National Virtual Education Series- Lymphedema & Lipedema: Clinical Considerations for Massage Therapy
MTAM
Justin Monton, CLT, OT Reg. (MB)
Zoom Room
1 Core Credit (MTAM). Check with your governing body re: CEU approval
Free for all RMTs
Tuesday, October 27, 2026. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lymphedema and lipedema are distinct chronic conditions, yet both can present with changes in swelling, tissue, pain, mobility and function that Registered Massage Therapists may encounter in practice. Understanding the differences between these conditions is important for safe assessment, treatment planning and appropriate referral.
In this clinically focused session, occupational therapist Justin Monton will introduce RMTs to key characteristics of lymphedema and lipedema, including how each condition may present and affect a patient’s daily function, mobility, comfort and quality of life.
Drawing on their experience providing specialized lymphatic care, including complete decongestive therapy, Justin will explore principles of conservative management, considerations for massage and manual therapies, and opportunities for RMTs to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what they may encounter at the treatment table, when treatment may need to be modified and when further assessment or referral may be appropriate.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between common presentations of lymphedema and lipedema, including differences in swelling patterns, tissue presentation, pain and functional impact.
- Identify clinical signs and patient-reported concerns that may indicate lymphatic dysfunction or lipedema and warrant further assessment or referral.
- Describe principles of conservative management, including complete decongestive therapy, and how massage and manual therapies may fit within a broader interdisciplinary treatment plan.
- Apply clinical reasoning when considering massage therapy for patients living with lymphedema or lipedema, including treatment modifications, precautions and circumstances in which treatment should be deferred or referral considered.
- Explain the role of RMTs within collaborative care and identify opportunities for communication and referral between massage therapists, occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.
Justin Monton, CLT, OT Reg. (MB) is an occupational therapist with experience across acute care, long-term care, dementia care, mental health and community-based practice. Justin works in acute, low-acuity and transitional care settings and operates Bayanihan Therapy, a private practice providing mental health counselling, dementia care partnering and education, support for older adults maintaining independence in the community, and specialized lymphatic care.
As a first-generation immigrant and trans non-binary practitioner, Justin brings a deeply relational and systems-informed perspective to their work. They approach care through a multi-system, interprofessional and collaborative lens, recognizing the social, cultural and structural factors that influence health, function and well-being.
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