Introduction to Lymphedema Management

Course Description

This course is an introduction to lymphedema management. Basic anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system will be reviewed. Patient populations affected by lymphedema will be discussed to include the general medical population, bariatric population and populations related to oncology, cardiology and orthopedics. The areas of lymphedema management included in the gold standard of care, Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), will be addressed to include skin care, exercise, MLD and bandaging/compression therapy. This course will review the prevention of lymphedema as well as management of the condition. It will describe MLD, exercise and bandaging/compression plans and will be an introduction to the tools and expertise that CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) can provide to patient populations with lymphedema. This course will be beneficial for therapists working with patients with lymphedema to know when to refer to a CLT and for those who would like to know more information regarding specializing in this area.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Define and provide introductory examples of diagnostic and symptomatic terms to describe lymphedema
2. Discuss etiology, pathogenesis, and manifestations of lymphedema
3. Describe the current medical treatment and management for patients with lymphedema.
4. Discuss the ADL and management issues related to the treatment of the person with lymphedema

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Basic

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to respond to polling questions asked throughout the webinar.