Lymphedema Therapy: Where Do We Start? (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Emi Ito and Julie Soderberg
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Nonfinancial: Emi Ito has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Financial: Julie Soderberg receives compensation from MedBridge for this course. There is no financial interest beyond the production of this course.
Nonfinancial: Julie Soderberg has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard MedBridge courses.
What is lymphedema, and how can early detection improve outcomes? What treatments are available? This webinar will provide introductory knowledge regarding lymphedema and how to recognize early signs and symptoms of the condition. An overview of best-practice treatments, as well as the most recent surgical techniques, will be highlighted. Practitioners will learn ways to advocate for their clients with lymphedema to ensure optimal outcomes, including referral to specialists.
This webinar is beneficial to the general practitioner who may come across patients with lymphedema as a comorbidity and is wanting to know how to best support this patient. For the lymphedema specialist, this webinar is beneficial as a reminder of general considerations to keep in mind.
Please note: this webinar will not provide information on how to perform treatment techniques as additional training and certification is required to safely perform these techniques.
Learning Objectives
- Define lymphedema
- Recognize early signs and symptoms of lymphedema
- List the stages of lymphedema and recognize lymphedema’s impact on participation in daily activities
- List current treatment techniques for lymphedema
- Identify strategies to advocate for clients with lymphedema and when to make appropriate referrals
- Recognize contraindications and additional considerations in lymphedema therapy
Meet your instructors
Emi Ito
Emi Ito, OTR/L, CLT, CHT, CEAS, received her MA in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California in 2013. She received her lymphedema certification in 2016 through Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. She worked for four years in acute care before completing a hand therapy fellowship in Houston. In 2018, she…
Julie Soderberg
Julie Soderberg graduated with a master’s degree in physical therapy from Mount St. Mary’s College in 1999 with the intention of pursuing a sports medicine career to build upon her bachelor’s degree in athletic training. However, the invitation to reinstate the lymphedema program at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. What Is Lymphedema?
Overviews of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of lymphedema will be described. A general review of the lymphatic system will be provided.
2. Detecting Lymphedema
Classification/staging of lymphedema will be discussed, including testing available for diagnosing lymphedema.
3. Stages of Lymphedema and Its Impact on ADLs
An overview of the stages of lymphedema will be discussed. Some examples of lymphedema’s impact on ADLs will be identified.
4. Best Practice for Lymphedema Management
This chapter will review the components of complete decongestive therapy (CDT), including a brief mention of surgical interventions that may be an option for the patient.
5. Become an Advocate
Practical entry-level appropriate applications will be identified, such as promoting skin hygiene and recognizing signs of infection (e.g., cellulitis). Additional systems/referrals that may need to be considered, such as vascular, cardiology, or nephrology, will be discussed.
6. Contraindications, Precautions, and Additional Considerations
This chapter will list the precautions and contraindications for CDT and will identify other considerations for treating a patient with lymphedema who is also undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
7. Question and Answer Session
This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by the instructors.