Where the FUTURE is in your hands
a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization
manual lymph drainage®
from the vodder school international
taught by kathy fleming
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is “a gentle, non-invasive manual technique” that has a powerful effect on the body. Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.
Developed in France in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder, MLD has grown to be the most well-known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues. The skin is stretched and torqued in a specific manner, based on scientific, physiological principles proven to encourage lymph flow.
Therapists acquire excellent hand skills in the original Dr. Vodder method of MLD with our certified instructors. When performed correctly with the correct pressure, direction and speed, MLD can have profound effects on systems in the body, enhancing recovery and facilitating drainage.
Our expertly trained and certified Dr. Vodder instructors focus on the individual to help develop the skill and techniques for the best possible results for patients. We teach basic Vodder techniques, as well as a range of advanced techniques that enable practitioners to apply MLD to orthopedic, burn, edema, dermatological and other applications.
Level 1 Basic: Foundations of MLD
This is the foundation course and is divided into two parts:
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an online theory component; and
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an in-classroom practical/hands-on component.
Level 1 Theory
An easy-to-follow, online PowerPoint slide format prepared by physicians from the Dr. Vodder Academy. All students entering our training program will take this component first. This requires reading, studying, and an exam, all of which should take between 20 – 45 hours to complete. It is available in English, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Japanese. Successful completion of the online exam enables continuation to the Level 1 practical course.
Level 1 Practical
This 4-day classroom course covers the original Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) strokes and their application to each body part, including neck, face, arms, legs, nape, back, buttocks, chest (including breast), and abdomen. There will be an optional free half-day (2:00 - 6:00 PM) class for Theory Review and Q & A that all students are encouraged to attend. This is planned for the day before the Practical class begins.
REGISTRATION for Level 1:
Level 2: Applied MLD
This 4 and a half-day classroom Practical course is taken after Level 1 is completed. It is designed to refine one's basic techniques and to learn additional Special techniques. This class is also appropriate for those therapists whose focus will be orthopedic/neurological patients and not patients with lymphedema. There are many applications of MLD, apart from those for patients with lymphedema. In this course, clinical indications for MLD are taught incorporating the Specials for patients with a functional lymph vessel system. These include whiplash, burns, migraines, tinnitus, CRPS, stroke, supination trauma of the ankle, knee arthroplasty, cruciate ligament repair, adhesive capsulitis, and hip pathologies. A practical exam is given on the last half-day of this course. Successful completion enables certification in Applied MLD from the Dr. Vodder Academy/School – International. After completing Level 2, you can attend Level 3, Lymphedema Management.
REGISTRATION for Level 2:
about the instructor
Kathy Fleming is the only Doctor Vodder School Instructor in America certified to teach all levels of their uncompromising program including Level I Theory, and Practical I, II & III as well as "Therapy Update" recertification instructor. She was the first PT in Massachusetts to become Dr. Vodder School MLD/CDT certified (in Austria in 1994) and at the Foeldi Clinic in Germany in 1999. She received her CLT-LANA Certified Lymphedema Therapy/-Lymphology Association of North America) certification in 2000. Kathy was also Team Leader for the MLD program, which she founded in 1994 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA, and ran for 15 years. In addition to her private practice and conducting the Dr. Vodder School training throughout the United States, Kathy has worked in rehabilitation across several settings include community hospitals, in- and out-patient nursing homes, school pediatric programs, private practices, and Visiting Nurses Home Care PT. She has lectured on lymphedema at several colleges, universities, and cancer support groups.