Manual Lymph Activation Course

Become a Certified Combined Decongestive Therapist and Help Your Clients with Lymphedema and More

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the body, leading to swelling and discomfort. The causes of lymphedema are diverse and can range from genetic to injury-based and even cancer treatment side effects.

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for treating lymphedema. Our 135-hour post-graduate course is designed to equip therapists with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective CDT treatment to their clients. Our course is reviewed by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) and upon completion, graduates are pre-qualified to take the LANA CDT certification exam. The course is a blend of theoretical and practical training, with online modules and in-person lab work to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the CDT approach. Take the first step in becoming a CDT expert and join our course today.

Master CDT Treatment and Advance Your Career with Our Comprehensive 135-Hour Certification Program and Expert Training. Join Our Community of Certified Professionals and Deliver Effective Results to Your Clients with Confidence.

2024 Lab Dates

Registration Closed

2025 Lab Dates

Watch for our Spring course dates!

Location

TBD

Saskatchewan

9:00AM - 5:00PM

**Thank you for the feedback! We have updated the fall course dates to avoid the thanksgiving weekend**

The E-HIS Manual Lymph Activation Course is designed to provide the 135 hours of training in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) required by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) for certification. The course is offered in four levels, and upon completion, graduates will meet the necessary requirements to apply for the LANA CDT exam. For more information on the certification process and exam, please visit the LANA website.

Here is a detailed description of what is covered in each of our certification levels:

Level 1: Treatment and Understanding of an Intact Lymphatic System.

Level 2: Introduction to the Treatment of Lymphedema

Level 3: Advanced Treatment of Lymphedema and Compression Therapy

Level 4: Lymphedema Program Management and Individual Client Care

 

Get Certified and Transform Your Practice

It is recommended that participants take all four levels of the MLA course before treating clients affected by lymphedema. Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is not only beneficial for lymphedema but also for other conditions such as:

  • Wound healing: CDT can be used to enhance wound healing by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, which can lead to faster healing times and less risk of infection.
  • Vascular edema: CDT can also be used to treat edema caused by problems with the blood vessels, such as venous insufficiency or post-thrombotic syndrome.
  • Chronic venous insufficiency: CDT can be used to manage the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as swelling, pain, and skin changes.
  • Lipedema: CDT can be used to reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with Lipedema, a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs and buttocks.
  • Other conditions: CDT can also be used to treat other conditions such as arthritis, migraines, sinusitis, and fibromyalgia

'Additional training in this course includes taping for edema management as well as cupping, stretching, and myofascial release for radiation and surgical scarring'

 

The MLA course has been tailored to meet the needs of therapists practicing in Saskatchewan Canada. We cover a few additional topics to make your transition into practice as smooth as possible.

  • Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living funding program understanding and use.
  • Vendors available in Saskatchewan and how to order from them (additional certifications will be made available from Valco Medi and Juzo)
  • Review of the Sask CDT therapist program paperwork and network
  • Introduction to the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan

Pre-requisites

Participants will need to provide proof of registration in one of the following professions as a pre-requisite to this course: Massage Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant, Physician, Nurse, or Exercise Therapy. Or proof of 192 hours in post-secondary level human anatomy, physiology, and/or pathology.

About The Trainers

Sylvie Punga

Sylvie is an Occupational Therapists by trade and graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2016. She trained as a CDT therapist through the E-HIS Manual Lymph Activation course to return only a few years later for the MLA Instructor Certification course. Since then Sylvie has been running the Saskatchewan Manual Lymph Activation certification program. When not running the lymphedema program Sylvie works full time in Moosejaw Saskatchewan as an OT/CDT.

Heidi Watson

Heidi Watson is an Occupational Therapist by trade. After graduating from the University of Manitoba she started her training with the Toronto Lymphocare Center to attain her Combined Decongestive Therapy designation. After completing the CDT training she developed a lymphedema treatment clinic in South Eastern Saskatchewan.

After seeing the need for lymphedema care in the province Heidi decided to develop a local CDT certification course. The Manual Lymph Activation course was first launched in 2016. Heidi works hard to maintain a safe, casual, learning environment where questions are always welcome and the needs of each participant are met.

Heidi Watson