e-Integrative Lymphedema Certification Course

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) & Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

This 135 hour course combines a 45 hour internet based home study module with 90 hours of classroom (lab) instruction.

Most of the didactic lessons are available online and can be completed at the student’s own pace. Because the required home study module must be completed before the classroom instruction begins, therapists participating in our class are encouraged to register at least four weeks in prior to the start of the course.

About CDT:
CDT is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Primary and secondary (e.g. 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 Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of the following four steps:

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD):
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In the 1930’s, the techniques of MLD were first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT, from Denmark. MLD is 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 re-route the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation.



Compression Therapy:
Compression therapy, through the use of multi-layered bandages, increases the tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated fluid. Compression therapy also increases the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested and ready to be fitted for compression garments.




Exercises:
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.


Skin Care:
Skin care and general hygiene are essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Infections are very common complications of lymphedema, therefore meticulous skin and nail care is vital.

Location and Dates:
See Course Schedule

Course Topics:

Online (Home Study) Module

• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
• Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymphedema
• Introduction to 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)

     Classroom (Lab) Topics:
• 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
• Lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities
• Skin and nail care for patients with lymphedema
• Measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
• Home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema

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 differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas, as well as understand the application, medical indications and contra-indications for MLD and CDT. The therapist will be able to establish a CDT treatment plan for individuals with primary and secondary lymphedema and perform the treatment for lymphedema accordingly.

Course Materials*:
The following items are included in the tuition and are given to each participant prior to, during, and after their training.
• Textbook of Lymphology by Profs. M. and E. Foeldi (optional)
• Course Study Manual divided into 15 individual sections
• Lymphedema Bandaging Materials for upper and lower extremities
• Lymphatic System Posters (set of three)
• Manual Lymph Drainage DVD
• Genital Lymphedema Treatment DVD
• Limb Volume Calculation Software (CD)
• Reference Manual containing over 25 relevant journal articles (CD-ROM)
• Elvarex Training Manual
• Free Internet Therapist Directory Listing
• Samples, brochures and catalogs from many companies who support patients with lymphedema
• Measuring tapes and more...

Faculty:
Instructors vary according to location. See faculty page for a complete listing of Klose Training Instructors.

Class Times:
A total of 135 hours of instruction is provided in this MLD/CDT Certification Course; 90 hours of classroom instruction is given over a 9 day period. Usual class hours are: Friday through Saturday (of the following week) 8:00am – 7:00pm. In addition, the completion of a 45 hour Online Home Study Course is mandatory prior to the start of the course.

Home Study Course:
A Home Study Course will be made available and must be completed prior to the class. This portion of the training consists of an Online Module, a Home Study Course Manual, a DVD about the treatment of lymphedema and a Reference Manual on a CD-ROM (pdf documents) with assigned readings. Forty-five (45) hours of home study and the completion of several online quizzes are expected of each student prior to the first day of class. The Home Study Course will provide an opportunity for each student to develop a more extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and will facilitate the smooth entry and progression of the training.

Target Audience/Pre-requisites:
The following professions are accepted for training: Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Athletic Trainers Certified, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses, Massage Therapists*.
*Massage therapists must show proof of completion of a minimum 500 hours training program or be certified through the NCBTMB.

Tuition:
The total tuition for the course is $2700.00 (full certification). A deposit of $700.00 is required at the time of registration and will hold your spot until the total amount is due three (3) weeks prior to the first day of class. For our refund and cancellation policy, please refer to the student agreement.

Please contact our office for information on discounts and payment plans.

Registration:
Please click here to print the registration form or to register online.

Certificate/Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s):
135 Contact Hours are available for Physical, Occupational and Massage Therapists. Contact hours are approved for LANA certification. For more information Click Here.

LANA Exam:
This course meets the educational requirements to sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) exam. For more information on the LANA exam, visit www.clt-LANA.org.

Direction & Accommodations:
Directions and suggested accommodations will be provided with your confirmation packet. Course location details can also be accessed from our Schedule page by clicking on the location name of the course. You may also contact our office toll free at 866-621-7888 or email us at info@klosetraining.com

Student Testimonials:

“I knew very little about the lymphatic system prior to course but know a lot more now. I feel competent to begin treating lymphedema patients and have resources for any questions that arise. For some people who are more reserved/shy the “invasive” techniques of MLD could be a bit awkward to learn, but Chris demonstrated the highest professionalism and a great attitude. Kept class interesting with humor and explanation of application. Great!” “This was an excellent course! The material was thorough and presented in a casual way which enhanced understanding. Chris was the perfect instructor for our group! He was very professional and related to our group with patience and gave us every opportunity to present questions and concerns. The quality of the material taught at this course exceeded my expectations and will serve as the solid foundation on which I’ll establish my career as a CLT! Thank you for this special opportunity!” “When I registered for the class, I chose it based on location and dates. I know that I was extremely fortunate to register for a Klose class. Chris was an amazing instructor, the class was well organized and the many resources provided during class were amazing. In addition, I know that Chris and Klose will be excellent resources for the future of my practice as a CLT. As we move toward opening a large cancer treatment center, I look forward to taking additional Klose courses!” “Chris was exceptional in presentation of the course content. I was allowed to think through the process and method without being fed answers. We were encouraged to apply the techniques to the specific situation. Really can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the course! Great treat to see Guenter and it helped shake up the pace.“ “Very well done in every aspect. Course materials were not only comprehensive, but I feel I have a wealth of resources to refer to after I return to my job. Thank you! “ Dallas, Texas, September 2009

“Both instructors were fabulous- it was actually nice that we got to have one for one week and one for the 2nd week- it gave nice perspective! Both took extra time to help ensure students understood concepts. I appreciated the balance between lecture and lab. I would definitely recommend Klose Training course to anyone/everyone.” “Liked how the instructor(s) took (their) time to explain concepts vs. rushing through- I liked overall pace of the course. Challenging course-- made me work and think harder than I had in a long time.” “Guenter and Jan both went beyond class time to aid in students understanding of the material.” Charlotte, North Carolina, August 2009

"Excellent Course – very well organized. Content and practice reinforced multiple times and in a variety of ways." "Impressed with bridging A&P into clinical application. Excellent alternative approaches provided for complicated cases. Very impressed." "Presenters were excellent. Great course!!" "A lot of material in a short time, but presented well. Nice to have 2 instructors with such impressive knowledge." "Thanks so much to Linda, Guenter, and Dr. Hutchison for all the information and all the patience. I can’t wait to get out and perform lymphedema treatment on patients." "This is an awesome course. I feel very lucky to have had both Guenter and Linda. Thanks so much, can’t wait to apply my new knowledge Very nice course overall!" "All the instructors were fabulous, helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable. It was intimidating for me to come and learn this new technique, but everyone made me feel comfortable. Thank you, thank you!" Minneapolis, Minnesota, July/August 2009