Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. 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. 

   • Understand the role of free flaps in our patients anatomy
   • Differentiate between tracheostomy and laryngectomy patient care and anatomy

2. Etiology & Differential Diagnosis

   • List common causes of head-and-neck edema, differentiating between postoperative swelling and secondary lymphedema.

   •  Recognize and assess the functional and psychosocial impact of lymphedema on communication, swallowing, breathing, and quality of life.

3. Clinical Assessment

   • Conduct thorough assessments using history, observation, palpation, circumferential measurements, and functional testing.

4. 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. 

5. 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.

   • Understand the role of radiation associated trismus and treatment options for our patients. 

   •  Interprofessional & Ethical Practice

   • Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team—including SLPs, CLTs, oncologists, and PTs—for holistic management of head-and-neck lymphedema.