How to select a qualified lymphedema therapist

In the United States lymphedema therapy is a very new medical specialty. You may find therapists with varying backgrounds and varying competencies. Currently health insurance covers these therapies when provided by a licensed or registered occupational or physical therapist.

In addition to these credentials, a certification examination has been developed by an organization called LANA (The Lymphology Association of North America) to insure entry-level competency of practitioners choosing to pursue this specialty.


Credentialing Requirements After May 2, 2003

135 hours in a recognized or approved program of documented CDT coursework

2 years documented experience-using CDT in direct patient care

180 classroom hours of human anatomy, physiology and or pathology

These competencies alone do not insure that care is adequate. All programs should be comprehensive.

CDT -Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy is a multi-modal approach to the treatment of lymphedema consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, gradient compression bandaging, exercise, patient education re: prevention, skin care, precautions, home exercise, manual therapies to address joint and soft tissue restriction and other compressive therapies such as vascular compression garments and or vasopneumatic devices as indicated.

The average patient with mild to moderate lymphedema will spend an average of 1 ½ hours in treatment 2 to 3 times weekly for 1 month. Programs offering only 5 or 6 visits can not begin to address this complex problem or provide adequate education to enable the patient to self manage this life-long problem.