Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certification
Course Description
This 5½-day MLD certification course is based on the techniques developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, Ph.D., MT. When skillfully applied, this therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization dramatically enhances lymph formation and promotes drainage within the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network. During this course, students will be instructed in anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. Basic MLD treatment sequences as well as MLD treatment sequences for mild, medically uncomplicated upper and lower extremity lymphedema will be demonstrated and practiced. Each day will be divided into two sections: theoretical and hands-on application.
course objectives
Participants will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and the relevant scientific terminology related to the lymphatic system.
Demonstrate an understanding of the differentiation between the normal and diseased states of the lymphatic system (physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system).
Demonstrate an understanding of the indications and contraindications related to the use of MLD.
Competently perform the techniques of MLD for all body areas.
Develop appropriate treatment strategies for indications such as post-surgical edema, post-traumatic edema, fibromyalgia, general detoxification and other conditions.
Competently perform MLD on clients after breast surgery for cancer (clients at risk to develop lymphedema).
Competently perform MLD on clients with mild, medically uncomplicated, primary or secondary lymphedema.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Perfection!
Nicola is a great teacher. The combination of her extensive knowledge and experience with her warm, witty nature is perfectly effective.
I felt Nicola's instruction was great! As a retired school teacher, I felt she did a fantastic job balancing her whole group instruction, then breaking it down into small hands-on demonstration with each pair, and lastly, giving feedback immediately to the attendees. She created a safe learning environment and was very attentive to our over-all needs. Her organization skills are amazing in addition to expertise in knowledge. I could not have hand-selected a better instructor! She is a jewel. I also feel welcome to reach out to her in the future should I need her expertise!
Excellent quality instruction. Thorough, very knowledgeable, great sense of humor, beautiful technique, helpful, patient, and a wonderful role model/mentor to look up to.
Nicola is the most amazing instructor I’ve had since massage school and I’ve taken a lot of massage CEUs. She is patient, concise in explanation, and very clear in details of complicated subject matter. I would say that she is better at explaining many things than some nursing professors years ago.
At first, I didn’t understand why this class was 6 days in length. However, as the class progressed, I now understand. It’s a vast body of information and the techniques need to be exact and precise. So thank you for the detailed training. I appreciate this.
Nicola is an amazing instructor. Her passion and knowledge of the material shines through in her teaching. She’s incredibly patient and kind and caring.
The study was perfectly paced.
I was blown away. I love the work and so appreciate the KLOSE training.
The instructor was very well versed on all topics, understanding of contents, and was compassionate to my specific challenges during the class.
[The best part was] getting enough time hands-on to really be able to practice strokes and sequences with instructor and peer feedback.
Nicola is extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter and presented it in an easy to understand way. She took the time to thoughtfully answer questions and made sure each student understood the information or the technique demonstrated. She provided quality instruction.
Watching Nicola was like watching a choreographed dance. Such beautiful flow. Her knowledge was so very helpful. She was available and happy to answer question. Her patience with our learning was gentle and encouraging.
Nicola was an amazing instructor! You can tell she has a gift of teaching and providing a positive learning environment for her students. She was hands on, attentive and personable. She gave examples of her own client experience which I know I really appreciated (as did others). She was able to openly and thoughtfully answer any questions we had, while still being able to jump right back onto the topic that we left off on to continue teaching necessary information. She gave great feedback and areas where each of us could improve on in our hands-on skill.
Hello!! I just wanted to send a hello, and also I had my very first MLD session tonight and it went amazing and I just wanted to tell you again how grateful I am for everything that you were able to teach us and for this career path, I owe it all to you!! You’re an amazing teacher and also an amazing therapist and I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for everything!!
I wanted to reach out to express my heartfelt gratitude for the inspiration you’ve provided throughout our Manual Lymphatic Drainage training. Your gentle, caring touch and deep understanding of MLD have not only been impactful in my learning but have also inspired me to take the step to renew/reactivate my nursing license. Seeing how much positive impact this work can bring, I am excited to incorporate MLD into my practice and use it to help those around me. Thank you again for being such an inspiring mentor.
Can’t thank you enough for all your generosity and inspiration during our training. I am enriched and inspired by your skills, passion and commitment to healing, research and leadership.
Nicola, Thank you so much for being such an amazing inspiring teacher. Everyone in SD appreciated your expertise and support in every way. You should be SO happy to know you are doing exactly what God sent you here to do! Seriously, just watching you was hypnotic!
prerequisites
This course is designed for Licensed/Registered Massage Therapists who have completed at least 500 hours of massage training or are certified by the NCBTMB. The course is also open to PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, ATCs, RNs, and MDs but these professionals should first consult with Klose Training to ensure this is the appropriate class.
Tuition Fee
$1300.00
UPCOMING CLASSES
2025 Schedule
Atlanta GA - February 17-22 The Heal Center
Austin TX - March 21 to 23 and 28 to 30 (Over 2 Weekends) The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. To register, please contact the school at tlcmassageschool.com.
South Bend IN - March 3-8 Therapeutic Indulgence
Chicago IL - April 18-23 Pacific College of Health and Science
Bloomington MN - April 27- May 2 - Northwestern Health Sciences University
Philadelphia PA - May 19-24 - Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork
Beaverton OR - - July 7-12 -Hilton Garden Inn Portland/Beaverton
San Diego CA, - August 18-23 - Pacific College of Health and Science
Boulder (Lafayette)CO - September 12-17 Hampton Inn and Suites Lafayette Medical Center. Please visit Klose Training for registration details https://klosetraining.com/mld/mld0925co/
Hyde Park VT - October 17-22 - Green Mountain Massage School
Everett WA - November 7 to 9 and 14 to 16 (Over 2 Weekends) North by Northwest School of Massage
Nicola will also be presenting a one day workshop for the Colorado AMTA conference in April of 2025.
If you would like information on dates for these classes, please contact Nicola or Geri at admin@nicolamcgill.com or call 512 758 3811
