Mastectomy almost 6 months post op.......

Actually there is no certification for LE therapists, unfortunately. There's a voluntary certifying organization called LANA that offer a written test (no hands-on observation or testing) as soon as a therapist graduates from their LE course, as long as the course included at least 135 hours of specifically LE training, two-thirds of which was hands-on. LANA does not provide any oversight of their "certified" therapists, so once they're out on their own they can be doing anything and LANA will not investigate or revoke their certification. Lots of very well-trained and experienced therapists do not apply for LANA certification, as the cost is high and there are no benefits to them from being "certified" by LANA. 

All that to say that what you need to do is ASK any LE therapist you're considering what training they've had (should be at least 135 hours of specifically LE training beyond their PT or OT certification), and what if any follow-up training they've done. Don't be embarrassed to ask these things, or to avoid a therapist who is under-trained or unwilling to discuss it with you. Any OT or PT is legally permitted to treat LE even with no specific training, but LE is a unique condition that requires understanding, training, and experience that goes well beyond what is learned in the usual PT and OT curriculums.

A final word of caution: even well-trained therapists can go off on tangents, and since most are not supervised by anyone who is knowledgeable about LE, there is no one to stop them from either short-cutting or adding their own unproven variations. It's a wild world, for sure. Knowledge is our best protection.

More information about finding a therapist here:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified…

What to expect from treatment here:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/treatments_for_lymp...

Keep us posted on your progress, gtgirl! Gentle hugs,
Binney