The Fundamentals of Lymphedema Treatment

Course overview

Lymphedema and diseases of the lymphatic system affect millions of people in the United States and hundreds of millions worldwide. Affected patients most often suffer from debilitating swelling and pain, usually in the arms and legs; however, it also occurs in other body regions. If left untreated, the patient can suffer from chronic infections and the loss of a limb, not to mention debilitating pain, psychological stress, social isolation, and loss of function and quality of life. A clinician must understand how the body transports lymph fluid through a network of tissues and organs. Learn to effectively treat lymphedema and create individualized treatment programs that incorporate massage, self-massage, and bandaging of the upper and lower extremities. This is an intermediate-level course applicable to PT, PTA, OT, and AT. Physical Therapy Accreditation: For specific state information, use the accreditation verification menu and select your state of license. AOTA: provider #4487, Occupational therapy professional development activity: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery, evaluation and intervention, and Foundation Knowledge: human body, development, and behavior. Athletic Trainers: BOC provider #P2047, category A. This course has not been submitted for Evidence-Based BOC approval.