Understanding Lymphedema for The Non-CLT Practitioner
On-Demand Courses
Affiliate Course
4 Contact Hours
🌟Newly Launched Course Promotion! Use promo code SALE20 at checkout to save 20% between April 1-30, 2025.
Price: $147 Register Now
Please note that when you click on "Register Now", you will be redirected to our affiliate's website to complete your purchase.
Course Description
This self-paced, 4-hour online course is designed for physical therapists who may encounter patients with lymphedema or complex edemas while treating other primary conditions. Whether you're working in orthopedics, pelvic health, sports medicine, pediatrics, neuro, or general outpatient care, it’s essential to recognize how lymphedema may impact your treatment approach—and how to modify interventions safely and effectively. With lymphedema affecting an estimated 140–250 million people globally—about 1 in 30 individuals—it’s likely you’ll encounter it, even if it’s not the reason for referral.
Through six concise, video-based modules, you’ll gain foundational knowledge of the lymphatic system, the pathophysiology of lymphedema, and how to recognize signs, staging, and potential risks. The course highlights both gold-standard and alternative treatments to help you understand the broader context of your patient's care—without requiring you to be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).
You’ll learn how to navigate precautions, identify contraindications, and safely integrate common interventions such as exercise, manual therapy, dry needling, and electrophysiologic modalities into your plan of care. You’ll also explore ways to facilitate improved lymphatic function in various clinical settings.
This course bridges the knowledge gap for non-CLT clinicians, offering a rich blend of theory and practical application through the lens of evidence-based care. Interactive elements such as trivia, case studies, and practice questions—along with downloadable quick-reference sheets—make it easy to retain and apply key concepts. The flexible format is designed for busy professionals, with modules you can complete at your own pace.
Whether you're preparing for specialist board exams like the WCS or OCS, or simply looking to deliver safer, more informed care, this course will strengthen your clinical decision-making when working with patients who have lymphedema.
This course is pre-approved for 4.0 CEUs in many states, check the course page for the full updated list of pre-approvals.
Learner Objectives
-
Evaluate and enhance your ability to manage clients with concurrent Lymphedema in various clinical settings: Orthopedic/MSK, Acute Care, Geriatrics, Neuro, Sports, Pelvic Health, and Pediatrics.
-
Analyse and apply the knowledge taught in this course to confidently answer case study-based preactice questions and detailed explnations in order to be prepared for board examinations.
-
Implement practical approaches in exercise, manual therapy, and modalities for patients with Lymphedema which follow current risk reduction practices.
Included in Your Registration
- Six Video-Based Modules with handouts of all slides (total CE hours: 4)
- 25+ Exam Practice Questions with detailed explanations and test-taking strategies
- Case Studies highlighting various clinical settings
- Lymphedema Precautions & Contraindications Quick Sheet
- Lymphedema Risk Reduction Handout which you can use as patient education in your own clinic
Testimonials
- “Overall it is a great resource and I am sure many PTs taking the WCS test will find it useful. Thanks for your hard work and expertise providing a super learning experience.” Dr Beth Shelly, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB, PMD
- “I love the self paced and the trivia and case questions. I’m using this to prep for the WCS and feel like I have a good grasp now of the fundamentals.” Kelly Zaprzal, PT, DPT
- “I liked the breadth of case study questions, and the inclusive language Terri used overall. I also liked that she addressed that a lot of lymph training is very dogmatic and that all aspects of this dogma are not necessarily evidence based.” A, PT, DPT
Terri Robertson Elder, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy
Thrive Physio and Pisgah Movement Alliance
Terri Robertson Elder (she/her) is passionate about collaborating with people to find understanding and relief—so they can thrive and cultivate joy in movement and sport. Her primary areas of interest include oncology care and pelvic health, particularly as they relate to movement practices.
She has been a Certified Lymphedema Therapist for ten years, treating individuals with lymphedema, cancer-related conditions, and pelvic health concerns across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practice and a holistic, patient-centered approach.
Dr. Robertson Elder is a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Georgia State University and serves as adjunct faculty at several other institutions. She is also the owner of a private practice in Brevard, North Carolina, where she leads Thrive Physio and Pisgah Movement Alliance.
Terri earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University and is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. She also holds certifications as a Kripalu yoga teacher, Pilates instructor, and Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism coach.
She lives in Brevard, NC with her partner and son and is also a proud stepmom to two adult “kids.” At her core, Terri is a movement optimist who values curiosity and kindness, is a lover of music and art who also enjoys lifting heavy, hiking, and dancing. Find her on Instagram @terri.elder.dpt or online at www.thrive-pt.com.
Registration
Please note that Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy member discounts or other discounts do not apply to this course as it is hosted via our affiliate course partner, My PT Education.
Disclaimer: This course listing contains affiliate links. The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy may earn a commission from purchases made via affiliate links. This course may not be eligible for APTA Pelvic Health-run discount promotions. By clicking below, you will be rerouted to the affiliate vendor's website to complete your purchase. See the affiliate's website for corporate discount options or click the FAQs to learn more.
🌟Newly Launched Course Promotion! Use promo code SALE20 at checkout to save 20% between April 1-30, 2025.
