North American Seminars Introduces a New Physical Therapy Continuing Education Course Online, The Lymphedema Toolbox

PR Web

Franklin, TN (PRWEB) September 30, 2013

The Lymphedema Toolbox is software tool for therapist looking to learn about lymphedema or enhance their current knowledge. This software tool is a outstanding resource to any professional library. This new version, released on USB for Windows Operating systems, contains over 400 pages of information with photos, 3D renderings, digital movies and illustrations. Information can be viewed onscreen and printed. The information can be used for lymphedema continuing education online and can form the basis of a patient education program for any clinic or hospital.

Key features of this lymphedema education software:

   • Professional Information to Manage Patients with Lymphedema:
   • Enhance or build a foundation of information on the Lymphatic system
   • Understand aspects of lymphedema treatment to include bandaging and massage for lymphedema
   • Lymphedema Continuing Education Course for PT, OT, PTA and COTA
   • Earn up to 15 hours of continuing medical education for PT, OT, PTA and COTA

Delivered on a Windows® OS USB drive, The Lymphedema Toolbox will become a valuable part of your professional library.Material is delivered on Windows® USB and Lymphedema Continuing Medical Education online test and certificate can be taken and printed online. Online continuing education test can be taked as many times as need to achieve 70% or greater test score.

There are over 400 pages of information in the software tool, including information on the following lymphedema treatment related topics:

A 145-page lymphedema education manual covering:
-Types of lymphedema (primary, secondary).
-Symptoms of lymphedema.
-Anatomy of the lymphatic system.
-Transport function (trunks and nodes).
-Physiologic function.
-Stages of lymphedema.
-Treatments for lymphedema.
-Tumors, infections, congestive heart failure.
-Basic fundamentals to mobilize lymphatic fluid.
-Techniques for lymphatic mobilization (scoop, pump, rotary).
-Lymphatic watershed.
-Treatment of the upper extremity.
-Treatment of the lower extremity.
-Treatment of the back and neck.
-Understanding volumetric analysis.
-Bandaging principles for the upper and lower extremity.
-Compression sleeves and garments.
-Developing exercise programs.

Printable patient forms, in addition to the 145 page manual include:
Protocols for patients after breast cancer surgery
-Designed to assist the patient who has had a post- mastectomy/post-lumpectomy with axillary node dissection achieve their pre-surgical functional status.
-Decrease pain and facilitate healing.
Educate the patient about the early signs and symptoms of lymphedema. Separate protocols for the upper and lower extremity
-Designed to reduce and stabilize lymphedema.
Educate the patient in an independent home program for self care of upper and lower extremity lymphedema.
-Designed to restore an optimal level of function for the involved upper/lower extremity.
General bandage information for patients
-Explains how compression bandages work.
Details the different types of compression bandages and their use and care.
-Answers common questions like, “How do I wash my bandages?”, “How long do the bandages last?”, “Does insurance cover the cost of my bandages?”
Step by step self bandaging illustrations for the upper and lower extremity
Illustrations guide the patient step by step through upper and lower extremity bandaging.
Detailed directions support each illustration.
Step by Step Instructions for Self Massage
-Detailed description for the left arm, right arm and bilateral arm.
-Detailed description for the left leg, right leg, and bilateral leg.
Patient Checklist
-Provides a checklist for the professional to ensure they discuss important patient related issues, such as the overall therapy plan, definition of lymphedema, precautions, community resources, bandage/compression guidelines, garment choices, massage guidelines, self/home care guidelines, skin care and exercise guidelines.
“What is Lymphedema?” Education Sheets
-Provides an overview for patients with lymphedema.
General Guidelines for an Independent Home Management Program of Lymphedema
Transition from bandages to garments.
Signs of infection.
Guidelines and Precautions
Details twenty issues that patients with lymphedema need to consider, such as skin care, the importance of diet, and airplane travel.
Garment Information
-What are garments?
-Advantages/disadvantages of over-the-counter garments and custom garments.
Common questions regarding garments such as care, purchase issues, insurance reimbursement and types of compression.
Community Resources
Provides a list of websites for additional information on lymphedema.
Exercises For the Arm and Leg
Detailed descriptions on how to perform specific exercises for the arm and leg.