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Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphatic Training
At Moving Lymph, our fees are structured to provide comprehensive postgraduate training in lymphatic therapies for health professionals at an affordable rate. When you compare our course fee to other CPD programs we are sure you will find our per-day rate is less than most other courses.
Moving Lymph course fees include any course components hosted on the Moving Lymph website (Online Programs or Groups), but not those which are hosted on external sites such as the Dr Vodder Akademie International.
GST, bank fees, Certificate license fees, and DVSI coupon fees are not included in the Course Fee and are paid directly to the Certifying Institution.
Read more under the Course Fees tab.
Read the full Moving Lymph Policy here.
Plain-Language Summary
Enrolments and Course Fees
Initial Registration Fee $50: Includes a $25 Eligibility Check Fee which is credited toward your first course if you're eligible.
Participant eligibility for Certificate courses are set by the Certificate issuer. If you are not eligible the Eligibility Check Fee will be retained and remaining $25 refunded.
Once eligibility is established an invoice for the remaining course fees is sent based on selections made by the participant during registration.
Certificate License Fees: All Certificate courses carry a practitioner registration and licence fee and/or video coupon fees.
Licence and coupon fees associated with certification are payable directly to the relevant institution.
Refunds on Participant Withdrawal
Initial Registration Fee: There are no refunds on the initial registration fee if you are eligible and change your mind.
Online Courses and Group Subscriptions: Online courses and Group subscriptions are non-refundable, including the online components of a Certificate Course.
If you withdraw from the Practical, you can complete any Online Programs to receive a certificate of Completion for CDP hours.
Certificate Course Fees: Practical course fees, less the initial registration fee and online components, are refundable as follows;
Withdraw before the course confirmation date and receive a full refund on the Practical Course components.
After the confirmation date and within four weeks of the Practical course, there is a $150 withdrawal fee for each Level/Certificate.
Between four weeks and one week before the Practical, a forfeit of 50% of the Practical course fee will be retained.
No refunds are given within seven days of the Practical course.
Transfers: You can switch to another course without penalty before the confirmation date.
After confirmation and within four weeks of the original course, there’s a $50 transfer fee for each Level.
There is a $150 transfer fee within four weeks of the original course for each Level.
Cancellations and Complaints Process
Cancelled Courses: If we cancel a Practical course and can’t offer a suitable replacement, you will receive a refund for the Practical and any online components that you have not yet commenced.
Payment Methods and GST: Relevant GST is added based on the selections you make during registration; for example, we do not need to add GST to Practical course fees in NZ. Save money by using direct debit (0% fee) instead of PayPal (3% fee). From New Zealand, you can use WISE or ask for SWIFT details.
Bundle Packages and Payment Plans: Bundle packages and payment plans that span multiple courses, locations, or require more than 12 months to complete will be refunded after retaining full payment for whichever Online Programs and Practical Courses have begun or been completed. Withdrawal fees may also apply depending on the date of withdrawal.
Complaints: Complaints should be directed according to the nature of the complaint as follows
Enrolment process: Participants should refer their complaint to the registration manager at Moving Lymph Pty Ltd using the regsitrion@movingLymph.com.au email address. If the complaint cannot be resolved internally, the complaint should be referred to the relevant state regulator in which the course was held.
Course venues/catering: Complaints should be directed to the local course Organiser.
Certificate Courses: Complaints should be directed to the relevant Certificate Issuer.
A range of lymphatic drainage techniques are taught by different schools. Many of these methods are described using the term MLD, even when they are not teaching the original Dr. Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage.
Some approaches, such as the Casley-Smith method, are based on lymphatic effleurage. This involves gentle stroking movements applied along lymph vessels in the direction of lymph flow. The pressure temporarily moves fluid while the stroke is being applied, but once the pressure stops, the movement of lymph generally stops as well—similar to squeezing toothpaste from a tube.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), as developed in the Dr. Vodder Method, is different. It uses precise, rhythmic movements that gently manipulate the skin and underlying tissue to stimulate the lymph vessels to increase their natural pumping activity. Rather than simply pushing fluid along, it works with the body’s physiological mechanisms that regulate lymph flow.
When applied correctly and for sufficient time, this stimulation can influence lymphatic activity throughout the body—not just in the area being treated—creating a systemic lymphatic response.
In addition, research and clinical experience suggest that this stimulation of lymphatic pumping may continue for several days after treatment, providing benefits that extend beyond the session itself.
While terms like lymphatic drainage massage or lymphatic massage are often used interchangeably with MLD, Manual Lymph Drainage is more than a massage. It is a targeted and precise technique designed to stimulate and support the function of the lymphatic system.
Level 1: Teaches the core MLD techniques and sequences, without applying them to specific pathologies.
Level 2: The Certificate in Applied MLD is best for practitioners who want to use MLD more broadly for pain, injury, and other common conditions. For example:
Physiotherapists treating musculoskeletal issues such as CRPS and bursitis, after joint replacement surgery and in strike rehabilitation.
Registered Nurses working in aged or dementia care.
Occupational Therapists working with conditions such as carpal tunnel, De Quervains' and rehabilitation after hand and wrist fractures/surgeries.
Remedial therapists wanting to support clients with acute or chronic pain, sporting injuries, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions, respiratory and digestive issues, and myriad other non-lymphoedema presentations
Level 3: The Certificate in MLD and Combi9ned Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is an ALA recognised qualification for practitioners wanting to treat chronic oedema specifically. For example:
Practitioners working with oncology clients who need lymphoedema management
Breast care nurses supporting patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema
Health professional working in aged care or hospice settings. Therapists needing lipoedema, phleboedema and lymphoedema-specific treatment skills
Do I need to do all 3 levels?
Not always — it depends on your work.
● If you want to use MLD for general conditions, do Level 1 + Level 2
● If you want to treat lymphoedema, do Level 1 + Level 3
● If you want the most complete training, do all 3 levels
Can I do Level 3 without Level 2?
Yes. You can do Level 1 + Level 3 and still gain the lymphoedema qualification.
That said, it is ideal to take Level 2 first, because people with lymphoedema often also have other issues that affect treatment outcomes. A good example from the course structure: Someone with breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema may also have a frozen shoulder. Level 2 teaches how to treat the shoulder restriction, which can improve drainage and make Level 3 lymphoedema treatment more successful.
In particular Remedial Therapists will find immediate application for the techniques taught in Level 2 among their current clientele, replacing many painful techniques with gentle MLD approaches to achieve better outcomes. This also allows time to gain confidence in using MLD before diving into the complexities of lymphoedema.
Advanced Body: (Level 1 & Adv Body) is for all health and beauty professionals working in the medical aesthetics setting. For example
Pregnancy Practitioners to assist with reducing post partum stech marks
Massage and Beauty Therapists working with clients after cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation, liposuction, fat transfer and body lift procedures
Beauty Therapists working with psoriasis and topical steroidal withdrawal syndrome
How long do I have after Level 1?
Some people prefer to begin with Level 2 and allow some time to study and practice before continuing to the next Level. You also only need to do Level 1 once, as long as you take the next level within 12 months. Thereafter you can return to add additional Levels without repeating Level 1.
Select the course you are enrolling in on the Courses Page and click on the 'More Info and Enrol' button
Select New Student or Returning Therapist
Select your Levels
Select your payment method and payment options.
Pay the Initial Registration Fee $50
You will receive and automated email asking you to provide a copy of your eligible qualification. View a list of eligible qualifications here.
Once we have verified your eligibility, the $50 is credited to your account and you will receive an invoice for the balance of the course fees based on your selected payment method and options.
If we are unable to establish eligibility for your selected course a 50% refund of the initial registration fee will be offered.
Please read the Moving Lymph cancellation policy before enrolling https://www.movinglymph.com.au/terms-conditions
For Certificate in the Health Professional Certificates (Applied MLD or CDT)
An AQF Level 5 (Australia) or NZQF Level 6 (New Zealand) Diploma or higher in an appropriate body work modality.
Any AHPRA eligible qualification (AQF/NZQF Level 7) eg, PT, OT, RN, MD, Osteopath etc
For the Advanced Aesthetician Certificates you will need
An AQF Certificate IV or NZQF Level 5 Diploma, or higher in Beauty Therapy or an appropriate body work modality.
Diploma in Aromatherapy.
View a list of common eligible qualifications here.
Students enrolled in a suitable undergraduate course may study concurrently. Evidence of your registration and completion of the A&P subjects is required. Certificates of Achievements are issued once evidence of completion of your eligible Diploma has been provided.
For the Skeletal Muscular or Lymphatic Rehabilitation Certificates
An AQF Level 5 (Australia) or NZQF Level 6 (New Zealand) Diploma or higher in an appropriate body work modality.
Any AHPRA eligible qualification (AQF/NZQF Level 7) eg, PT, OT, RN, MD, Osteopath etc
View a list of common eligible qualifications here.
For the Advanced NMT or DermoTaping Certificates
Any other 4-day NMT Practitioner Certificate.
Students enrolled in a suitable undergraduate course may study concurrently. Evidence of your registration and completion of the A&P subjects is required. Certificates of Achievements are issued once evidence of completion of your eligible Diploma has been provided.
Certificate in Applied MLD
printed instructions for the techniques and sequences
a light morning tea
Certificate in MLD & CDT
printed instructions for the techniques and sequences
multilayer bandaging materials
a light morning tea
Certificate in NMT/DermoTaping
enough CureTape to complete all the classroom exercises
manual of the taping applications (online)
a light morning tea
Participants are expected to provide their own;
covers for the massage table and themselves when they are receiving treatment
notebooks, pens and markers etc
personal water bottle (fresh water usually available onsite for refilling)
lunch and other snacks
hand sanitiser
Please note, Certificate license fees are paid directly to the Certifying institution. See more on what is included and excluded on the Course Fees page.
The Dr Vodder Certificate in MLD & CDT (Levels 1 & 3) meet the post graduate requirements for the ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program (ALPP).
Please note that Level 1 alone is not a full Lymphoedema qualification and the ALA requires completion of both Level 1 & Level 3 for the ALPP.
Please note the ALA also have other undergraduate, insurance and ongoing education requirements and some therapists who are eligible for entry to Dr Vodder Courses may not be eligible for the ALA ALPP. Please see www.lymphoedema.org.au for more information.
The Certificate in Applied MLD and the Advanced Body Certificate do not qualify for the ALA ALPP.
Graduation from Vodder and NMT Courses does not confer any additional advantage regarding private health rebates which are based on your substantive undergraduate qualification.
Dr Vodder's MLD, A Practical Guide. 2nd Ed Wittlinger 2018
available from the Publisher in PDF or e-text https://shop.thieme.de/en/Dr.-Vodder-s-Manual-Lymph-Drainage/9783132578746
hard copy available from most online booksellers.
Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th Ed Weisleder & Schuchhardt
PDF of the required chapters included with registration
second-hand copies are sometimes available on E-Bay
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