Milan Institute of Osteopathy
February 21 – 22 – 23, March 14 -15 – 16
As every year, within the training programs for healthcare professionals and under the moral patronage of ITALF, the theoretical-practical course on the rehabilitation of phlebolymphedema was held in Milan at the Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia in Via Ernesto Breda.
The facility, well-equipped to host events of this kind, allows for the organization of training courses for healthcare professionals in spacious and functional environments. Once again, a large group of participants (including some cross-border attendees from Switzerland) took part in both the theoretical and practical sessions aimed at specialized qualification to optimize the professional management of peripheral vascular edemas.
Through a series of anatomical, pathophysiological, clinical, and instrumental diagnosis references, the individual topics were presented with both verbal and non-verbal language in an accessible and impactful manner, also enriched by practical examples. The most important aspects of the course focus on the synergistic learning of manual and mechanical techniques best suited to specific cases, enabling the effective management of chronic and disabling conditions such as primary, secondary, and syndromic lymphedema, thromboembolic pulmonary disease with its permanent sequelae, phlebological and/or lymphological ulcers, and lipedema.
With an alternating sequence of theoretical presentations (using slides and dedicated videos), web connections, and practical demonstrations of manual techniques (manual lymphatic drainage, manual venous drainage, elastic compression bandaging) and mechanical techniques (sequential pressotherapy, ultrasound, diode laser, TECAR therapy, vacuum therapy, radial shock waves), participants, under close tutoring, were enabled to learn and personalize the proposed methods as required in any rehabilitative setting.
To better retain the demonstrated techniques, participants were encouraged to record video footage, reinforcing what was learned for further personal study and in-depth review. Discussions on each topic were open and engaging, often inviting participants to share personal work experiences related to the topics covered, thus fostering both theoretical and practical clarifications.
Practical sessions began with the learning of basic maneuvers and simple applications, gradually increasing in complexity to refine the execution of more advanced techniques proportionate to the clinical experiences that participants may later encounter.
A series of structured grids and clinical case studies with intermediate multiple-choice questions completed the training path. The level of comprehension was assessed through both theoretical aspects with final written tests and various stages of practical training throughout the course.
The training model, tested for years but continuously updated with new content and experiences, remains consistently effective. This is confirmed by ongoing interactions among participants even after the course through a WhatsApp group, where further questions or issues encountered in daily practice are discussed and clarified for the benefit of all.
The undersigned, together with physiotherapist Romaldini and under the organization of the Fisiokinesis Society, successfully reintroduced the initiative this year, concluding it with high satisfaction among participants in a serene and highly collaborative atmosphere.
Dr. Sandro Michelini
