Karen began her career in occupational therapy in 1981, completing her lymphedema certification in 2003. She has been honored by the National Lymphedema Network as an Expert Lymphedema Clinician and is an instructor in this curriculum.
Karen’s passions in clinical practice are addressing underlying autonomic, fibrotic and inflammatory factors and troubleshooting complex lymphedema and lipedema cases. She has an understanding of the complexities of treating wound patients with lymphedema and lipedema. She has a rich background in research and innovation of equipment.
She is considered an international expert in the area of fibrosis assessment and treatment, and clinical use of pneumatic compression.
Karen speaks frequently at academic, clinical and professional settings and performs IRB sanctioned clinical research that she presents and publishes nationally and internationally. Her conference presentations have included four International Lymphology Congress meetings: 2017 Spain, 2015 USA, 2011 Sweden, 2009 Australia, four American Vein and Lymphatic Society meetings (2020-2023) and nine National Lymphedema Network conferences (2010-2023.) She has delivered keynote speeches and taught at numerous telehealth and in-person conferences in the United States, Canada, Israel, Norway, Australia, and China.

Recent publications include: LE&RN (USA), Lymphology Journal (USA), AOTA Practice Journal (USA), OTAC Journal (USA), Pathways (Canada) and Journal of Lymphoedema (UK.) Links to selected research and educational articles and videos are on her professional website: www.karenashforth.com