The interuniversity course is organized every two years by KU Leuven, Ghent University and University of Antwerp. It is a specialized training program intended for physical therapists with a particular interest in oedema therapy. It is a one-year program with a scientific basis, taught by various national and international experts.
All types of oedema are covered. Based on an extensive theoretical background, practical skills such as diagnosis, evaluation, manual lymph drainage, bandaging, taping, and exercise therapy are taught.
The classes take place in the first semester at various locations (within the three participating universities) on Fridays and Saturdays. In the second semester, students do an internship at various specialized centers (80 hours, 20 of which are in their own practice).
Nele Devoogdt and An-Kathleen are responsible for most of the theory lessons about evaluation, prevention and treatment of upper and lower limb lymphoedema. In addition, they organise practical sessions about evaluation, bandaging and exercise therapy. They also discuss practical cases related to clinical reasoning, bandaging, compression garments and ICG lymphofluoroscopy.
Nick Gebruers is responsible for the theoretical lessons regarding the microcirculation and normal physiology of the lymphatic system. I also provide a theoretical overview of scientific evidence regarding the topics: MLD, Exercise and IPC. I also discuss the chronic edema in neurological conditions and participate in some of the practical sessions.
> Date: organised every 2 years
> Location: Leuven or Pellenberg, Antwerp, Gent
> Organisation: Oedema
> Trainers: Nele Devoogdt and An-Kathleen Heroes (KU Leuven), Nick Gebruers and Tessa De Vrieze (UAntwerpen)
> More information: Oedema.be