This course serves as an introduction to the management of upper and lower extremity lymphedema (primary and secondary) and is focused on increasing the understanding of proper lymphedema management and the application of the techniques known as Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy for lymphedema and other conditions

Subjects covered and Course Objective
Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system; introduction in the current treatment techniques for upper and lower extremity lymphedema using Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (compression bandages, compression stockings, decongestive exercises for lymphedema, skin care), as well as evaluation, documentation and measurement techniques.

At the end of this seminar participants will be able to distinguish between edema and lymphedema, understand the anatomical and physiological principles of the lymphatic system, sufficiently educate lymphedema patients in skin care, precautions and the use of compression devices (Sleeves, stockings, CircAid), evaluate edema patients and design a comprehensive treatment plan, understand the principle application of Manual Lymph Drainage and multi-layered compression bandages and much more.

The application of Manual Lymph Drainage for lymphedema and other conditions (post-surgical and post-traumatic swellings, sports injuries, chronic venous insufficiencies, amputee stump edema, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and swellings of other genesis. MLD is also frequently used for detoxification and general relaxation)

Seminar Includes
Basic anatomy, physiology and pathology (lymphedema - primary/secondary/upper and lower extremity) of the lymphatic system; compression therapy (short-stretch bandages, compression stockings and other compression devices); hands-on basic techniques of Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) for upper and lower extremity and thorax; application of short-stretch bandages (upper and lower extremity); measurement techniques for compression stockings and other compression devices

Upon completion of the seminar participants will be able to distinguish between edema and lymphedema, evaluate lymphedema patients and design a treatment plan for those patients.

Graduates of this seminar will be able to effectively treat lymphedema patients as well as patients with swellings of other origin (post-traumatic, post-surgical, venous insufficiencies and others) with Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy.

This is not a certification course. Upon completion of this seminar participants will not be able to sit for the National Certification Exam administered by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). The minimum hours necessary to sit for the LANA exam is 135 (For more information visit LANA's website at (www.snonet.org/lana)

Graduates will be able to bill insurance companies for those services. There is a possibility that in the future insurance companies will require that the therapist administering the services for lymphedema management be nationally certified. At this time national certification for lymphedema management is not necessary.

Should a 4-Day Seminar graduate at any time decide to participate in a full certification course given by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, she/he will receive a discount of $125.00 towards the tuition as well as one day credit (12 instead of 13 days) for the 135 hour certification course.

Program
Each class starts on Saturdays 8:00 am and ends Tuesdays 12:00 noon, the schedule includes:

Saturday

08:00 - 10:00	Introduction in the anatomy of the lymphatic system
10:00 - 10:15	Break
10:15 - 12:00	Anatomy of the lymphatic system
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch break
1:00 - 3:00	Physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system (primary & secondary lymphedema)
3:00 - 3:15	Break
3:15 - 6:00	MLD lab

Sunday

08:00 - 10:00	Introduction in the current treatment techniques, precautions
10:00 - 10:15	Break
10:15 - 12:00	MLD lab. for the upper extremity
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch break
1:00 - 3:00	MLD lab. for the upper extremity
3:00 - 3:15	Break
3:15 - 6:00	MLD lab. for the lower extremity

Monday

08:00 - 10:00	Skin care, diet, sports activities, evaluation, presentation & materials required for multi-layered bandages
10:00 - 10:15	Break
10:15 - 12:00	MLD lab. for the lower extremity
12:00 - 1:00	Lunch break
1:00 - 3:00	MLD lab. for the lower/upper extremity
3:00 - 3:15	Break
3:15 - 6:00	MLD lab. for the upper extremity

Tuesday

08:00 - 10:00	Presentation of compression garments (sleeves & stockings) and other devices (CircAid)
10:00 - 10:15	Break
10:15 - 12:00	Measurement techniques for compression garments

CEU's are available through the FPTA.

Tuition and Registration
The cost for this seminar is $740.00, which includes the course manual, bandage and measurement materials (value $150). To register please refer to the Registration page.

Seminar Dates 2004 in Ft. Lauderdale:

January 24-27, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 8-11, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June 26-29, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
July 31-Aug. 3, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sept. 25-28, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL
November 20-23, 2004	Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Seminar Locations
All ACOLS Lymphedema Management Seminars are held in Ft. Lauderdale at:

Renaissance Hotel
1230 S. Pine Island Road
Plantation, Florida 33324
Tel: 954/472-2252

When making a reservation please ask for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies rate.

Room rate includes:
• Complete breakfast buffet daily.
• Complimentary transportation to malls in the surrounding areas.
• Airport shuttle available.

All kinds of restaurants are within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel, (Chinese, Italian, Japanese, American). A restaurant is also on the premises

The class tuition does not include the cost of accommodations and food. You will have to make hotel reservations on your own.

For more information please call: (772) 589-3355