About Us
‘Through knowledge, training, education and passion, Lymphoedema Training Academy will produce therapists with the most current and relevant knowledge of lymphoedema and related conditions to equip them with the skills to provide the highest level of treatment available for the person living with lymphoedema or related conditions.’
Mission Statement
Lymphoedema Training Academy (LTA) commenced training lymphoedema therapists in 2002, in 2023 the academy will have been training therapists for over 21 years.
Over this time, we have trained thousands of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and manual therapists. The training academy was started by Jane Wigg who commenced lymphoedema management in 1994 and realised quickly that there were very few specific courses available to train highly skilled therapists.
Jane and LTA are internationally renowned and multi award winning. Jane recognised for her knowledge skills and research into lymphoedema and lymphoedema management. The Lymphoedema Training Academy has a team of expert doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, chiropodists, and manual therapists who provide expert training to students.
We pride ourselves on the personal attention we offer you and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere we promote. Together, these enable you to develop the professional skills you need to reach your highest potential. To fit Janes ethos, training is conducted in a relaxed, fun, and entertaining manner to allow you to relax and enjoy the training, meaning you transfer essential skills to you client group.
Although our headquarters are in the UK, training also takes place predominantly in South Africa, Australia, Netherlands, and Singapore with additional training in India, Ireland, Gibraltar, and USA.
You are invited from anywhere in the world to join us here at LTA, to expand your skills and learn an enhanced way of providing lymphoedema management.
As a teaching academy, we uphold standards of training and education with inherent protocols and quality and take our responsibility seriously for the impact that our training has on you, being transferred to patient outcomes and quality of life.
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‘Because people living with lymphatic conditions, deserve better.’
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that can be monitored and managed.
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It is the swelling of a part of the body due to a build-up of fluid in the skin. It usually affects the legs or arms but can affect any part of the body. Sometimes termed chronic oedema, if been present for longer than 3 months, it is reported to affect about 6 people in 1000, depending on age.
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For those that have chronic oedema, it can feel uncomfortable, unsightly, and affect self-confidence. It can affect mobility and movement and some people experience pain. Living with lymphoedema can be distressing and is an insult to an already difficult condition which could have caused it.
What causes Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema occurs when there is a problem with the lymphatic system. The lymphatics form part of your immune system and are responsible for cleansing your tissues and maintaining a balance of fluids in your body. If the lymphatic system is not working correctly, fluid will collect in the skin and oedema starts.
Types of Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema can be described as primary or secondary.
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Primary lymphoedema is usually present from birth and arises due to the under-development or failure of the lymphatic system. It may develop without any obvious cause at different stages in life, however, particularly at birth, in adolescence or at hormone changes. There are many genes that are now recognised as causing lymphoedema, particularly if it runs in families and genetic testing is possible.
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Secondary lymphoedema is the result of a problem outside of the lymphatic system that prevents it working properly. This can be due to surgery, radiotherapy, injury or infection, reduced mobility/paralysis or problems with veins and cancer.
There are many successful treatments available to help you treat and manage your lymphoedema lifelong
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual or Medical Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is described as ‘a very gentle skin stretching technique or massage designed to move the skin in specific directions based on the underlying structure and physiology of the lymphatic system’ (BLS 2001).
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The stretching and massage techniques is designed to encourage fluid into and along the lymphatic vessels, which carry cells and hormones vital to the body’s defences and remove waste products. The aim of MLD is to move fluid to an area where it can flow more freely.
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There are several types of MLD available and here at LTA we train you in the Fluoroscopy Guided Manual Lymphatic drainage (FG-MLD®). We use this technique because we know it is the best and produces great results. Not only that but it is easy to learn and teach your patients. We believe that our personal evidence gained through Near Infrared Imaging clinics (NIR) has allowed us to modify and alter our learning, respecting the strengths of our forefathers.
​FG-MLD® Technique
The lymphatic drainage used within LTA is Fluoroscopy Guided MLD (FG-MLD®/ ‘Fill & Flush’ technique).
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This pioneering technique has been developed by Prof J P Belgrado (University of Brussels) following the imaging of thousands of human lymphatic systems. This had allowed to identify, for the first time, the usual lymphatic pathways used by those with and without lymphoedema. Fluoroscopy also provides real-time images of the lymphatics allowing for you to see how to use your hands to move fluid better and ensure that we are conducting an effective technique.
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It is from the feedback of fluoroscopy that Prof. Belgrado has developed the new and researched based technique known as ‘Fill & Flush.’
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Our FG-MLD® technique builds on foundations of pioneers of MLD, such and Vodder and Földi but is devised with the most recent finding from current research and anatomy, pathology, and physiology.
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The technique continues to develop from the evidence built from Jane Wigg and ICG imaging at LymphVision clinics. This allows for LTA and their trainers to update current thinking and modify to ensure the most effective and efficient treatments.
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Since October 2014, LTA has trained over 1500 therapists in FG-MLD®, the feedback continuing to exceed all expectations, with therapists seeing faster outcomes and shorter treatment times.
Who can train?
We have a variety of courses, for differing entry levels!
Our technique can be taught to all healthcare professionals who have a state registration, degree level training such as medics, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors.
In addition, if you are working as a Health Care Assistant or Support Worker alongside an LTA Certified Therapist, you can undertake training and carry out prescribed care from your supervisor.
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We have bespoke training courses for Complementary Therapists/Sports Therapist/Bodyworkers and Massage Therapists, which has been accredited by The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
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For detailed course information and to find the right course for you, head over to our training course page.