Course Instructor

Elizabeth Augustine, PT, DPT received her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons College, Boston, MA in December of 2006. Her specialty is adult oncology physical therapy. She was senior staff physical therapist and the oncology coordinator for the physical therapy section, rehabilitation medicine department at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD from 1994-2005. She was also a consultant to the Breast Cancer Center at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD from 1999-2005. Elizabeth is president emeritus of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. She received training in lymphedema management from Doctors John and Judith Casely Smith in Australia. She has been an associate investigator on different NIH intramural oncology research protocols and a NIH extramural grant reviewer on lymphedema. She has published numerous chapters, articles and abstracts related to oncology rehabilitation including lymphedema. Dr. Augustine has lectured extensively on lymphedema to professional organizations and patient support groups. She was a member of the American Cancer Societys work group to develop a brochure on lymphedema for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to oncology rehabilitation. Elizabeth currently resides in Arizona and is practicing as a lymphedema therapist in both a large acute care hospital and home health care. Dr. Augustines extensive background with cancer and lymphedema is demonstrated throughout her course presentation.

Lymphedema Management of the Upper and Lower Extremities

This comprehensive three-day course is designed to teach therapists the most current management techniques to effectively treat lymphedema. Recent research studies are thoroughly discussed validating current treatment techniques. Participants will leave this course with the information and techniques needed to immediately begin managing patients with lymphedema. Effective assessment and treatment approaches are thoroughly explained and practiced in the laboratory exercises. Clinicians will gain information pertaining to the manual techniques required to appropriately design a therapeutic treatment approach and self-care program.

Lymphedema may range in severity from mildly annoying with poor aesthetics to severely debilitating and disabling. Regardless of the severity of the patients lymphedema, pain, decreased range of motion, decreased limb strength and decreased functional abilities are often present. In order to address these issues the therapist needs to understand how to minimize the edema by creating a healthier cell environment while simultaneously working to improve range of motion, strength and function.

Successful functional outcomes with lymphedema patients can be achieved if the therapist has the appropriate clinical skills and current theoretical knowledge of lymphedema. Emphasis must also be placed on teaching the patient to effectively manage their lymphedema. This course provides the therapist with the skills to achieve successful outcomes and develop self-care programs for lymphedema patients. Participants also receive intense practical experience in a small class environment, which prepares the therapist to immediately apply the skills in the clinical setting.

Category: lymphedema training course, physical therapy continuing education course, occupational therapy continuing education course


  • Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymph system.
  • Describe the pathophysiology of lymphedema and pathogenesis of common upper and lower extremity lymphedema.
  • Understand the common diagnostic procedures for lymphedema.
  • Recognize, assess and treat the different classifications of upper and lower extremity lymphedema.
  • Perform proper massage techniques to enhance lymphatic flow and explain the physiologic rationale for lymph drainage massage.
  • Correctly apply short stretch compression bandages in the treatment of upper and lower extremity lymphedema.
  • Perform limb measurements that provide acceptable documentation of outcome measures.
  • Instruct patients and health care professionals in precautions and skin care.
  • Choose the appropriate compression garments and instruct patients in correct application.
  • Develop appropriate individualized treatment programs for successful functional outcomes.


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    Lymphedema Management of the Upper and Lower Extremities



    Start DateEnd DateLocation - **Click to Map It**TuitionHrsHotelRegister
    Mar 16, 12Mar 18, 12UHS-Summerlin Hospital

    Las Vegas, NV

    		$495.0023.00View HotelsRegister
    Apr 20, 12Apr 22, 12Methodist Dallas Medical Center

    Dallas, TX

    		$495.0023.00View HotelsRegister
    Jun 22, 12Jun 24, 12Providence Health and Home Services

    Renton, WA

    		$495.0023.00View HotelsRegister

    All courses are pre-approved by the state licensing boards for physical therapist and occupational therapist license renewal in the state the course is offered. For additional inquiry regarding approval in a particular state contact us


    North American Seminars Inc. 1-800-300-5512 - physical therapy continuing education courses and occupational therapy continuing education courses

    The medical content of this page was contributed by Elizabeth Augustine, PT, DPT. This page was updated on January 24 2012

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