Biography & achievements

Professor Oliver Gültig is one of Europe’s most distinguished pioneers in Lymphology, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). With over 45 years of clinical, academic, and teaching experience, he has shaped lymphology education globally and trained tens of thousands of healthcare professionals across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

He is internationally recognized for establishing standardized curricula in lymphology, developing multidisciplinary lymphatic care networks, and advancing evidence-based CDT practice aligned with Vodder–Földi principles.

In October 2024, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his lifetime contribution to lymphology.

Core Expertise

• Lymphology & Lymphedema Management

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

• Lipedema & Post-oncological Edema

• Compression Therapy & Bandaging Systems

• Multidisciplinary Lymphatic Care Models

• Curriculum Design & International CPD Programs

Professional Appointments

• Senior Professor of Lymphologic Medical Education

• Founder & CEO, GUELTIG LYMPHOLOGY training and consulting GmbH (2020–Present)

• Former Director, Physiotherapy Department – Feldbergklinik Dr. Asdonk / Prof. Földi (World’s first lymphology clinic)

• Former Headmaster, Földi School (Freiburg & Frankfurt)

• Founding Member & Scientific Chairman, Lymphologicum e.V. (since 2010)

Professional Memberships

• Board Member – German Society of Lymphology (DGL) (1979–2022)

• Member – German Society of Phlebology & Lymphology

• Member – International Society of Lymphology (ISL)

• Member – German-Speaking Society of Lymphology (GDL)

• Member – German Society of Lipedema Surgery

Education & Advanced Training

• Advanced Training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage – Földi / Asdonk, 1979

• Full Vodder MLD Course & Examination – Walchsee, Austria, 1981

• Co-Founder & Senior Instructor – Földi School (since 1982)

Publications & Editorial Work

• Editor-in-Chief, Lymphology Guide (Elsevier, 2015 & 2021)

• Co-author of multiple standard textbooks in lymphology, including:

  • Földi’s Textbook of Lymphology

  • Lymphedema Diagnosis & Therapy

  • MLD & Complete Decongestive Therapy

• Author of 50+ peer-reviewed articles in lymphology, wound care, compression therapy, and rehabilitation journals

• Editor of the Lymphologic Journal (since 1988; circulation ~42,000)

International Teaching & Congress Leadership

• Instructor of 60+ certified lymphology educators

• Trained ~40,000 physiotherapists and healthcare professionals

• Educated 1,000+ physicians through structured lymphology curricula

• Congress President & Scientific Lead for major international lymphology congresses across:

  • Germany, Switzerland, Austria

  • Egypt, Bahrain

  • Vietnam, Armenia

  • Brazil, Australia, Middle East

Awards & Honors

• Federal Cross of Merit (Germany) – 2024

• Multiple international recognitions for advancing lymphology education and care models

Volunteer & Advisory Contributions

• 20+ years of voluntary work supporting post-cancer lymphedema self-help groups

• Advisor to health authorities, insurers, and accreditation bodies

• Architect of 80+ lymphology care networks integrating physicians, therapists, and medical garment specialists