Therapist Support for Lipedema

 

Skilled in a hands-on approach to care, physical, occupational, and massage therapy professionals develop Lipedema treatment plans focused on mobility, pain management, joint stability/protection, and improving lymphatic function. While a therapist cannot make an official medical diagnosis, they are often the first person to recognize Lipedema and direct the patient towards a physician (often an MD or DO), for confirmation.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist (PT)

Physical therapists provide treatment for patients with injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions. Their primary objective is to assist patients in avoiding surgical interventions and reliance on prescription drugs. They strive to enhance patients' mobility, pain management, and management of chronic conditions. Additionally, physical therapists focus on preventing future issues, while also enhancing patients' physical function and overall fitness.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Physical therapist assistants are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals who deliver patient care under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. They play a crucial role in executing various aspects of patient care, collecting relevant treatment data, and working collaboratively with the physical therapist to adapt the care plan when needed.

Learn more at: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapist (OT) & Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants prioritize facilitating the tasks that are desirable and necessary for individuals in their day-to-day lives. The intervention of occupational therapy encompasses the utilization of everyday activities (occupations) to enhance overall health, well-being, and one's capacity to engage in significant activities. These activities encompass any meaningful endeavor that an individual aims to achieve, such as self-care, family responsibilities, employment, volunteer work, education, and numerous others.

In all states and territories that regulate occupational therapy, the supervision of occupational therapy assistants is required by an occupational therapist. State requirements for supervision differ.

Learn more at: American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Massage Therapy

In the field of massage therapy, a professional massage therapist employs techniques such as rubbing and kneading to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. This encompasses a variety of components, including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The massage therapist skillfully adjusts the pressure and movement to cater to individual needs. It is worth noting that massage therapy plays a fundamental role in the realm of integrative medicine, and is frequently offered alongside conventional treatments in medical centers. Its applications extend to a diverse range of medical conditions.

Learn more at: Mayo Clinic

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Most states regulate the massage therapy profession through state registration, state certification, or state licensure. In addition, local governments such as cities and counties may also impose regulations on massage therapy. Among these forms of professional regulation, licensure is the most stringent, as it prohibits individuals from practicing as massage therapists without obtaining a valid license.

Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)

Certification and licensing are two distinct processes. Certification is typically offered by private, non-governmental agencies, often established by professional associations. These agencies aim to identify and recognize individuals who have met specific standards. In contrast, licensing laws require practitioners of certain occupations to obtain a license in order to practice, making it mandatory.

Unlike licensing, certification is voluntary. It is not a requirement for practicing a profession. Individuals choose to take certification exams in order to benefit from being certified. However, in order to use the protected title and associated initials of a professional certification, one must be certified.

Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)

A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is a highly trained professional in the field of massage therapy. RMTs have successfully completed a comprehensive educational program and have met all the requirements set by their respective regulatory body. In jurisdictions such as Canada, the title "Registered Massage Therapist" is specifically used to designate a regulated healthcare professional who has fulfilled specific criteria, including completing a minimum number of training hours and passing a standardized exam.

RMTs are bound by a stringent code of ethics and are committed to maintaining their registration through ongoing professional development. They possess the necessary qualifications to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions, offering therapeutic and relaxation massages. Moreover, RMTs are well-equipped to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals in order to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Learn more at: American Massage Therapy Association and Revision Massage

Certifications

Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)

Many Certified Lymphedema Therapists complete a 135 hour training course to earn their credentials. These courses cover how to do Complete Decongestive Therapy (which typically consists of Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD, compression bandaging and/or compression garment recommendations, tailored exercise programs, and instruction in good skin care). CDT is most often utilized to treat Lymphedema, but can also be used to treat other related conditions, including Lipedema. Background requirements to become a CLT typically include one of the following current, unrestricted licenses: RN, OT, COTA, PT, PTA, MD, DO, ATC, DC, CMT, RMT or LMT.  There are several different types of schools that offer training to become a CLT. 

LANA Certified

The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to certifying healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and/or treatment of lymphedema and related disorders. In order to be eligible to take the certification exam, candidates must meet the following requirements: 

  • Successfully complete a 135-hour course in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

  • Possess a current, unrestricted US state or international license or registration as a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, Massage Therapist, or Certified Athletic Trainer

  • Meet minimum 12 college-credit hour science requirements

  • Submit completed application with $430 application fee

Learn more at: Lymphology Association of North America

Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)

The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS®) board certification is an official recognition of an advanced level of knowledge and specialized practice in wound management. The CWS® board certification is a highly esteemed and demanding certification in wound care, serving as evidence of a unique and specialized expertise in the field. In order to be eligible to take the certification exam, individuals must meet specific requirements, including:

  • A licensed DO, DPM, MD, NP, DVM, PA, PT, OT, PharmD, RD, or RN with 3 or more years of clinical wound care experience.

  • Candidates must possess a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state and in all states in which the candidate currently practices.

Learn more at: American Board of Wound Management