mention the frustration and embarrassment that accompanies this disfiguring condition. However, with proper treatment, HNL can typically be reduced to a manageable level. This 2-day workshop is designed for Certified Lymphedema Therapists who will treat patients with head and neck lymphedema. It will provide the academic foundation and practical skills for the therapist to successfully implement basic techniques to effectively treat this underserved patient population. Therapists will learn about: (1) the lymphatic system of the head and neck; (2) evaluation and measurement; (3) Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for the head and neck; (4) compression wraps and garments; (5) documentation and billing

Course Objectives

  1. Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the head and neck lymphatic and venous systems and identify the relevant structures involved in lymphatic drainage.
  2. Identify the most common forms of head and neck cancer, their treatments and side effects, and their functional impact on communication and swallowing.
  3. Identify the differences in the various neck dissections and surgeries these patients encounter.
  4. List the various causes of edema in the head and neck and their appropriate treatments.
  5. Differentiate between typical post-operative edema and lymphedema involving the head and neck.
  6. Describe the effects of head and neck lymphedema on communication, swallowing, and psychosocial processes.
  7. Demonstrate basic proficiency in assessment and development of a basic treatment plan for a patient with head and neck edema.
  8. Demonstrate proficiency in basic techniques to reduce edema of the head and neck in order to improve communication and swallowing. These include:
    • Manual Lymph Drainage techniques
    • Compression wrapping for the head and neck
    • Kinesiotaping of the head and neck
 
 
Manual Lymph Drainage
  
 

Instructor
Brad Smith, MS, CCC-SLP, CLT has been a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist since 2006, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of patients with head and neck cancer. He is the lead clinician in the Head and Neck Lymphedema Program for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He has presented at multiple local, state, and national conferences regarding proper management of head and neck lymphedema.

Continuing Education
This course is approved for 16 Contact Hours by the FPTA and AOTA.

Professional Prerequisite
Registration is limited to Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

Class Times
A total of 16 hours of instruction is provided. Class hours are 8:00am–5:00pm on both days of the seminar (includes a one-hour break for lunch).

Tuition
The tuition for the Advanced Topics Course "Head & Neck Lymphedema Treatment" is $395.

  
  Lymphedema Training  
 

 
     
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