Due to the rapidly evolving status of COVID-19, the Complete Lymphedema Certifcation Course will be postponed and moved to a future date. Mahalo for your understanding.
REHAB Hospital of the Pacific (REHAB) will be providing an opportunity for medical professionals to take the Complete Lymphedema Certification (CERT) Course, May 16-24, at its Nuuanu campus located at 226 North Kuakini Street. The CERT course is being run by the Academy of Lymphatic studies, one of the leading schools in the U.S. for lymphedema management since 1994. Its nationally-renowned faculty board ensures that its certification graduates have the highest success rates in passing the LANA exam, which is the gold standard of lymphedema certification. This is the first school to bring a lymphedema certification course to Hawaii. Early registration is currently being held and those interested can sign up online.
“We are pleased to be able to offer this certification course on our campus for those seeking to expand their knowledge to help patients suffering from lymphedema,” said Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, Certified Lymphedema Therapist and therapy director at REHAB. “While there is no cure, proper treatment can help manage the condition successfully improving the quality of life for those suffering from lymphedema by reducing discomfort, pain and slowing progression of the disease.”
According to a journal paper in Science Direct between 3 and 5 million people in the United States suffer from lymphedema of which a significant number develops from cancer and its treatment.
Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in superficial tissues and it is a very common and serious condition worldwide. It has important pathological and clinical consequences if left untreated. Secondary lymphedema is often caused by trauma to the lymphatic system, such as surgery, injury, scarring, infection and radiation therapy. Post-mastectomy lymphedema of the upper extremity caused by breast cancer treatment is very common in the United States. Other causes can also create situations where the lymphatic system is overloaded leading to the condition.
The 135 hour course put on by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies certifies therapists in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes manual lymph drainage, compression/bandaging, skin care and exercises. Participants must first complete 45 hours of Home Study online, prior to attending the 90-hour live, hands-on classroom time beginning May 16. Classes will be held 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. except for on the last day. Classes on the last day will start at 8 a.m., but the ending time may vary due to the final tests and number of participants.
According to news from researchers funded by the LE&RN, more Americans have lymphedema and lymphatic diseases than AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease combined. To learn more about treatment programs visit: https://www.rehabhospital.org/programs/lymphedema-management