e-Integrative Lymphedema Certification Course
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) & Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Course Description:
This 135-hour course combines a 45-hour internet-based home-study program 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 program must be completed before the classroom instruction begins, therapists participating in our class are encouraged to register at least four weeks prior to the start of the course.

Request More Information

Course:
Name:
Email:

Your info is only used for us to communicate with you. We do not rent, sell, or share your contact information.

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:

Klose Training-Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)


Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD):
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment which 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 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.


Klose Training-Compression Therapy
Klose Training-Exercise for Lymphedema


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 KTC Course Schedule

Course Topics:

Online (Home Study) Program

• 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 contraindications 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
• Option to receive Limb Volume Calculation Software (CD)
• References: Access to over 80 articles on Lymphedema and related issues
• 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 our KTC 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 - Saturday (of the following week) 8:00am - 7:00pm. In addition, the completion of the 45-hour Online Home Study is mandatory prior to the start of the lab portion of the course.

Online Lymphedema Home Study:
The Online Lymphedema Home Study 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 Online Lymphedema Home Study 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 into and progression of the training.

Prerequisites:
This course is offered to all Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctors of Chiropractic, Physician's Assistants, 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.

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) at least three weeks before the start of your class to discuss your needs.

Tuition:
The total tuition for the course is currently $3100.00 (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.

Student Agreement:
The following student agreement must be signed and submitted before the commencement of class.

KTC Lymphedema Therapy Certification Course Student Agreement

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

LANA Certification 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 the KTC Schedule 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.

Register Now!

Student Testimonials:

"Very knowledgeable and appreciated clinical examples – appreciated feedback and manual techniques." (PT)

"Overall this class was great as well as the instructor. Very well done as a whole, great sequence and instruction followed by practice time. Thank you for the great experience." (Athletic Trainer)

"Demonstrated vast knowledge of material, able to communicate to help beginner to practice feel comfortable." (OT) Minneapolis, Minnesota - May 2013

"Jan was super knowledgeable and was able to incorporate my personal interest and clinical experience into her teaching (Breast Ca). I would recommend her as an instructor to anyone; it was a privilege to be one of her students." (OT)

"Excellent course! I feel well prepared to treat the Lymphedema population in my area." (PT) Indianapolis, Indiana - May 2013

"Very pleasant and professional; clear expectations/directions. Gave good clinical recommendations; practical clinical solutions. Her passion for CDT was inspirational." (OT)

"Great instructor – had a great rapport with students and a perfect combination between corrections and positive reinforcement." (PT)

"Pleasant and professional; well organized; clear expectations/directions. Great control over the dynamics of the group. His passion for CDT was inspirational." (OT) Baltimore (Glen Burnie), Maryland - April 2013

"Very approachable, Non-threatening, made it fun – good sense of humor, obviously so knowledgeable, able to switch gears for questions without hesitation, by far the best class I’ve been to. Don’t ever stop teaching, Guenter! Thank you!" (OT)

"Guenter explains everything very well, whether online or in person. Very encouraging in labs, very patient. Always very receptive to answering all my many questions. Excellent job of keeping class on track to cover all materials, but never feeling rushed. Also, flexible in changing time of topics as needed with patient visits, etc. Very approachable. The best instructor I’ve had in 22 yrs as a PT." (PT)

"Excellent class room lecture, format, lab time, switching lab partners, materials. Excellent instruction during lab on improving “stroke”, rational for CDT/MLD/Bandaging. Although cost is high, the return between home study materials, supplies, vendor resources/products, networking and future clinical needs exceeds cost. Thank for providing the most comprehensive lymphedema education, experience and quality to rehab/community." (PT) Seattle, Washington - April 2013

"I went from knowing only what lymphedema was – to feeling fully capable of starting a program from scratch. Thank you!" (PT)

Covered all the basis pathology, treatment, special cases, practice and real world patients. I love seeing the patients, Heidi and Rita. I learned so much from the experience. The case studies were very important for my learning, both the many examples on the screen as well as in class. I loved the Jeopardy Game. Fun and very helpful review." (PT) Boulder, Colorado - March 2013

"Excellent course and instruction. It definitely changed my perspective on lymphedema treatment and plan to make positive changes to our approach to treatment in the clinic."

"Guenter, along with the home study, helped me feel very confident as a lymphedema therapist. I came here with no prior exposure to lymphedema, I now feel I am more than prepared to treat these patients. The program is exceptional."

"Easily the best course I’ve ever taken. I feel ready to practice in the field of lymphedema – and met so many wonderful practitioners with whom to network." Pittsburgh (Monroeville), Pennsylvania - February 2013

"Jan was excellent she is very approachable and explains things clearly. Very patient , funny. I learned so much."

"I came into class not having any experience or much knowledge about treating lymphedema. After the class I feel confident to go out and treat."

I appreciated the instructor’s extensive PT background and knowledge as it applied to both PT and Lymphedema practice" Portland, Oregon - January 2013