Course Description:

Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL) impacts about 650,000 women affected by breast cancer not just during treatment but years after treatment has completed. There has been a reduction in the incidence of BCRL with advancement in treatment prioritizing the utilization of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, but this has not eliminated the risk. Additional risk reduction measures have been identified including early detection and structured exercise programs taking into consideration the impact of the lymphatic load during exercise and other daily activities. Access to qualified care is a barrier for some women to initiate safe and effective exercise programs. This course is designed for physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and occupational therapists to deepen their skills of understanding the physiology of the lymphatic system, early detection of lymphatic diseases, utilize appropriate care pathways based on the 2020 BCRL Clinical Practice Guideline and clinical apply of the Strength After Breast Cancer program. Clinicians will walk away with psychomotor skills to describe lymphedema, risk reduction strategies, assess Stage 0-1 BCRL to determine SABC participant readiness for initiating the program as well as how to implement and execute the SABC program. This course is NOT designed to certify therapists in Complete Decongestive Therapy or as Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT) course.