Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education
Manual Lymphatic Drainage · Continuing Education

Manual Lymphatic Drainage continuing education for licensed massage therapists.

Self-paced courses with a structured foundation in MLD.

Learn how the lymphatic system supports fluid balance, tissue recovery, and overall function — and how Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be taught as both a specialized manual therapy approach and a complementary skill set for massage therapists.

Taught by Eric J. Raldiris, OTR/L, LMT  ·  Orlando, Florida
View Courses Contact Us

Lymphatic System FocusCourse content connects MLD technique to fluid balance, tissue recovery, and the body’s natural drainage pathways.

Structured CE CoursesSelf-paced course content organized around lymphatic anatomy, technique principles, and safety-based decision-making.

Professional MLD EducationA curriculum designed to support responsible, informed, and scope-aware application of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

What Is MLD?

An introduction to the lymphatic system and MLD.

The lymphatic system helps move excess fluid out of the tissues, supports immune function, and plays an important role in the body’s normal recovery processes. This is why swelling, post-surgical recovery, inflammation, and tissue congestion are often discussed in relation to lymphatic health.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, often called MLD, is a specialized light-touch approach that works with the body’s natural lymphatic pathways. The technique may look simple from the outside, but effective MLD depends on knowing the system underneath the skin.

Lymphatic Lab teaches MLD as more than a sequence of strokes. The goal is to help learners understand the lymphatic system itself, so the work can be applied with greater clarity, safety, and purpose.

Why Lymphatic Lab

Structured MLD education for real-world practice.

Lymphatic Lab provides structured Manual Lymphatic Drainage continuing education for licensed massage therapists. The courses are built around anatomy-based technique, safety, and clinical reasoning so therapists can understand not only how to perform MLD, but why, when, and when not to use it.

The goal is not to teach choreography or memorized routines. Students learn foundational principles, pressure, timing, adaptation, and precautions so MLD can be applied more thoughtfully across wellness, recovery, post-operative, and medically informed practice settings.

Course Catalog

Current self-paced CE courses in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Lymphatic Lab begins with three core self-paced courses for licensed massage therapists: foundational anatomy and physiology, technique fundamentals, and safety-focused clinical decision-making. Additional course offerings may be added as the curriculum expands.

Course 01

MLD Foundations: Anatomy, Physiology & Core Concepts

Lymphatic structures, fluid movement, drainage pathways, watershed territories, edema, introductory lymphedema concepts, and the physiological principles that make safe MLD practice possible.

Self-paced · Foundation level Learn more
Course 02

MLD Technique Mastery: Hands-On Application, Protocols & Clinical Applications

Technique principles, body mechanics, stroke delivery, introductory sequencing, post-operative considerations, and selected application areas including sports, orthopedic, cosmetic, and recovery settings.

Self-paced · Technique focus Learn more
Course 03

MLD Safety: Contraindications, Precautions, Referral & Compression Awareness

Absolute and relative contraindications, precautionary conditions, referral awareness, compression garment concepts, skin integrity, and decision-making when working with medically complex presentations.

Self-paced · Safety focus Learn more
View All Course Details
Eric J. Raldiris, OTR/L, LMT
About the Instructor

Eric J. Raldiris,
OTR/L, LMT

Occupational Therapist, Registered & Licensed (OTR/L)
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage educator and instructor
Founder, Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education

Eric brings decades of experience in rehabilitation, massage therapy, manual therapy, and lymphatic drainage education. His teaching emphasizes anatomy, technique fundamentals, and practical decision-making for licensed massage therapists learning MLD.

Read About Eric
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

These courses are designed for licensed massage therapists who want structured continuing education in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
The current courses are self-paced and organized into structured instructional modules.
CE approval details will be listed clearly for each course. Participants should confirm that a course meets their own renewal requirements before enrolling.
Use the contact page to ask about course availability, registration, CE approval details, or future offerings.
View All FAQs

Ready to learn more?

Course inquiries, scheduling questions, and registration interest all start in the same place. Eric responds to all inquiries directly.

Contact Us Browse Courses
Instructor

Eric J. Raldiris

OTR/L, LMT  ·  Founder, Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education

Background

Eric J. Raldiris is an Occupational Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Orlando, Florida. He holds a Master's degree in Health Science Education from the State University of New York and brings a combined background in rehabilitation, manual therapy, and continuing education.

Eric became licensed in massage therapy in 2005 and has completed specialized training in several manual therapy approaches, including CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Point Electrical Stimulation, and Active Isolated Stretching.

He began his studies in lymphatic drainage in 2003 with Dr. Bruno Chikly through the Upledger Institute. In 2008, he became certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage through MLD Institute International in West Palm Beach, Florida, and in 2017 became an instructor with the institute.

In addition to teaching through Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education, Eric has led two- and three-day Manual Lymphatic Drainage seminars for national continuing education providers including PESI and Elite.

Teaching Approach

Eric teaches from the position that technique without context is incomplete. Lymphatic work requires more than reproducing a sequence; it requires understanding assessment, timing, pressure, adaptation, and safety.

Students are taught to think through why a technique may be appropriate, when it should be modified, and when it should not be used at all. This approach reflects how MLD is actually applied in practice: across preventative, preparatory, restorative, and supportive care contexts.

His courses through Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education are designed for licensed massage therapists who want to learn MLD with real depth — not a quick workshop that leaves gaps in anatomical understanding, clinical reasoning, or safety awareness.

Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education

Lymphatic Lab is Eric's continuing education practice, built around three core live courses covering the foundational anatomy, hands-on technique, and safety considerations that define competent MLD practice. The program is designed for Florida's licensed massage therapy community, with an eye toward building a structured curriculum that holds up in real practice settings.

For course inquiries or scheduling, use the contact page.

Course Catalog

MLD Continuing Education Courses

Three self-paced courses for licensed massage therapists, covering anatomy, hands-on technique, and clinical safety. Taught by Eric J. Raldiris, OTR/L, LMT in Orlando, Florida.

Course 01

MLD Foundations: Anatomy, Physiology & Core Concepts

Who This Course Is For

Licensed massage therapists who are new to MLD or who want to build a more complete anatomical and physiological understanding before — or alongside — technique training. No prior MLD coursework is assumed.

Why It Matters

Technique without anatomical grounding is unreliable. Understanding the actual structures you're working with — their location, their function, and how fluid moves through them — makes technique decisions clearer and safer.

What This Course Covers

  • Lymphatic anatomy and structural overview
  • Physiology of lymph formation and fluid movement
  • Lymphatic drainage pathways and regional anatomy
  • Watershed territories and their clinical significance
  • Mechanisms and classifications of edema
  • Introductory lymphedema concepts
  • Precautionary considerations relevant to MLD practice

Format

Self-paced course. Course access, completion requirements, and CE details will be provided with enrollment information.

Audience

Licensed massage therapists. No prior MLD experience required.

This course is designed for licensed massage therapists and is intended for continuing education purposes. It does not confer clinical diagnosis or treatment authority beyond participants' existing licensed scope of practice.
Course 02

MLD Technique Mastery: Hands-On Application, Protocols & Clinical Applications

Who This Course Is For

Licensed massage therapists who have a working anatomical and physiological foundation in lymphatic function and are ready to develop hands-on technique competency. Prior completion of MLD Foundations or equivalent background is recommended.

Why It Matters

MLD is a low-pressure, highly specific technique. Poor body mechanics, incorrect stroke delivery, or misapplied sequence structure can reduce effectiveness or, in certain presentations, cause harm. This course trains technique with the precision the modality requires.

What This Course Covers

  • Foundational MLD technique principles
  • Body mechanics specific to MLD delivery
  • Stroke mechanics and proper application
  • Introductory sequence structure and protocol overview
  • Post-operative application considerations
  • Sports recovery applications
  • Orthopedic and soft tissue rehabilitation contexts
  • Cosmetic recovery application awareness

Format

Self-paced course. Course access, completion requirements, and CE details will be provided with enrollment information.

Audience

Licensed massage therapists. Foundational anatomical knowledge recommended.

This course is intended for licensed massage therapists seeking continuing education in MLD technique. Clinical application content is educational in nature and does not constitute medical treatment training.
Course 03

MLD Safety: Contraindications, Precautions, Referral & Compression Awareness

Who This Course Is For

Licensed massage therapists at any stage of MLD education who want a clear, clinically grounded safety framework. This course is valuable as a standalone offering and as a complement to technique training.

Why It Matters

MLD is often sought by clients managing lymphedema, post-surgical recovery, or other medical conditions. Working responsibly in these contexts requires more than technique skill — it requires clear thinking about when, how, and whether to work at all.

What This Course Covers

  • Absolute contraindications to MLD
  • Relative contraindications and precautionary conditions
  • Modified and deferred treatment considerations
  • Referral awareness and physician communication
  • Compression garment concepts for therapists
  • Bandaging awareness and conservative application
  • Skin integrity assessment considerations
  • Decision-making with medically complex client presentations

Format

Self-paced course. Course access, completion requirements, and CE details will be provided with enrollment information.

Audience

Licensed massage therapists. Relevant at any stage of MLD education.

This course is designed for licensed massage therapists. Content covers safety education and professional decision-making and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance.

Questions about scheduling or enrollment?

All inquiries are answered directly by Eric. Reach out with any questions about course content, scheduling, or group arrangements.

Contact Us
These courses are designed for licensed massage therapists who want structured continuing education in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Future non-CE educational offerings may be developed for broader audiences, but the current CE courses are intended for licensed massage professionals.
The current courses are self-paced and organized into structured instructional modules. Course format, access details, and completion requirements will be provided with each course listing.
CE approval details will be listed clearly for each course. Because licensing requirements vary by state and profession, participants should confirm that a course meets their own renewal requirements before enrolling.
MLD Foundations is designed as a starting point and does not require prior MLD training. Technique-focused courses build on foundational anatomy and physiology, while safety-focused content is useful at any stage of MLD education.
If you are new to MLD, starting with MLD Foundations is recommended. The courses are designed to work together as a pathway, moving from lymphatic anatomy and physiology into technique fundamentals and safety-based decision-making.
Course length and CE hour information will be listed with each individual course. Details may vary depending on the course topic, format, and approval requirements.
The current self-paced courses provide structured instruction in anatomy, technique principles, safety, and professional decision-making. Any future live or hands-on training opportunities will be identified separately.
Courses are taught by Eric J. Raldiris, OTR/L, LMT, founder of Lymphatic Lab Continuing Education. Eric brings experience in occupational therapy, massage therapy, manual therapy, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage education.
Yes. Lymphatic Lab is being built as a growing educational platform. Future offerings may include additional CE courses, specialty topics, and non-CE educational courses for broader audiences.
Use the contact page to ask about course availability, registration, CE approval details, or future course offerings. Eric responds to course inquiries directly.

Still have questions?

Use the contact page to reach out about course details, approvals, or future offerings.

Contact Us
Get in Touch

Contact & Registration Inquiry

For course inquiries, scheduling questions, or registration interest — Eric responds to all messages directly.

Send a Message

Use this form to reach out about any of our courses. We'll follow up with available dates, location details, and enrollment information.

Helps with scheduling relevance.

Contact Information

Location Orlando, Florida
Response Time Typically within 2 business days

Helpful to include

  • Which course(s) interest you
  • Your location or region
  • Scheduling constraints or preferences
  • Whether you're inquiring for yourself or a group
Course 01 Self-Paced Format Preview

MLD Foundations: Anatomy, Physiology & Core Concepts

A structured self-paced continuing education course for licensed massage therapists covering lymphatic anatomy, physiology, fluid movement, drainage pathways, edema, and the foundational principles of safe MLD practice.

Instructor Eric J. Raldiris, OTR/L, LMT
CE Hours To be confirmed
Format Structured self-paced modules
Audience Licensed Massage Therapists
This is a structural preview of the course format. Lesson content, video, and materials will be available upon enrollment. Enrollment details coming soon.
Lesson 1.1
Introduction to the Lymphatic System
~14 min Video lesson PDF handout included
Video lesson — available upon enrollment

This lesson provides an orientation to the lymphatic system as a whole — what it is, how it relates to the cardiovascular and immune systems, and why it matters for massage therapists working with fluid balance and tissue recovery. The goal is to establish a clear conceptual foundation before moving into detailed anatomical and physiological content in subsequent lessons.

By the end of this lesson, students will have a working understanding of the lymphatic system's primary roles and will be prepared to engage with the structural and functional content covered throughout the course.

Lesson Materials

Lesson 1.1 — PDF Handout Coming soon
Course Study Guide Coming soon
Supplemental Resources Coming soon
Knowledge Check

A short knowledge check will appear at the end of this lesson to reinforce key concepts. Completion is required before advancing to the next lesson.

Assessment area — available upon enrollment

Course Access & Enrollment

Enrollment and course access details are being finalized. Full course content, lesson videos, downloadable materials, and knowledge checks will be available to enrolled participants.

Course progress
1 of 8 lessons