Head & Neck Lymphedema: How to Evaluate & Treat
Course Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
-
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
-
Describe the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic and venous systems in the head and neck, including drainage pathways and nodal structures.
-
Explain how surgical and radiation interventions contribute to secondary lymphedema in head-and-neck cancer patients.
- Describe the role of free flaps in our patients anatomy
- Differentiate between tracheostomy and laryngectomy patient care and anatomy
-
-
Etiology & Differential Diagnosis
-
List common causes of head-and-neck edema, differentiating between postoperative swelling and secondary lymphedema.
-
Describe and assess the functional and psychosocial impact of lymphedema on communication, swallowing, breathing, and quality of life.
-
-
Clinical Assessment
-
Conduct thorough assessments using history, observation, palpation, circumferential measurements, and functional testing.
-
-
Management Techniques
-
Demonstrate competency in manual lymph drainage (external and intra‑oral), compression wrapping, kinesio‑taping, and appropriate compression garment selection.
-
Apply evidence-informed adjunct treatments, such as exercises for trismus, skin care, and scar management.
-
-
Treatment Planning & Case Application
-
Develop individualized treatment plans aimed at reducing edema, improving communication, swallowing, and enhancing psychosocial wellbeing.
-
Analyze case studies and perform hands-on treatment sessions with guided reflection on outcomes.
- Describe the role of radiation associated trismus and treatment options for our patients.
-
Interprofessional & Ethical Practice
-
Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team—including SLPs, CLTs, oncologists, Nurses, OTs Massage Therapist, and PTs—for holistic management of head-and-neck lymphedema.
-
Who Should Enroll
-
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
-
Occupational therapists or Occupational Therapy Assistants with Certified Lymphedema Training
-
Physical therapists or Physical Therapy Assistants with Certified Lymphedema Training
- Nurses with Certified Lymphedema Training
-
Massage Therapist with Certified Lymphedema Training
Continuing Education
-
24 Contact Hours
-
2.4 CEUs
Schedule - 4 Hours Online Live Virtual (Self-Study Option potentially)
- Friday: 8AM-5:30PM
- Saturday: 8AM-5:30PM
- Sunday: 8AM-12:00PM
- Lunch Provided Friday & Saturday from 12:00-1:00PM
Meet Your Instructor:
Lauren Meffen MA CCC/SLP, CLT
Lauren Meffen is a speech language pathologist with a passion for working with voice and swallow disorders. She has remained local to Gainesville after receiving her schooling with Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Florida. Lauren has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, skilled nursing, home health and has now found her heart belongs in the outpatient setting. Here she can provide a high level of individualized and quality care for each patient and family.
Over the years, she has developed a love and specialization in working with the oncology population. She has advanced training in management of lymphedema of the head and neck as a CLT, trismus therapy, muscle tension dysphonia, FEES, stroboscopy, MDTP, RMST and myofascial release techniques. She strongly champions a comprehensive approach toward treating the whole patient, with the involvement of a skilled, multi-disciplinary team.
Instructional Personnel Disclosures:
Lauren Meffen MA CCC/SLP, CLT
Financial: Owner of Wildflower Therapy and receives a Salary, Owner of Head Neck Rehab and receives a portion of those sales, Owner of Amplification Resistance Kinetics of the Jaw Stretching Device (ARKJ SD) rights
Non Financial: Lauren has no relevant non financial disclosures to review.
Course Format & FAQs
-
Taught live in person on-site 20 Hours and 4 Hours Via Webinar (Self Study Option) =24 Hours
-
Clinical resources and patient handouts
-
Case-based education focus
- What will I walk away with?
- The skills to start evaluating and treating head & neck lymphedema
- Support and mentorship to continue to grow and use these skills.
- Latest up to date science on external lymphedema, internal edema and exercises.
- Hands on practice: this course is designed to keep you moving and growing the skills under your hands through manual therapy techniques
- I will walk away understanding what are the differences between a manual lymph technique and myofascial technique.
- I will learn to use elastic taping to aide in my patient's healing!
How do we work with Head Neck Rehab LLC
Contact us now via email at [email protected]
Phone: (352) 283-0595
Fax: (352) 600-3385
December 5-7, 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana:
University of Holy Cross
4123 Woodland Drive New Orleans, LA 70131
Investment per participant: $650
- In order to get your certificate of completion you will need to attend all 24 hours and also successfully demonstrate manual lymphatic drainage approach for anterior and posterior pathways.
