Join us in beautiful Asheville NC for a Destination Location hands-on introductory course!
Course Highlights:
- Up to 17 CEU hours available to Massage Therapists
- Master gentle manual therapy techniques to reduce lymphatic congestion and improve patient outcomes
- Integrate evidence-informed IMT strategies across orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric, geriatric, cardiac, and pulmonary care
- Address swelling, inflammation, and chronic pain with effective, non-invasive interventions
- Support whole-body health by optimizing circulation, detoxification, and immune function
- Learn practical, hands-on skills you can apply immediately in clinical practice
Clinical Applications Include:
- Orthopedic & Sports Medicine: reducing swelling to restore pain-free mobility
- Neurologic, Pediatric & Geriatric care: enhancing motor and sensory integrity
- Cardiac & Pulmonary rehabilitation: improving functional outcomes and ADLs
- Burn, Scar & Skin conditions: accelerating healing, minimizing contracture and scarring
- Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia: reducing congestion contributing to pain and disability
Time: Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm (registration 8:00-9:00am); Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm; Optional review/lab session: Sunday, 10:00am-1:00pm (additional $125; additional 3 Massage CEUs).
Location: Leicester, NC (just 15 minutes outside of Asheville)
Recommended Lodging:
Hotels:
Country Inn and Suites, Asheville River Arts District
Hampton Inn and Suites, Asheville Biltmore Village
TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Asheville
Hotel Indigo, Asheville Downtown
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
Air BnB: Look for rentals in Leicester and West Asheville for lodging close to the class location.
Course Instructors: Carol Smith, MS, IMT,C & Adrienne Kramer, PT, IMT,C
Cost: $425 for Friday/Saturday 2-day course–$375 EARLY BIRD RATE IF REGISTER BY October 15th!!! ($99 non-refundable deposit); optional lab half-day: additional $125
Available Discounts for Friday/Saturday 2-day course: $375 tuition for early bird registration, groups of 3 or more registering together, military personnel, and students with valid student ID.
Cancellation policy: If cancellation is prior to first day of class, and all tuition has been paid, then tuition will be reimbursed to student minus $99 non-refundable deposit, within 30 days of cancellation date.
Contact Hours/CEHs: The Friday/Saturday 2-day course offers 15 contact hours and will be noted on the certificate of completion. CEUs through NCBTMB are pending. The half-day lab offers an additional 3 contact hours.
Pre-requisites: This is an introductory level course. There are no pre-requisites though it is strongly recommended that students review anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and gastrointestinal tract in advance of the course.
Course Description:
This introductory two-day course provides a comprehensive foundation in Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) techniques for evaluating and treating lymphatic congestion. Lymph therapy plays a vital role in digestion, movement, immune and autoimmune support, pulmonary and cardiac function, and overall metabolic health. Participants will explore how restrictions in lymphatic flow contribute to pain, inflammation, chronic illness, and impaired healing—and will gain hands-on skills to address these dysfunctions effectively.
Through lecture, demonstration, and supervised practice, attendees will learn IMT assessment and treatment strategies for lymph nodes, thoracic inlet drainage, vena cava restrictions, hepatic and portal vein drainage, and lymphatic vessel flow. Emphasis is placed on gentle, non-invasive techniques that support improved circulation, tissue repair, detoxification, and wellness across diverse patient populations.
Learning Outcomes:
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Describe the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and its role in circulation, detoxification, and immune health.
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Identify common signs of lymphatic congestion and its impact across diverse patient populations.
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Demonstrate gentle, hands-on Integrative Manual Therapy techniques to improve lymph node function, thoracic inlet drainage, and lymphatic vessel flow.
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Apply IMT strategies clinically to support recovery in orthopedic, neurologic, geriatric, cardiac, pulmonary, and chronic pain conditions.
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Integrate lymphatic treatment approaches into practice immediately, enhancing patient outcomes in both acute and chronic care.
Course Outline:
Day 1
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Introduction to the lymphatic system: anatomy, physiology, and clinical relevance
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Understanding patterns of lymph congestion and their impact on health
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Hands-on techniques for lymph node decongestion (neck, face, chest, abdomen, extremities)
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Drainage techniques at the thoracic inlet (left & right) to improve systemic flow
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Clinical applications throughout: orthopedic, sports, neurologic, and geriatric care
Day 2
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Manual therapy techniques for superior and inferior vena cava restriction release
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Supporting detoxification: liver, portal vein, and hepatic vein drainage
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Enhancing lymph vessel flow and capillary uptake
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Integrative approaches for chronic pain, fibromyalgia, scars, and skin healing
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Lab practice throughout: applying techniques
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Q&A and clinical integration
Optional Half-Day 3: Review & Lab Session
