Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Lymphatic System Anatomy Overview

Covers lymph vessels, nodes, ducts, and organs as a connected network. Establishes the structural map students reference throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Lymph Transport Mechanisms

Details intrinsic lymphangion contractions and extrinsic pumping forces. Students understand what manual techniques must replicate or support.

Lesson 3 • Lymph Fluid Physiology

Explains interstitial fluid formation, lymph composition, and reabsorption dynamics. Connects tissue-level fluid balance to massage outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Immune Functions of Lymph Tissue

Describes antigen filtration, lymphocyte activity, and immune surveillance in nodes. Grounds safety decisions in immunological awareness.

Lesson 1 • Fibrosis and Tissue Changes

Explains progressive fibrotic changes in chronic lymphedema and their palpation characteristics. Prepares students to adapt pressure and technique accordingly.

Lesson 2 • Primary and Secondary Lymphedema

Contrasts congenital lymphatic malformations with acquired damage from surgery or infection. Establishes staging criteria used in treatment planning.

Lesson 3 • Contraindications and Precautions

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications for lymphatic massage. Students apply a structured screening process before every session.

Lesson 4 • Edema Classification and Causes

Distinguishes pitting, non-pitting, and mixed edema by etiology. Provides the diagnostic vocabulary used in client assessment throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Limb Volume Measurement Methods

Teaches circumferential tape measurement and water displacement volumetry. Students calculate limb volume differences to track treatment progress.

Lesson 2 • Treatment Plan Documentation

Guides students in writing structured session plans with frequency, duration, and outcome measures. Establishes professional record-keeping habits from the start.

Lesson 3 • Skin and Tissue Assessment

Covers palpation techniques for tissue texture, temperature, and fibrosis grading. Findings directly inform pressure selection and technique sequencing.

Lesson 4 • Health History and Intake Process

Structures a comprehensive intake interview covering medical history, medications, and prior treatments. Ensures informed consent and baseline documentation.

Lesson 1 • Principles of MLD Pressure and Rhythm

Establishes the light-pressure, slow-rhythm parameters that distinguish MLD from other massage. Students calibrate touch before applying any specific stroke.

Lesson 2 • Sequencing and Treatment Order

Establishes the proximal-first, central-to-peripheral sequencing rule for all MLD sessions. Students build complete sequence templates for upper and lower body.

Lesson 3 • Rotary and Thumb Circle Techniques

Covers rotary technique for flat surfaces and thumb circles for small or detailed areas. Expands the student's stroke repertoire for varied body regions.

Lesson 4 • Pump and Scoop Strokes

Introduces pump technique for limb collectors and scoop for curved surfaces. Students apply these strokes in proximal-to-distal sequencing drills.

Lesson 1 • Anterior Trunk Protocol

Covers axillary and inguinal node preparation followed by abdominal and thoracic drainage. Students redirect flow across watershed lines when nodes are compromised.

Lesson 2 • Posterior Trunk and Lumbar Region

Addresses posterior watershed drainage toward axillary and inguinal nodes. Prone positioning and stroke direction are coordinated with anterior trunk work.

Lesson 3 • Neck and Cervical Node Protocol

Focuses on superficial cervical chain preparation as the gateway for all head and face drainage. Correct node sequencing prevents backflow into treated areas.

Lesson 4 • Face and Scalp Drainage Techniques

Adapts stationary circles and thumb techniques to facial contours and scalp. Students address periorbital, nasal, and mandibular drainage zones.

Lesson 1 • Upper Extremity Anatomy for MLD

Reviews axillary node groups, arm collector pathways, and hand drainage zones. Provides the anatomical map guiding every upper limb stroke decision.

Lesson 2 • Complete Leg MLD Sequence

Executes inguinal preparation, thigh, knee, lower leg, and foot drainage in correct order. Students practice supine and prone positioning transitions.

Lesson 3 • Lower Extremity Anatomy for MLD

Maps inguinal and popliteal node groups, thigh collectors, and foot drainage zones. Establishes the anatomical basis for all lower limb protocol decisions.

Lesson 4 • Complete Arm MLD Sequence

Guides students through axillary preparation, upper arm, elbow, forearm, and hand drainage in order. Timed practice drills build consistent session pacing.

Lesson 1 • Therapeutic Exercise for Lymph Flow

Prescribes diaphragmatic breathing and limb exercises that enhance lymph transport during compression. Students teach clients a home exercise routine.

Lesson 2 • Compression Bandaging Principles

Covers short-stretch bandaging layers, pressure gradients, and padding materials. Students apply and remove multi-layer bandages on upper and lower limbs.

Lesson 3 • Skin and Wound Care in CDT

Addresses hygiene, moisturizing, and wound management to prevent infection in lymphedema skin. Students identify early cellulitis signs requiring medical referral.

Lesson 4 • CDT Framework and Phases

Explains the intensive and maintenance phases of complete decongestive therapy. Students understand how MLD fits within the broader CDT structure.

Lesson 1 • Pediatric Lymphedema Considerations

Modifies pressure, duration, and communication for children with primary lymphedema. Students engage caregivers in home management education.

Lesson 2 • Post-Surgical Edema Management

Covers early post-operative MLD timing, scar tissue effects, and wound healing stages. Students adapt pressure and coverage to surgical site restrictions.

Lesson 3 • Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Applies gentle MLD for comfort and symptom relief in palliative settings. Students balance edema reduction goals with quality-of-life priorities.

Lesson 4 • Oncology-Related Lymphedema

Addresses lymphedema arising from cancer treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Students apply oncology massage safety guidelines throughout.