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Course
Objectives
Each student will be trained in the
four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Upon completion of the class, the therapist will
be able to differentiate between a variety of
peripheral edemas as well as understand the applications,
medical indications, and contraindications of
MLD and CDT. Additionally, the therapist will
be able to establish a CDT treatment plan for
individuals with primary or secondary lymphedema
and perform the indicated treatment.
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Topics |
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anatomy,
physiology, and pathophysiology of
the lymphatic system |
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basic techniques
and sequences of Manual Lymph Drainage
(Vodder technique) |
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indications
and contraindications of Manual Lymph
Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive
Therapy (CDT) |
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differential
diagnosis |
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treatment
of primary and secondary lymphedema |
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lymphedema
bandaging techniques for upper and
lower extremities |
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remedial
lymphedema exercises |
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hygienic
skin and nail care for lymphedema |
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measuring
and fitting techniques for lymphedema
support garments |
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patient
evaluation and weekly measurement
(circumference and volume) |
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home maintenance
and self-treatment for lymphedema |
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medical
billing and reimbursement for clinical
lymphedema management |
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| Lymphedema Course
Materials & Services Included
with Tuition |
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comprehensive
course and online reference guides |
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"Lymphedema Management" textbook co-authored by Steve Norton |
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lymphedema
5 DVD set |
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upper and
lower extremity bandage kits |
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informational
portfolio detailing current treatment
product |
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Jobst Elvarex
compression garment certification |
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lifetime
listing in the Norton School therapist
referral database |
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FREE lifetime
access to LymphedemaJobs.com,
the only dedicated career resource
for the lymphedema therapy field |
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WITH TUITION |
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"Lymphedema Management"
co-authored by Steve Norton |
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Lymphedema 5 DVD Set |
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Classroom
Environment
Much of the praise received on
Norton School certification course evaluations
focuses on the classroom's unique educational
climate. Students report an uplifting,
enjoyable, and engaging environment that
is highly conducive to learning. Our instructors
strive to create an atmosphere in which
every student feels capable of interacting
with the class through lively discussion.
The student body's eclectic mix of licensed
professionals contributes a multilayered
perspective to classroom discussions, enriching
appreciation for the critical role this
unique form of therapy plays throughout
the modern healthcare system. A
balanced blend of didactic and practical
work creates daily lessons that captivate
and maintain student attention. Because
manual techniques are regularly performed
and received by all participants, the Norton
School program is not only learned conceptually
but is experienced and absorbed physically
as well. Patient visitation, evaluation,
and inspection, along with observation
of treatment, provide exceptional insight
into the precise delivery of patient care. It is this seamless integration of theoretical
and practical components, while in a relaxed
and intimate setting, that makes the course
an invaluable and unforgettable experience
for Norton School alumni. |
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Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity
lymphedema. Post mastectomy lymphedema and other
related conditions respond extremely well to this
gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy.
CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete/Complex
Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of
the following four steps:
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1. Manual
Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment that improves
the function of the lymphatic system throughout the
body. In the 1930s the techniques of MLD were first
introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT from Denmark.
MLD is becoming widely recognized in the United States
as a treatment for many pathologies including post
surgical swelling, post traumatic edema (e.g., sports
injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis,
and fibromyalgia. MLD is further used to promote general
relaxation and for cleansing (detoxification) of the
skin and superficial fascia. In lymphedema therapy
MLD is used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked
areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into
the venous circulation. |
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2. Compression
Therapy
Compression therapy, through the use of multilayered
bandages, increases tissue pressure and is applied
between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of
evacuated edema fluid. Compression therapy also increases
the efficiency of the muscle and joint pumps and is
used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to
be fitted for compression garments. |
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3. Exercises
Remedial exercises, with the bandages in place, are
performed to activate the muscle and joint pumps
of the affected extremity. This results in an increase
in lymphokinetic activity and, over time, in further
reduction of the swollen limb. |
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4. Skin Care
Skin care and general hygiene are essential for eliminating
bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can
cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas.
Because infections are very common complications
of lymphedema, meticulous skin and nail care are
integral elements of CDT. |
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Senior Faculty
Steve Norton, MLD/CDT Instructor, CLT-LANA, NCMT-NCBTMB
Andrea Cheville, MD, MLD/CDT Certified Therapist
Nicole Stout, MPT, CLT-LANA
Joy Cohn, PT, CLT-LANA
John Beckwith, PT, CLT-LANA
See the Faculty/Testimonials Section
Pre-Requisites
The following professions are accepted for training: PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, SLPs, RNs, LPNs/LVNs, MDs, DOs, ATCs, DCs, and MTs.*
*Massage therapists must show proof
of completion of a minimum 500 hours training program
or be certified through the NCBTMB
Home Study Program
The Home Study Program is comprised of the following components: (1) multimedia "Nine-Part Theoretical Home Study" online course; multimedia "Lymphedema Bandaging: Video Practical Instruction" online course; multimedia "Manual Lymph Drainage: Video Practical Instruction" online course; (2) various online theoretical reference components; (3) a Course Manual and Online Reference Guide; (4) five DVDs covering various lymphedema topics; (5) "Lymphedema Management" co-authored by Steve Norton. 45 hours of home study are expected of the student. The Home Study Program will provide an opportunity for the student to develop an extensive knowledge of the theoretical components of lymphedema therapy.
Class Times
A total of 135 hours of instruction is provided in the Full CDT Certification Course comprised of 90 hours of classroom instruction and 45 hours of home study. Class hours are 8:00am–7:00pm.
Certificate/Continuing
Education Credits (CEUs)
Participants will receive, upon successful completion (have passed the written and practical final exams), a certificate of completion confirming their status as a Lymphedema Therapist certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique)/Complete Decongestive Therapy. CEUs are available for Occupational Therapists through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (AOTA CEUs/Contact Hours (135); AOTA Classification Codes: Category 2, Domain of OT), for Physical Therapists through the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA), and for Massage Therapists through the NCBTMB. For questions about receiving CEUs please call us toll-free at (866) 808-2249.
Tuition
The tuition for the Full CDT Certification Course is
$3,200. A deposit of $900 is required at the time
of registration and will hold a spot in the course
until the remaining balance is received no later
than two (2) weeks prior to the first day of class. |
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