Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Certification Course (Aug 21 - 29, 2027)

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Certification Course is organized by Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and will be held from Aug 21 - 29, 2027 at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America.

Description:
This CDT Certification Course prepares students to become specialists in Complete Decongestive Therapy and confers upon them the credentials of CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist).

Course Overview & Objectives:
Each student will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy. Upon completion of the class, the therapist will be able to differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas as well as understand the applications, medical indications, and contraindications of MLD and CDT. Additionally, the therapist will be able to establish a CDT treatment plan for individuals with primary or secondary lymphedema and perform the indicated treatment.

Curriculum: What You'll Learn:

• anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
• basic techniques and sequences of Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder technique)
• indications and contraindications of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
• differential diagnosis
• treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema
• lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities
• remedial lymphedema exercises
• hygienic skin and nail care for lymphedema
• measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
• patient evaluation and weekly measurement (circumference and volume)
• home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema
• medical billing and reimbursement for clinical lymphedema management

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): The Four Components:
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Post mastectomy lymphedema and other related conditions respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy. CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete/Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of the following four steps:

1. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD):
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment that improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In the 1930s the techniques of MLD were first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT from Denmark. MLD is becoming widely recognized in the United States as a treatment for many pathologies including post surgical swelling, post traumatic edema (e.g., sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. MLD is further used to promote general relaxation and for cleansing (detoxification) of the skin and superficial fascia. In lymphedema therapy MLD is used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation.

2. Compression Therapy
Compression therapy, through the use of multilayered bandages, increases tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. Compression therapy also increases the efficiency of the muscle and joint pumps and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted for compression garments.

3. Remedial Exercises:
Remedial exercises, with the bandages in place, are performed to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and, over time, in further reduction of the swollen limb.

4. Skin and Nail Care:
Skin care and general hygiene are essential for eliminating bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Because infections are very common complications of lymphedema, meticulous skin and nail care are integral elements of CDT.