Framework
Building Bridges: Connecting Global Perspectives
RECEPTION
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming f ree Meet & Greet event, an enjoyable evening dedicated to networking and sharing.
Thursday, October 23
Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, hosted in the foyer area (follow the signs) 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Building Bridges: Connecting Global Perspectives
OCTOBER 23–25, 2025 | Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the International Lympho edema Framework (ILF), and in partnership with the Canadian Lymphedema Framewor k (CLF) and the International Lipoedema Association (ILA), I am delighted to ex tend a very warm welcome to ILF2025.
We are thrilled to gather here in Niagara Falls, Canada, one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, to connect with colleagues, patients, and partners from around the globe.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Building Bridges: Connecting Global Perspectives”, captures our shared commitment to collaboration and innovation as we work together to improve care and outcomes for people living with lymphoedema and lipoedema.
Over the next three busy and inspiring days, you will have the opportunity to:
• Learn from 120+ international speakers presenting the latest research, clinical insights, and innovations.
• Engage in keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and Master Classes designed to deepen knowledge and spark new ideas.
• Explore a vibrant industry exhibition showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and hands-on Skill Zones.
• Participate in a dedicated 2-day patient programme (October 24–25), fostering dialogue between patients, clinicians, and researchers.
We hope you will make the most of every opportunity to share your expertise, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections. Together, we can continue to advance understanding and care for those affected by lymphatic and adipose tissue diso rders.
Thank you for being part of this important global conversation. We look forward to an engaging and memorable conference with you here at ILF2025 in Niagara Falls.
Warmest regards,
Professor Christine Moffatt CBE
Chair, International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF)
On behalf of the ILF Board of Directors and Conference Partners ILA & CLF
Welcome to our comprehensive learning hub for lymphedema, lipedema, and venous disease care
Designed for healthcare professionals, the site brings together structured modules, expert presentations, and case-based learning to strengthen knowledge, support accurate diagnosis, and promote best-practice management. From foundational overviews of the lymphatic and venous system to topics such as cellulitis, genital and paediatric lymphedema, climate impacts, and lipedema recognition, the content offers both depth and practicality. In addition, healthcare professionals can guide their patients to patient-focused resources.
A new document updates the S TRIDE algorithm for compression selec tion to cover lymphoedema of the upper limb, trunk and breas t
This Journal of Wound Care special issue brings together a wealth of knowledge on upper-body lymphoedema, compression and advancing compression therapy through evidence-based practice and international collaboration.
The STRIDE algorithm prioritises patient-centred care, tailored to the needs of specific patients. Accounting for the
t akes account of how compression aligns with anatomical variations in oedema dis tribu tion, tissue tex ture and body trunk , where diver se shapes and tex tures present complex challenges that require specialised solutions.
S TRIDE also emphasises the dynamic nature of compression and the need for treatment to evolve alongside the patient ’s needs Lymphoedema is not s t atic, and compression requirement s shif t based on changes in tissue tex ture, s welling pat terns This is critical for the upper limbs and trunk , where anatomical diver sit y demands adapt able solutions
The S TRIDE algorithm is intended to prov ide clinicians with a precise, s truc tured and ev idence- based framework for upper- body lymphoedema, helping control s welling and other s ymptoms and improve patient s ’ qualit y of life
Size Site, size and shape of lymphoedematous s welling
Texture
Issues
Tissue texture and textile type used in compression garments
How lymphoedema volume changes with ac tivit y or throughout the day and the night
Finances , func tion, hygiene, knowledge, medical s tatus , ps ychological wellbeing , etc
Dosage manage lymphoedema
Etiolog y
Comorbidities, s tages of lymphoedema and their impac t on compression selec tion
Document contents
• Anatomy, pathophysiolog y and assessment
• The science of compression tex tiles and garments
• Categorising compression devices, garments and accessories
• Using the S TRIDE algorithm for compression selec tion
• Case studies of the S TRIDE algorithm for compression selec tion
• Delphi study on the S TRIDE algorithm for compression selec tion
Professional guide to compression garment selection for the trunk and upper limb
Over three inspiring days (23–25 October), the global lymphoedema and lipoedema communities are coming together in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Hosted in collaboration with the Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF) and International Lipoedema Association (ILA), this event offers an exceptional programme of world-class education featuring 120+ international speakers. Delegates can look forward to keynote presentations, interactive workshops and a Master Class series designed for deeper learning.
The event also includes an industry exhibition for all the latest products, innovations and interactive hands-on Skills Zone sessions.
Discover the freedom to express yourself.
VenoTrain® curaflow product features:
VenoTrain® curaflow relieves painful tension, supports the removal of fluid from the tissue and counteracts further accumulations and hardening
• treats edema and relieves pain caused by swelling
• high level of wearing comfort thanks to additional functional zones
• can be adapted in many ways to suit individual requirements
Industry Sponsored Symposia - For Health Professionals
Join us for a series of lunchtime industry sponsored symposia, taking place on the 5th Floor in Strategy Room 1.
Designed specifically for health professionals, these sessions will highlight the latest advancements and innovations in lymphoedema management and treatment. Hosted by leading companies in the field, each symposium features expert speakers and offers a unique opportunity to explore emerging therapies, technologies, and best practices.
These informative lunchtime events are an excellent way to expand your professional knowledge and connect with key industry leaders.
Thursday 23rd October, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Dr. Valérie Tauveron, Dermatologist and Lymphedema Expert Centre Coordinator at the University Hospital of Tours, France, will discuss the underlying mechanisms behind limb volume improvements and skin changes in lymphedema patients using Mobiderm® Autofit.
Professor Isabelle Quéré, Head of the Vascular Medicine Department at the University of Montpellier and the National Reference Centre for Rare Lymphatic and Vascular Diseases, will present on the efficacy of Mobiderm® Autofit night-time compression in managing upper limb lymphedema during the maintenance phase, sharing results from the LYMPHONIGHT study.
Friday 24th October, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Don’t miss this dynamic and timely symposium sponsored by JOBST: “The Interplay Between Obesity, Lymphedema, and LipedemaSyndrome - From Challenge to Action”. Join a powerhouse panel of international experts as they dive into the complex relationship between obesity, lymphedema, and lipedema-syndrome. Anna Towers will set the stage with a Canadian perspective on obesity and its impact on lymphedema, including breast cancer-related lymphedema and diagnostic criteria for lipedema-syndrome. Then, Tobias Bertsch and Guenter Klose team up to explore the role of obesity in lipedemasyndrome and approaches to treatment — covering everything from compression therapy and movement to the psychosocial dimensions of weight and surgical considerations. This is an essential session for anyone seeking a deeper, more integrated understanding of the interplay between obesity, lymphedema & lipedema-syndrome and actionable strategies for care. Q&As will be taken during the first coffee break after the symposium where you can meet the experts at the JOBST booth.
Friday 24 October at 1:00 - 2:00 PM
SPEAKERS
TOBIAS BERTSCH, MD
Chief Physician & Medical Director, Foeldi Clinic, Germany
GUENTER KLOSE, MLD/CDT CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR, CLT-LANA
Executive Director, Klose Training & Consulting, USA
MEET THE EXPERTS
ANNA TOWERS, MD, Director, Lymphedema Program, McGill University Health Center, Canada
LIVE Q&A AT THE JOBST BOOTH
Friday 24 October at 3:15 - 4:00 PM
Saturday 25th October, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Els Brouwer, Chair of the Dutch Association for Physiotherapy in Lymphology & Oncology will begin this lunchtime symposium by introducing and explaining COMPAS - the Compression Asia-Pacific (APAC) Summit and the future of compression therapy in this region and Europe.
Arthur Bagonza, Public Health Consultant Makerere University, Uganda will then outline the experience of building regional lymphedema care pathways in the APAC-region from a multistakeholder perspective.
Prof. Dr. med. Christian Taeger, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgeon, Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at the Isar, Munich, Germany will detail the multidisciplinary approach to the management of lymphedema, providing insight into the treatment methods at each stage of disease progression, from super-microsurgery to liposuction and back again.
Visit
medi lunch symposium: Making compression happen
Speakers: Els Brouwer, Arthur Bagonza, Prof. Dr. med. Christian Taeger, Nikolas Zwarg
25th October 2025 01:00 – 02:00 pm Room: Strategy 1
Enhance your clinical expertise at our three industry skills zones, located in the Exhibition Hall (Great Room A/B).
These 25-minute practical sessions focus on key aspects of lymphoedema care and management, offering hands-on learning guided by leading industry professionals. From innovative therapies to product applications and clinical techniques, each session delivers focused, real-world insights you can apply in your practice. Sessions will run multiple times throughout the official exhibition viewing hours, so you can easily fit them into your conference schedule.
Explore all three Skills Zones and take away valuable skills to support your work with lymphoedema patients.
Natalie Phillips MSc, BSc (HONS) RN. LTA cert Senior Clinical Manager: Haddenham Healthcare Ltd Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist: Lymphatic Therapy Solutions
The focus of this presentation is on empowering patients to undertake selfdecongestion with easywrap strong and Comfiwave as an integral part of the patient’s toolbox.
Case studies demonstrate how both products have been used successfully to reduce limb volume prior to liposuction for lymphoedema and in those who require reduction to enable better maintenance. The session will introduce the product lines and discuss how they are used as stand-alone products and in combination in both the reduction phase and maintenance phase of lymphoedema management to promote long term lymphoedema management and titration of self-care.
The medi skills zone will feature a wide range of topics throughout the conference, all focused around the appropriate selection and use of compression therapy in a variety of clinical scenarios.
Thursday, Prof Dr med Christian Taeger and Els Brouwer will discuss surgery in lymphoedema and the post-surgical use of compression therapy, with case studies to illustrate compression choice in practice. Similarly, Justine Whitaker and Dr Elizabeth Webb will use case studies to demonstrate the successful use of compression therapy when managing people with lymphoedema and cellulitis. Justine Whitaker and Natascha Plate will outline the ideal combination of compression and exercise for post-surgery breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Finally, Christopher Miles and Bryan Groleau will perform a live demonstration of the Circaid reduction kit, highlighting tips and tricks to optimise successful use.
Friday, lipoedema, surgery and the post-surgical role of compression for people will be described by Prof Dr Sarah Thomis and Ann-Kathleen Heroes. Next, Professor Christine Moffatt and Professor Dr Louise Koelmeyer will discuss the need to discuss healthcare politics for a better future and availability of compression therapy. Anne Kathrin Berghammer and Bryan Groleau will explain wall stability in medical compression stockings and why it is important to understand what it means. Finally, there will be another chance to see Christopher Miles and Bryan Groleau performing a live demonstration of the Circaid reduction kit, highlighting tips and tricks to optimise successful use.
Saturday presents further opportunity to attend the Circaid reduction kit live demonstration as described above, followed by Justine Whitaker and Natascha Plate giving an overview of gynaecological cancer surgeries that can result in lymphoedema and how exercise and compression therapy is needed in combination to maximise oedema reduction.
Christine Murphy, RN, WOCC(C), BSC(HONS) Tissue Viability, MCLSCWH, PHD
Jennifer Ball, RPN, IIWCC, SWAN, CLT, Director, Integrated Care Solutions, Access Healthcare Services, Ottawa, Canada
The learning objectives of this session include understanding the role of compression therapy in the management and treatment of lymphedema, as well as identifying the indications, contraindications, and patient-specific considerations for compression wrapping. Participants will demonstrate proper technique for multi-layer compression wrapping through guided, hands-on practice. Additionally, they will integrate clinical assessment skills to effectively select compression systems that align with individual patient care goals. The session will also include an interactive Q&A to clarify technique, product usage, and clinical application.
Our smart two-layer cohesive compression system enables healthcare providers to use various wrapping techniques for different anatomical locations affected by edema, offering easy application and a comfortable, low-profile design for everyday use. Compression therapy has been shown to deliver better patient outcomes.*1,2
Visit our booth to learn more about short-stretch compression system. Visit our Skills Zone to learn advanced wrapping techniques and consult with healthcare professionals.
Sponsors
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