This course is open only to therapists who have successfully completed training in lymphedema therapy that meets the standards set by LANA (the Lymphology Association of North America).  This course will not certify therapists in the Casley-Smith method but will familiarize them with the strokes, pathways, and theory that underlie it.

Objectives:

At the end of the course, participants will have

1.       Reviewed and deepened their understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system and how MLD affects it, including the revised understanding of Starling’s equilibrium and more recent research on the effectiveness of MLD

2.        Become familiar with the specific lymphotome pathways  for trunk, limbs, and head; learned the  MLD strokes used in the Casley-Smith method and been able to compare and contrast these strokes to the Vodder-based MLD strokes

3.       Problem-solved more challenging MLD cases

There will be a lab component for participants to practice various MLD strokes. 

Participants should bring clothes that will allow uninterrupted access to the entire back and washable magical markers to draw the lymphotomes.

 Schedule

8:45-9  Registration/introductions

9-10:30:  Reviewing what we know about the lymphatic system;  what’s new in the lymphatic system; more recent research on the effectiveness of MLD

10:30-11:  Casley-Smith theory of MLD

11:15—12:15  (LAB)  Drawing lymphotomes/looking at drainage patterns  (lab clothes, washable markers)

12:15-1:  lunch break

1-3:30:  (LAB) Casley-Smith strokes and pathways

3:40-4:15  (LAB) Comparing /contrasting Casley-Smith strokes with the strokes you know

4:30-5:30  Figuring out which pathways to use in more complicated cases