AVH occupational therapist earns lymphedema certification

BERLIN — Occupational therapist Cathleen Houle has recently been designated as a certified lymphedema therapist by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Houle provides occupational therapy services at Androscoggin Valley Hospital, an affiliate of North Country Healthcare.

The complete lymphedema certification course, offered by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies equips therapists with advanced training in complete decongestive therapy, the gold-standard treatment for lymphedema. By completing this program, Houle gained specialized skills in manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and skin care — tools necessary to manage and improve the quality of life for patients with lymphedema and related conditions.