Vodder | Moving Lymph

International Certification in the Dr Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

Specialty post-graduate courses for Health and Beauty Professionals.

Eligibility and assessment criteria apply, Graduates are awarded a Certificate of Achievement by Dr Vodder Schools International.

Become and Accredited Vodder Therapist

Applied MLD

For skeletal-muscular, digestive, respiratory, autoimmune and neurological conditions, acute and chronic pain and wound healing.

MLD & Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Chronic oedema management including lymphoedema, phleboedema and lipoedema. ALPP-eligible qualification in all six competency standards.

Advanced Aestheticians

For everything skin-related; dermatological conditions, stretch marks, skin toning, scar reduction, and post-surgical oedema after invasive cosmetic procedures.

All courses are taught by Accredited Dr Vodder School Instructors.

Meet the Faculty

Find Dr Vodder Certificate Courses

New Students

Returning Therapists

Dr Vodder Schools International / Dr Vodder Akademie International
Courses are those of the Dr Vodder Akademie International (DVAI) with Certificates issued by Dr Vodder Schools International (DVSI), and are open to appropriately qualified Health and Beauty Professionals.
Participants receive training in the adaptation, application, and clinical reasoning required to perform skilled and effective MLD for pathologies within the scope of each Certificate. Graduates have demonstrated competence in treatment planning and technique application.
This course is a game changer. Reading skin and tissue in a different way to how I have ever worked before in my many years as a therapist is giving me skills that I know will have many varied applications.

- Shelley Gray
I am impressed and amazed by the effect of MLD on my own body. As a physician learning the theory I didn’t think it would be effective, but I am truly amazed.

- Jonalisa Tapumanaia
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria are those of the DVAI and may not reflect local regulations or guidelines governing the scope of practice of an individual Practitioner. Health and Beauty Professionals undertaking post-graduate Certificates in the Dr Vodder Method should consider their scope of practice when applying the techniques learned in a clinical setting.
Level 1 is open to Health and Beauty Professionals who meet the minimum eligibility requirements, including but not limited to
Therapist Courses (Level 2 & 3)

Diploma in Remedial Massage or equivalent

AHPRA PT, OT, RN, etc

Medical Practitioner

Advanced Aesthetician Courses

Dermal Clinician

Certificate IV in Massage or Beauty Therapy

Diploma in Aromatherapy

All Practitioners who are eligible for the Therapist Courses

View a list of eligible qualifications here
Not sure if you are eligible? Request a qualification check.
Dr Vodder Certificates
Regardless of which Certificate you are studying, everything begins with Level 1 which teaches the underpinning knowledge, and specific skin and tissue manipulations necessary to perform the original Dr Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD).

The Level 1 course material does not cover adaptation or application to any pathologies and attendees are not assessed for competency in the manual techniques. Level 1 Graduates can and should practice MLD whenever possible within a limited range of applications until a Certificate Level is completed.
Levels 1 and 3 together meet the Lymphoedema training program requirements of the Australasian Lymphology Association Accredited Lymphoedema Practioner Program.
This course teaches the broadest range of applications of all the Dr Vodder Certificates including SKM, respiratory, digestive, autoimmune and neurological issues.

Applied MLD offers; pain free treatment for everything from Bell’s Palsy to plantar fasciitis, lasting resolution of trigger points and encapsulitis to clarity after the fog of long COVID, improved digestion, and symptomatic relief in most chronic conditions.

Still the International Gold Standard in Lymphoedema Management, this is the most comprehensive Lymphoedema Training Program in Australasia. Advanced Theory sessions deliver in-depth lymphology, oedema assessment and treatment strategies. The intensively hands-on practical sessions teach the adaptation and application of MLD to all chronic oedema, and the skills in compression bandaging and garment prescription, lymphatic exercise and skin care.
Find a Dr Vodder Course in your location
Adelaide
Auckland
Gold Coast
Perth
Melbourne
Sydney
Level 1 Theory
Level 1 Practical
Applied MLD
Lymphoedema
Aesthetician
Therapist Recertification
32 hours Classroom-based Instruction (4-days)
Intensive, hands-on training in the precise manipulation of the skin and tissue as described by Vodder. Practice and repetition ensure development of the fine motor skills, and discussions of the physiological effects of MLD lays the building block for the clinical reason and treatment planning in the next level of training.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will receive training in the fundamental techniques of MLD and their variations, applied in effective drainage sequences for an intact lymphatic system.
Intensive instruction in the fundamental techniques of MLD as described by Vodder;

Stationary Circles

Pumps

Scoop

Rotary

With application to each of the nine skin regions;

Anterior neck

Face

Nape

Arms

Legs

Chest

Abdomen

Back

Buttocks

Participants will receive preparation for the application of MLD in pathological conditions covered by the Certificate courses, however specific treatment protocols are not taught.
Therapists who prefer to have time to practice between levels may take Level 1 up to 12 months in advance of the next level. However, as participants have not yet been assessed in practical competencies there are limitations to the scope of and performance of MLD until a certificate level qualification is achieved.
View a copy of the Dr Vodder Level 1 Student Agreement
Enrol in Level 1 Only
Taught by Internationally recognised Instructors, this is the most comprehensive lymphoedema training available in Australia and the SE Asia region. Level 1 + Level 3 are required by the Australasian Lymphology Association for the Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program, meeting and exceeding the requirements for all six competencies.
Intensive hands-on instruction with Koby Blanchfield in the application of MLD for primary and secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic venous insufficiency oedema in the context of complete therapy and including the application of multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging and garment prescription.
There are to days of advanced theoretical instruction with Professor Piller on the pathogenesis, assessment and management of chronic oedema. Allow approximately 15 hours of pre-reading including the required text Lymhoedema Diagnosis and Therapy, Weissleder & Shuchhardt.
Between these global experts, participants are exposed to a deep and broad pool of clinical knowledge and experience.
Clinical reasoning in the management of lymphoedema in all body parts is taught through case-based exercises, and Therapist mentoring continues via Virtual Student Clinics. Meetings are available weekly and are led by a number of Accredited Dr Vodder Instructors. Graduates have access for 12 months.
There are theoretical and practical assessments on the application of MLD, bandaging techniques, and clinical reasoning. Graduates are awarded the Dr Vodder Certificate in Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy issued by Dr Vodder Schools International.
100% attendance is required and it is recommended that you practice the techniques each evening and on the study days.
Required reading (included with registration)

Lymphoedema-Diagnosis and Therapy, Edited by Horst Weissleder and Christian Schuchhardt
Level 1 & Level 3 together meet the criteria for all six competencies as required by the Australasian Lymphology Association for the purposes of the Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program.
Find Lymphoedema Certificate Courses
New Students
Returning Students
Learning Outcomes
Level 3 teaches the correct application of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is a combination of MLD, remedial exercise therapy, compression bandaging and garments, and therapeutic skin care. It may also include breathing and aquatic exercises, adjunct therapies such as low-level laser as well as dietary measures.
MLD & CDT is the treatment of choice for lymphoedema and other complex presentations where the lymphatic system may be compromised or failing.
Participants will gain;

An understanding of the pathogenesis of acute and chronic oedema from multiple causes including lymphatic and venous insufficiency and lymphatic damage or malformation.

An understanding of the intensive and maintenance phases of lymphoedema management and their core components.

Practice in the application of MLD and multi-layer compression bandaging in the treatment of lymphoedema, lipoedema and phleboedema.

An understanding of the key factors in garment prescription.

Graduates have demonstrated competence in MLD techniques and sequencing, treatment planning, and the correct application of multilayer compression bandaging.
Therapist mentoring continues via the Vodder Community during dedicated post-course meetings and access to regular ongoing meetings led by Accredited Dr Vodder Instructors.
Graduates have access for 12 months.
NB: Allow approximately 15 hours for pre-reading. Attendance and participation in all Practical sessions is required in order to receive the Certificate. It is strongly recommended that you plan to practise and study each evening during the course.
Limitations to individual Scope of Practice
Graduates of the Certificate in MLD & CDT should consider their Professional Scope of Practice and any restrictions and limitations in the application of MLD that may apply to them, eg a podiatrist will be limited to management of lower extremity lymphoedema only.
The Certificate in MLD & CDT extends the scope of practice for most Health Practitioners to include the application of MLD in conditions where the lymph system has been damaged including primary and secondary lymphodema, phleboedema and lipoedema; and the proficient application of multilayer compression bandaging in the context of chronic oedema management and venous ulcer treatment.
The awarding of this Certificate assumes that the recipient will offer MLD according to the Code of Ethics of their Professional Association, and in accordance with any relevant government regulations. Therapists are responsible for notifying their professional indemnity insurer of the addition of this modality to their clinical practice.
Eligibility
An eligible health qualification at AQF/NZQF Level 5 or higher is requied, eg;

Medical Practitioner

AHPRA Physio, OT, Osteo etc

Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy, Myotherapy or equivalent

View a list of eligible qualifications
Returning Students
New Students
Find a Level 3 Course
Certificate in Dr Vodder's MLD & CDT
30 CPE hours Online

16 CPE hours Advanced Theory

64 CPE hours Practical
30 hours Instructor-guided home-study
A comprehensive course designed and structured around six, online tutorial meetings, to provide you with the foundational knowledge and understanding required to excel in the original Dr Vodder method.
Course Description
The Level 1 Theory Program at Moving Lymph Online is a deep dive into the fascinating lymphatic system, the physiological effects of MLD, and an introduction to the formation and classification of post-surgical and chronic oedemas.
Weekly course work is completed during self-directed home-study, and weekly meetings with your Level 1 Instructor ensure clarity and confidence in your learning experience.
Course material centers around the Dr Vodder Academy International lectures which are available in 13 languages, and the textbook which is available in e-text, PDF or hard copy formats.
It is recommended to allow minimum of four hours per week to study the material and prepare for the weekly tutorial.
An Instructor-led programme begins seven weeks before each Level 1 Practical and can be taken for theoretical understanding alone without joining a Practical Certificate. In this instance, Certificates of Completion are issued by Moving Lymph Online.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will gain;

An historical and contemporary awareness of the development and use of MLD

Underpinning knowledge in the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the human lymphatic system and the major pathways of lymphatic drainage

Awareness of the structure and properties of connective tissue with relevance in the application of MLD

An introduction to the types of oedema and disorders which may benefit from the application of MLD

An introduction of the physiological effects of MLD in various body systems, and the main contraindications to MLD

Required Reading
A comprehensive text describing lymphatic anatomy and physiology, the Dr Vodder techniques, and their therapeutic application.
Material from Parts I & II are needed for the Level 1 theory module, and Part III describes the basic and special techniques of the Dr Vodder Method.
Part IV places MLD in the context of decongestive therapy and Part V is a description of the life of Dr Vodder and the development of this phenomenal technique.
Dr Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage
Advanced Aesthetician Certificates
Aesthetician were the first professional group to recognise the decongestive benefits of MLD when the Vodder's presented their new and original techniques at the 1936 Paris Symposium.
Since then, MLD has been hailed as one of the beauty industry’s best-kept secrets, and today its benefits are widely recognised, attracting everyone from supermodels and bodybuilders seeking to enhance their appearance or performance, to plastic surgeons seeking allied support to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
From releiving conditions such as rosacea to supporting recovery after invasive body sculpting surgeries, Advanced Aesthetician Courses are designed for Therapists at the forefront of the rapidly expanding field of medical aesthetics.
Advanced Neck & Face Certificate (BNF + ANF 5-days)
Advanced Body Certificate (L1 + AB 8-days)

Dermatological problems such as psoriasis

Post-liposuction and body-lift procedures

Spa Wellness

Roseacea

Acne

Post-cosmetic surgery

Eligibility
You must have an eligible Health or Beauty qualification to meet the minimum requirement for each Certificate
Advanced Body

Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Diploma in Aromatherapy

Diploma/Degree in Dermal Therapies

Cert IV in Massage Therapy or equivalent

Advance Neck and Face

Cert Iv in Beauty Therapy or equivalent

Returning Students
New Students
Find an Advanced Aesthetician Certificate in your location
Advanced Neck & Face (5-days )
This is an intensive exploration of the microscopic layers of the skin while refining your MLD skills for the delicate application required in the treatment of reactive conditions such as rosacea, and in post cosmetic-surgery oedema.
Level 1 + Advanced Body (8-days )
Intensive hands-on instruction in the adaptation and application of MLD to the treatment of dermatological problems such as psoriasis, after liposuction and body-lift procedures, and to minimise pregnancy stretch marks, and for scar minimisation.
NB: Attendance and participation in all Practical sessions is required in order to receive the Certificate. It is strongly recommended that you plan to practise and study each evening during the course.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will gain;

A deeper understanding structures of the facial skin and the pathways of the superficial and deep lymphatic systems of the head and neck.

Instruction and practice in the application of MLD in skin pathologies including acne, rosacea, dull skin and wrinkles.

Pain free resolution of inflammation and swelling in the context of plastic or cosmetic surgery or procedures.

Graduates have demonstrated competence in MLD techniques and sequencing, treatment planning, and the correct application of MLD to the Face and Neck, and are awarded the Dr Vodder Aesthetician Certificate in Advanced Neck and Face or Advanced Body issue by Dr Vodder Schools International.
Returning Students
New Students
Find an Aesthetician Course in your location
The quality is in our hands! The main purpose of the Therapist Reviews is to correct and improve bio-mechanical and fine motor aspects of performing MLD Therapy. Recertifying Therapists also participate in complex case discussions, research updates and case study workshops. Therapists also tell us they love the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues, and networking with new Therapists.
Recertification in the Applied MLD Category (Level 2)
For Level 2 Certificates dated 2020 or later
Two days intensive hands-on review on all the fundamental MLD techniques and sequences, and all the special techniques and their application to pathologies.
Participants will have the opportunity to present case studies and appraise relevant research papers via two, 2-hour interactive webinars, and have access to all Virtual Clinics for a further 12 months.
Attendance at both days and both webinars qualifies the Therapist to be listed on the DVSI website in the category Applied MLD Therapist for a further two years.
Recertification in the Lymphoedema Category (Level 3)
Two days intensive hands-on review on all the fundamental MLD techniques and sequences, and all the chronic oedema techniques including bandaging.
Participants will have the opportunity to present case studies and appraise relevant research papers via two, 2-hour interactive webinars, and have access to the Virtual Therapist Community for a further 12 months.
Attendance at both days and both webinars qualifies the Therapist to be listed on the DVSI website in the category Lymphedema Therapist.
Attendance at both days and both webinars qualifies the Therapist to be listed on the DVSI website in the category Lymphedema Therapist.
Recertification in the Lymphoedema Category (Level 3)
Therapists with a Therapy II & III Certificate are welcome to attend the Level 3 Review and continue to be listed on the DVSI website in the category Lymphedema Therapist.
The Therapy II & II format may still be taught in some countries, and you may like to travel overseas for your Dr Vodder Review. See the DVSI website for courses outside Australasia.
This Certificate covers a wide range of conditions, including skeletal-muscular and respiratory issues, digestive, autoimmune, and neurological disorders. Applied MLD offers pain-free treatments that bring lasting relief and will change the way you think about treating pain and inflammation.
"Dr Vodder's Applied MLD is an intensive course that provides a great in-depth understanding of the lymphatic system and why it is so important for a healthy body. By just practising the techniques I was learning on my own family during the course, I could see the initial benefits of MLD."

Ainslie Davies
"I feel very fortunate to have completed my MLD training with Jan. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, made all the more enjoyable by Jan's teaching and the group of like-minded therapists. If you are sitting on the fence about enrolling, this is your prompt to take the plunge!

Claire Greenway
Four days of intensive hands instruction in the adaptation and application of MLD to multiple pathologies using 'Special' techniques not taught in other schools.
These Specials set the Dr Vodder method apart from other Lymphatic Therapies and are responsible for many of the instant pain-free results that can be achieved using MLD. Effective protocols are taught for the reduction of all acute and chronic pain and inflammation which are safe, gentle and pain-free for the client. You will learn to locate and then drain even the tiniest pockets of inflammation which may be preventing tissue healing.
There are practical assessments on MLD technique, sequences and treatment planning and 100% attendance and participation is required. It is strongly recommended that you plan to practice the techniques each evening.
Course Description
Learning Outcomes
Expert instruction will be given in the adaptation and application of MLD for the treatment of pathologies where the lymph system remains intact. The 'Specials' are an adaptation of the basic MLD techniques to either drain deeper lymphatic pathways or locate and drain localised pockets of inflammatory mediators.
Participants will gain;

An understanding of the pathways of the deep lymphatic system.

Special techniques for deep drainage of the cavities of the head including the CNS, the respiratory lymphatics and organs, and the abdominal lymphatics and organs.

Special techniques for pain-free resolution of muscle pain and joint mobilisation.

Graduates have demonstrated competence in MLD techniques and sequencing, treatment planning, and correct application of the Special techniques, and are awarded the Dr Vodder Certificate in Applied MLD.
Scope of Practice
Level 2 teaches the application of MLD in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, inflammation and wound healing can be used and adapted in almost every allied health setting. Selected pathologies used in the Practical classes and discussed in the post course mentoring meetings.
A strong focus on the fundamental principles of the treatment planning and application allow the techniques learned to be transferred across a wide scope of practice. MLD also integrates perfectly with other gentle pain free approaches such as myofascial therapy and oncology massage.
Applied MLD should be the treatment of choice in chronic pain, post-operative swelling, or traumatic injury. Conditions that can benefit from Applied MLD include but are not limited to;

Bursitis, encapsulitis or tendonitis in any joint

Whiplash, fracture, traumatic or sporting injuries

Autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia and scleroderma

Respiratory conditions; sinusitis, bronchitis, and long-COVID

Migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, neuroinflammation

Post-surgical oedema, joint replacement, orthopaedic rehabilitation

Chronic pain including CRPS

Digestive issues such as constipation and poor nutrient absorption

Skeletal-muscular complaints including pain-free resolution of trigger points

Cerebral oedema and post-stroke rehabilitation

*Graduates with a previous qualification in lymphoedema management will be able to adapt the Level 2 techniques and protocols for application in lymphoedema affected areas.
Eligibility
You must have an eligible health qualification to attend Level 2 AQF/NZQF Level 5 or higher, eg;

Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy or equivalent

AHPRA Physio, OR, Osteo etc

View a list of eligible qualifications
Returning Students
New Students
Find an Applied MLD Course in your location
Certificate in Dr Vodder's Applied MLD
30 CPE hours Online

64-CPE hours Practical
Clinical reasoning is taught through case-based exercises and a wide range of pathologies are discussed. These discussions are extended during Virtual Student Clinics and graduates have access to the Vodder Therapist Community for 12 months.

There is at least one meeting every week and all meetings are moderated by an Accredited Instructor, offering a safe space to discuss cases and the challenges of integrating MLD into Clinical Practice.
Advanced Neck & Face classes develop the refined hand skills required to treat delicate facial issues such as rosacea, and promote healing and minimise scarring after cosmetic procedures.
30-hours Online Theory
4-days Hands-on Practical
Level 1 - All Certificates
For all Health Professionals and Beauty Therapists.
4-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring
Level 2 - Applied MLD
For Remedial Therapists and Allied Health Professionals
2-days Advanced Theory
8-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring
Advanced Neck & Face
2.5-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring
Advanced Aesthetician
For Beauty Therapists and Health Professionals.
Close
Advanced Body
4-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring
Advanced Body covers everything below the neck including psoriasis, post-partum stretch marks, skin toning after liposuction, breast augmentation, fat transfers and body-lift surgeries. Everything heals better with MLD.
Level 3 - MLD & CDT (Lymphoedema)
For Allied Health Professionals, Medical Practitioners and Remedial Therapists.
Returning Therapists
New Students
Dr Vodder Courses by location
Adelaide
Auckland
Gold Coast
Perth
Melbourne
Sydney

An Initial Registration Fee of $50 is required for Certificate courses.

Once your eligibility to attend has been verified you will be invited to enrol and $50 will be credited toward your course fees.
If eligibility cannot be established a refund of $25 will be made.
Course Confirmation date:
The Confirmation Date is 7 weeks prior to commencement of each Practical Course. Please consider whether the course has been confirmed before making irreversible travel plans.
Transferring or withdrawing from a course:
If you transfer between courses or withdraw before the confirmation date a full refund will be made less the non-refundable components as listed above.
If you withdraw after the confirmation date, and more than 14-days before the start of the Practical, a partial refund can be made.
No refunds are made for withdrawal within 14-days of the course commencement; however, discretion refunds may be made in exceptional circumstances.
Payment Plans
Payment Plans are offered on all courses where the final Payment can be made not later than 14 days before the Course start date. Participants may change their Payment Plan to take advantage of early payment discounts. The balance of any course fees will then be due on the early bird date.
The following courses and fees are non-refundable
Bank fees
Eligibility verification fee
Moving Lymph Online Courses
Online components of Dr Vodder and NMT Certificate Courses
View the full Cancellation and Refund Page

Moving Lymph Registration and Cancellation Policy at a glance

Course fees are composed of multiple refundable and non-refundable components. Online Course components are generally not refundable. Full or partial refunds on Practical fees may be made as determined by the Course Confirmation Date.

Go to the Cancellation and Refund Page

International Certification in the Dr Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

Become and Accredited Vodder Therapist

Applied MLD

MLD & Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Advanced Aestheticians

Find Dr Vodder Certificate Courses

Dr Vodder Schools International / Dr Vodder Akademie International

Eligibility

Level 1 is open to Health and Beauty Professionals who meet the minimum eligibility requirements, including but not limited to

Dr Vodder Certificates

Find a Dr Vodder Course in your location

30 hours Instructor-guided home-study

Course Description

Learning Outcomes

Required Reading

30-hours Online Theory 4-days Hands-on Practical

Level 1 - All Certificates

4-days Hands-on Practical 12-months Online Mentoring

Level 2 - Applied MLD

2-days Advanced Theory 8-days Hands-on Practical 12-months Online Mentoring

Advanced Neck & Face 2.5-days Hands-on Practical 12-months Online Mentoring

Advanced Aesthetician

Advanced Body 4-days Hands-on Practical 12-months Online Mentoring

Level 3 - MLD & CDT (Lymphoedema)

Dr Vodder Courses by location

Course Confirmation date:

Transferring or withdrawing from a course:

Payment Plans

Moving Lymph Registration and Cancellation Policy at a glance

30-hours Online Theory
4-days Hands-on Practical

4-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring

2-days Advanced Theory
8-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring

Advanced Neck & Face
2.5-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring

Advanced Body
4-days Hands-on Practical
12-months Online Mentoring