WCEI - Blog » lymphedema http://blog.wcei.net Wound Care Education Institute Blog Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:57:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 Lymphedema and The Wound Care Patient: Treatment With The Most Sophisticated Methods http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-and-the-wound-care-patient-treatment-with-the-most-sophisticated-methods/ http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-and-the-wound-care-patient-treatment-with-the-most-sophisticated-methods/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:00:34 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=1632

Lymphedema and the Wound Care Patient: Treatment with the Most Sophisticated Methods will be presented by John Beckwith PT, CLT-LANA, Primary Instructor, Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy at this year’s Wild on Wounds National Conference in Las Vegas in September.

During this session, participants will gain advanced insight into the complexities of managing lymphedema. Lymphedema is generally not causative of wound development but is commonly associated with poorly controlled venous disease. Venous disease, if left alone, brings about combined lymphatic failure creating a complex environment for wound resolution and overall edema reduction. Complete decongestive therapy can be modified to suit this clinical picture with incomparable success, which will be explored during this important session.

For more information about the Wound Care Education Institute, please visit http://www.wcei.net.

Click Here To Register for the Wild on Wounds National Conference

]]> http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-and-the-wound-care-patient-treatment-with-the-most-sophisticated-methods/feed/ 0 NAWC Introduces NEW Advanced Certification http://blog.wcei.net/nawc-introduces-new-advanced-certification/ http://blog.wcei.net/nawc-introduces-new-advanced-certification/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:58:56 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=1707
Lymphedema Lower Extremity

  • In the United States, the number of Medicare age individuals afflicted with lymphedema, or at risk of developing it, exceeds 6.8 million.
  • The incidence of lymphedema as a consequence of cancer therapy ranges from 10- 50% and increases with time.

Glendale Wisconsin- June 30, 2011-The National Alliance of Wound Care® (NAWC®) announced today, the introduction of its newest certification in the specialty of Lymphedema Lower Extremity Management (LLE™).

The LLE is an advanced credential that demonstrates a candidate’s proficiency and mastery of essential knowledge and skills of lower extremity lymphedema and associated wound management.

“We are very excited to offer this new certification. The LLE validates a wound care professional’s expertise in lymphedema lower extremity management, while enhancing their marketability. This advanced certification will assure employers they are hiring a leader with tested competency in lower extremity lymphedema,” said Debbie Hecker, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Wound Care.

The LLE is the third certification offered by the NAWC and the only wound care certification board to offer an advanced credential in Lower Extremity Lymphedema. Prerequisite education for LLE certification will be offered by Lymphedema and Wound Care Education, LLC (LWCE).

What is Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Lymphedema in the lower extremity is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes excessive swelling in the leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired, or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes have been removed.

For more information about the new LLE certified credential, Click Here to visit the NAWC website.
Did you know?

  • In the United States, the number of Medicare age individuals afflicted with lymphedema, or at risk of developing it, exceeds 6.8 million.
  • The incidence of lymphedema as a consequence of cancer therapy ranges from 10-50% and increases with time.
  • The LLE plays an important role as a direct care provider, educator and resource for optimum patient outcomes in lymphedema and edema management associated with wounds.
  • Research indicates certified clinicians report higher levels of job satisfaction. The LLE provides direct patient lymphedema and edema care in acute, outpatient, long-term care and home care settings.

The LLE plays an important role as a direct care provider, educator and resource for optimum patient outcomes in lymphedema and edema management associated with wounds. The LLE scope of practice is performed in accordance with legislation code as determined by each respective professional state regulatory board.

Lower extremity lymphedema and edema management includes the identification, assessment, management, prevention, and continuing evaluation of patients with signs and symptoms of swelling related to lymphatic and or venous failure, which includes but is not limited to primary lymphatic dysplasia and all other forms of secondary lymphatic trauma.

Lower extremity lymphedema, edema and wound management is a specialized area that focuses on overall skin care and promotion of an optimal wound environment through reduction of edema and lymphedema. This therapeutic approach includes intensive rehabilitative interventions followed by education in self-care measures to prevent disease progression.

Lower extremity lymphedema and edema management requires the skills of the interdisciplinary team that includes the physician, nurse, WCC®, dietitian, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, and other health care disciplines or providers depending upon each individual patient assessment. The physician or other advanced practice provider is the leader of the interdisciplinary care team. As such, Lymphedema Lower Extremity and edema management care plans must always be prescribed by the physician or other advanced practice provider.

LLE certification

  • Increases your marketability as an expert in lower extremity lymphedema, assuring employers you are the leader with tested competency.
  • Ensures an individual has the expertise to manage wounds with state of the art lymphedema techniques proven to dramatically shortening healing times.
  • Instills confidence in your patients that you possess the proven expertise in lymphedema lower extremity management necessary to provide them the best care.

]]> http://blog.wcei.net/nawc-introduces-new-advanced-certification/feed/ 1 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA http://blog.wcei.net/professional-training-for-the-treatment-of-lymphedema/ http://blog.wcei.net/professional-training-for-the-treatment-of-lymphedema/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:53 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=1140 Introducing New Course Offering!
Brought to you by Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI®)
$350 Discount for all WCC’s
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA

WCEI® is proud to offer you a powerful new partnership with The Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. The Norton School is the premier educational institution for training MDs, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, RNs, and massage therapists to become experts in the treatment of pathologies related to the lymphatic system. Taught by the finest and most experienced faculty in the field, Norton School students receive thorough and rigorous training in the Földi Method of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the therapeutic system regarded as the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of lymphedema by the International Society of Lymphology (ISL).

Students become qualified to treat lymphedema (both primary and secondary), lipedema, phlebo-lymphostatic edema, chronic venous insufficiencies, and post traumatic edema. Additionally, as graduates fully certified in the treatment of lymphedema, Norton School alumni are eligible to sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA®) Examination® for lymphedema therapists.

WCC’s receive $350 Discount
towards the full CDT Certification course.

The information contained herein is for the sole purpose of information and education. WCEI® does not control course content provided by Norton School.

]]> http://blog.wcei.net/professional-training-for-the-treatment-of-lymphedema/feed/ 0 Lymphedema Understanding the Disease and the Role of the Wound Care Specialist in Delivering State of the Art Therapy http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-understanding-disease-role-of-wound-care-specialist-delivering-state-of-art-therapy/ http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-understanding-disease-role-of-wound-care-specialist-delivering-state-of-art-therapy/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:00:05 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=858 The Wild on Wounds National Convention is coming up  September 23-25, 2010 in Las Vegas. Continuing in our session highlights, Lymphedema Understanding the Disease and the Role of the Wound Care Specialist in Delivering State of the Art Therapy will be presented by Steve Norton, Executive Director, Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Matawan NJ

Understanding lyphedema is critical for the successful delivery of state of the art lymphedema therapy. This two part session will focus on the attributes of lymphatic anatomy which contribute to its unique function, the role of lymphatic system in edema management, the charcteristics, and types of lymphedema and differentiation of this disease from others that cause swelling.

For more information about the Wild on Wound National Conference or to register, please check out http://www.wcei.net/wow-conference

For more information about the Wound Care Education Institute and their Skin and Wound Management Course, please visit http://www.wcei.net/course_info

]]> http://blog.wcei.net/lymphedema-understanding-disease-role-of-wound-care-specialist-delivering-state-of-art-therapy/feed/ 0 WCEI® is proud to offer you a powerful new partnership with The Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy http://blog.wcei.net/wcei%c2%ae-is-proud-to-offer-you-a-powerful-new-partnership-with-the-norton-school-of-lymphatic-therapy/ http://blog.wcei.net/wcei%c2%ae-is-proud-to-offer-you-a-powerful-new-partnership-with-the-norton-school-of-lymphatic-therapy/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:25:40 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=593
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA

WCEI® is proud to offer you a powerful new partnership with The Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. The Norton School is the premier educational institution for training MDs, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, RNs, and massage therapists to become experts in the treatment of pathologies related to the lymphatic system. Taught by the finest and most experienced faculty in the field, Norton School students receive thorough and rigorous training in the Földi Method of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the therapeutic system regarded as the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of lymphedema by the International Society of Lymphology (ISL).

Students become qualified to treat lymphedema (both primary and secondary), lipedema, phlebo-lymphostatic edema, chronic venous insufficiencies, and post traumatic edema. Additionally, as graduates fully certified in the treatment of lymphedema, Norton School alumni are eligible to sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA®) Examination® for lymphedema therapists.

To receive $250 Discount towards the full CDT Certification course, use promotional code WC2010 when registering.

Click Here for more information about this exciting opportunity and partnership.

]]> http://blog.wcei.net/wcei%c2%ae-is-proud-to-offer-you-a-powerful-new-partnership-with-the-norton-school-of-lymphatic-therapy/feed/ 0 Dynamic Compression: Pumps & Sleeves http://blog.wcei.net/dynamic-compression-pumps-sleeves/ http://blog.wcei.net/dynamic-compression-pumps-sleeves/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:57:33 +0000 Drew Griffin http://blog.wcei.net/?p=424 Sequential Circulator

Sequential Circulator

Dynamic Compression are devices that provide a therapeutic, controlled external compression or pressure cycle to a limb. Compressed air intermittently inflates a specially designed garment. They are used in venous ulcer management and prophylactically, to reduce edema and aid return of venous blood to the heart. The physician orders should specify level of compression. The compression pump and sleeve should always be applied according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

There are various types of pumps and sleeves available. Additionally there are varying indications and features to these pumps. For example: some are designed to allow for individual calibration of gradient pressure in each chamber. Some systems have multiple chambers. Further, some are indicated for suffering from diabetic foot ulcers or intermittent claudication and some for the treatment of lymphedema and venous stasis ulcers associated with venous insufficiency.

Are you using sequential or dynamic compression for the treatment of your patients? What results are your patients getting? Is there a compliance issue? What say you WCCs?

For more information about the indications and to compare models check out WoundSource.com

For more information about becoming Wound Care Certified, please visit WCEI’s Course Information Page

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