Saturday, March 25, 2006

Choosing a Lymphedema Therapist

From time to time members of our various groups have asked, "just how do you go about finding a credible lymphedema therapist? What do you look for and what questions should you be asking?"

Hopefully this can be of help.

As far as finding an actual therapist, the National Lymphedema Network hasexcellent requirements on this:As of November 1, 2002, the NLN requires lymphedema training programs tooffer a minimum of 135 hours of intensive training (1/3 theoretical, 2/3practical) in order to qualify for a listing in the NLN Resource Guide (referredtoas Affiliate Membership).

Lymphedema therapists (independents) must havecompleted a recognized 135 hour training program, and treatment centers must haveon staff at least one lymphedema therapist who has completed such a program.

Please view the NLN Position Paper on Training (pdf format, 128kb) for more information on what you should look for in any lymphedema therapist.

Finally, the Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation also has a page on questions you should ask when looking for a therapist:

1. Where did you get your training?
2. What approach do you use? Vodder, Foeldi, Casley-Smith etc.
3. How many hours of training have you had? (120 to 160 hrs. or more isgood)
4. Are you an OT., PT., MT. ? Where did you get your degree?
5. How long have you been doing CDT/MLD ?
6. What certification do you have?
7. How many times a week will I have treatment and for what length of time?
8. How long will my consultation be?
9. Will there be a therapist on call at all times?
10. Is there a doctor, APRN, or nurse connected with the facility?
11. How oftenwill I be seen by them?

Circle of Hope

The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) has strict requirements that therapists must undergo before they can be credentialed through them.

Visit their website at LANA and here is their page on the LANA Exam Outline

Here are some helpful pages also that can help you find a therapist in your area

Lymphedema Schools of Therapy - Find a Therapist

Listings of Lymphedema Therapists United States

Lymphedema Therapists - Hospital Clinics

Lymphedema Therapists - Canada

Lymphedema Therapists - Australia

Lymphedema Therapists - Austria, Greece Dubai

Lymphedema Therapists - Ireland

Lymphedema Therapists - New Zealand

Lymphedema Therapists - Singapore

Lymphedema Therapists - United Kingdom

Lymphedema Therapists - Europe \ Lympfoedeem, Lymphodem Resources Europa

2 comments:

David_Bennett said...

I am also a lymphedema patient so the list of therapists is given in this blog is helpful for me by reading this blog I am getting much more information related to the good therapist and the best therapy so thanks for this information.....
source:lymphedema training

Unknown said...

That was really informative. Not many people speak about lymphedema and that is a pity because having the right kind of service can really make a difference. I hope that other men and women experiencing its effects discover this post- I think it will be very useful.Read More