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Academay of Lymphatic Studies
Academy of Lymphatic Studies
by Joachim E. Zuther
The academy’s founder Joachim Zuther, began training in lymphedema (LE)
management with Professor Michael Fŕldi, MD at the Fŕldi School in Freiburg,
Germany in 1984. He continued his studies in the field of lymphology with Professors
Asdonk, MD and Kuhnke, MD, at the Institute of Lymphology, in the Feldberg Clinic in
Feldberg, Germany, where Dr. Vodder and his wife Astrid were instructors.
Dr. Asdonk, who met Dr. Vodder and learned his techniques, had different opinions
regarding the technical aspects of the Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) strokes. Their
partnership ended in 1971, and Dr. Asdonk continued his extensive research on the
effectiveness of MLD and its effects on the lymphatic system. Based on Asdonk’s
work, MLD as a treatment for LE became reimbursable by the national health
care insurance system in Germany in 1974.. In cooperation with Professors Fŕldi,
Kuhnke, Gregl and others, Asdonk’s research led to the development of a new
therapy concept. This enabled the successful treatment of swellings of various
geneses, with the addition of new and more effective intervention techniques.
Professor Kuhnke’s work in the development of standardized limb volume
measurement techniques provided further evidence of the effectiveness of
this therapy. The combination of these techniques is known today as
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT); Professor Michael Fŕldi coined this term.
Joachim Zuther, received his degree as a certified instructor for MLD
(Vodder Technique) and MLD/CDT from the German Physical Therapy
Association. Later in 1990, he founded the Ulmkolleg/Department of Lymphology
(University of Ulm, Germany). Four years later Mr. Zuther came to the United States
and established the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (AOLS). The first school to
offer LE Therapy Certification Courses, according to the European
curriculum. Mr Zuther is the author of "Lymphedema Management, the
Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners,” the first textbook on LE
management, published in English by Thieme Medical and Scientific
Publishers, New York, NY, 2004.
The academy conducts certification courses in the “advanced” Vodder
Technique of MLD and CDT–135 hours of training. This new therapy concept
evolved with a more detailed knowledge about the anatomy and physiology
of the lymphatic system and an expanding list of indications, as well as
contraindications.
All aspects of this highly effective therapy: MLD, decongestive exercises,
compression therapy and skin care, are taught by the academy’s highly trained
and certified instructors. Shorter duration of 31 and 16-hour course are
available, in the form of LE management seminars. The 16-hour course is a
LANA exam preparation course, to ensure a detailed review of the anatomy,
physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system. Also, the annual refresher
and advanced courses are open to LE therapists from all other schools.
To further enhance learning, the courses are held in small classroom
environments in the US, coupled with up-to-date teaching technologies.
Continuing Benefits for AOLS Graduates
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies is committed to the ongoing support of its
graduates and the LE community and offers ongoing services such as…
1. Free Therapist Resource Directory
2. Free Consulting Services – Therapists who run into "problem cases" can
consult with the faculty members and the board, who have different areas of
specialization.
3. Complimentary service to consult on publication projects or have
manuscripts reviewed.
4. Annual conferences and advanced courses.
5. Educational materials - published textbook, posters depicting the lymphatic
system, educational DVD’s, presentation slides, computer programs for limb
volume measurements and patient information materials are available.
6. Low cost LE management supplies and materials to Graduates - such
as short-stretch bandages and support sleeves.
For more information on the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and please visit
www.acols.com or call 800-863-5935
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