Therapist Certification

It is estimated that up to 1 million Canadians suffer with this progressive condition that can have life-long physical, emotional and financial implications for patients and their families. Given this updated national estimate and the population distribution within Canada, it can be extrapolated that near 388,920 Ontarians (children and adults) are living with lymphedema.

Up to one in four breast cancer survivors will develop lymphedema at some point in their life.

Some parts of Ontario have little or no access to a certified lymphedema therapist.

The Lymphedema Association of Ontario (LAO) is working to improve lymphedema care with better access to lymphedema certification, training and professional development in Ontario. Contact us for details.

Certified lymphedema therapists are health professionals (nurses or doctors) or allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists or registered massage therapists) who have gained additional post-graduate certification to specialize in lymphedema care.

Certified Lymphedema Therapy Training includes:

Pathophysiology of lymphatic function and disorders.
Manual techniques and compression bandaging/garment principles.
Theory and practice of Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Minimum 135 hours of post-graduate training (1/3 theory to 2/3 practical).

Professional Standards of Lymphedema Training

The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) promotes standards for the management of lymphedema and/or related disorders. LANA advocates for the establishment and maintenance of certification for medical professionals who provide such services.