No one system, whether cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurologic, etc., works alone. As our profession moves toward evidence-based treatments, why are we still using elevation and ice as the means of managing edema? Much like the “regional interdependence” Wainner et al. (2007) concept for the musculoskeletal system, the vascular and lymphatic systems work in tandem. There is a wealth of knowledge to glean from the treatment of lymphatic disorders that applies to the treatment of cardiovascular, post-operative, orthopedic, and neurologic conditions. We present a thorough understanding of the lymphatic system and how to apply techniques for comprehensive patient care in an outpatient setting.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, a successful participant will be able to: 

• Identify and understand the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system
• Identify differential diagnoses and need for referral for patients with lymphedema (i.e. cardiac, liver, kidney, metastatic cancer, infection, acute DVT, etc.)  
• Identify edema through subjective and objective examination
• Recognize common presentations for various edema predominant conditions such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency, wrist injury, and ankle trauma
• Handle the autonomic nervous system with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
• Treat edema with MLD, compression, and taping  
• Apply treatments for edema with best evidence   
• Discuss QOL considerations in the treatment of lymphedema and how to translate improvements in lymphatic management to functional outcomes of the patient

Evidence in Motion is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 7521. This distance learning-independent activity is offered at 7 Contact hours; Intermediate, OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.