Introduction To Lymphedema Therapy
This online introductory course is offered for the professional seeking clear and concise information regarding current treatment methods for lymphedema and career opportunities within the field. Following this introduction to the International Gold Standard treatment method known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), students will be better prepared to assess the value of more comprehensive certification training with respect to their individual goals for professional advancement.
Lymphedema management requires complete and thorough training in the methods of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). As a disease process lymphedema is the most difficult and challenging of the known edema conditions to remedy. Persons with lymphedema often present to healthcare professionals as medically complex due to concomitant conditions and disease histories.
Curriculum: What you'll learn
CDT: Four Components
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:
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.
2. Compression Therapy
3. Remedial Exercises
4. Skin and Nail Care
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.
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.
3. Remedial 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.
4. Skin and Nail 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.
Eligibility & Admission Requirements
All Healthcare Professionals welcome
Course Duration & Class Times
Continuing Education Hours: 15.5*
Tuition and registration
Tuition for the Introduction to Lymphedema Therapy Online Course is $300. CERTIFICATION COURSE CREDIT: Students who successfully complete the introductory course can apply the entire REGULAR tuition of $300 toward any future Norton School CDT Certification Course.
Sections
Certification & Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
