LANA
Until LANA came into existance there was no uniform way for patients to know if a person who claimed to be a "lymphedema therapist" really knew anything about the disease. Most states required certification for Nurses, Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists but none required that any of those disciplines have any knowledge of lymphedema. No state required certification to become a lymphedema therapist.
The
Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) is
an organization that was formed to provide national certification for
lymphedema therapists so patients can be assured that they are receiving
treatment from someone who have at least a fundamental knowledge of
lymphedema treatment.
This is an excerpt from their Mission Statement:
"The objective and purposes of the organization shall be to promote standards for management of individuals with Lymphedema and or related disorders, to establish and maintain certification for medical professionals who provide such services and to promote the awareness and science of lymphology.
The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) is a non-profit corporation composed of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists experienced in the field of Lymphology and lymphedema. They have acknowledged the need for a national certification examination for lymphedema therapists, to test knowledge considered fundamental in the treatment of lymphedema. "
Go
to their website here.