Archive: Business & Technology

Jennifer Forte, LMT, CLT, owner of White Owl Healing Arts in Ithaca, NY recently received her certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage from Klose Training, www.klosetraining.com. Klose Training is an internationally recognized Lymphedema therapy training and certification program.

Forte received her certification after completing 90 hours of classroom lecture, practical applications and testing at Klose Training's Integrative Lymphedema Therapy Certification Program in Baltimore, MD, from Feb. 17-25, 2012. Forte was also required to complete 45 hours of home study lecture as a pre-requisite to attending the certification program.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which excess fluid collects in body tissue, causing edema, or swelling. The excess build-up is the result of a blockage or obstruction in the lymphatic system, and can occur in the lymphatic vessels or glands (lymph nodes). Primary Lymphedema is often evident at birth or shortly after puberty, and is caused by a mutation of the genes in the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema is most often caused by cancer, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, removal of the lymph nodes, infection, or other trauma to the lymphatic system.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) including Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is the recommended treatment for Lymphedema, and considered the most effective. Manual Lymph Drainage requires special massage techniques that differ from other massage therapies, in order to move the blocked or obstructed fluids, which can thicken and become viscous, as a result of the blockage. The fluids are moved into working lymph nodes, where the body then drains them. Certification is required before a therapist can provide them.

Forte's certification also allows her to provide Multi-layer Lymphedema Bandaging (MLLB), which is a part of Complete Decongestive Therapy. MLLB uses bandages and compression garments to support the muscles in the affected part of the body, and encourage them to move the fluids so they eventually drain. Forte will provide the bandaging as part of the treatment, and provide measurements to ensure clients wear properly sized compression garments.

Forte is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage and is certified in both therapeutic massage and hydrotherapy. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Arts from SUNY New Paltz.

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