Description: Post-acute edema and chronic soft-tissue swelling can severely impede range of motion, delay tissue healing, and increase pain following athletic injury or orthopedic surgery. Taught by an Athletic Trainer specialized in lymphatic manual therapy, this course provides ATs with specialized skills in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) tailored for sports medicine environments. Clinicians will study the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, lymph node pathways, and fluid dynamics. The curriculum covers gentle, rhythmical light-touch strokes designed to stimulate lymphatic vessel contractility, accelerate interstitial fluid removal, and decrease localized swelling. ATs will learn how to apply MLD safely for acute ankle sprains, post-operative joint swelling, contusions, and hematomas to promote faster tissue recovery and return to activity.

Objectives: Describe the physiological mechanics of the lymphatic system and fluid clearance from interstitial tissue spaces. Differentiate between acute inflammatory exudate, chronic edema, and lymphatic system dysfunction in sports injuries. Demonstrate precise, light-pressure MLD stroke techniques following correct anatomical lymphatic drainage pathways. Integrate manual lymphatic drainage protocols into acute post-injury and post-surgical athletic rehabilitation plans. Identify clear contraindications and precautions for MLD, including acute infection, deep vein thrombosis, and cardiac failure.

Presenter(s): Kelly Saxton, ATC, LMT

Status: Active

Activity Difficulty Level: Advanced

Domains:

• Risk Reduction
• Wellness and Health Literacy
• Specialty (Orthopedic): Medical Knowledge
• Specialty (Orthopedic): Procedural Knowledge
• Therapeutic Intervention

Format: Virtual Asynchronous - On Demand

Dual Credentials and JA: Athletic Trainers Only

Start Date & Time: 09/13/2026 07:00 PM

End Date & Time: 01/31/2032 05:59 PM

Cost: $79.95

Capacity: 99999