Who Treats Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system removes excess fluids from body tissues and dumps them into major veins to ensure fluid balance. When the lymphatic system is damaged by infection, surgery, or radiation therapy, fluids build up in different parts of the body and cause a condition known as lymphedema.

Identification

• A lymphedema therapist is trained to provide a set of interventions known as complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to improve lymphatic flow and reduce fluid accumulations. These practitioners are certified by the Lymphology Association of North America.

Background

• LANA certification is available to qualified registered nurses (RNs), occupational therapists (OTs), certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs), physical therapists (PTs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), physicians (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), doctors of chiropractic (DC's), massage therapists (MTs), and certified athletic trainers (ATCs).

Education

• Aspiring lymphedema therapists need to complete 135 hours of CDT coursework consisting of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice.

Experience

• After completing the CDT course work, a professional must accumulate one year of CDT hands-on experience before qualifying for certification.

Certification

• The lymphedema therapy certification exam is rigorous. LANA provides an outline of exam content and resources for preparing for test-taking on its website.