The Jacksonville Lymphedema Clinic is located in historical San Marco. Our clinic has been in operation since 1994. It is the first treatment center of its kind in northeast Florida offering therapeutic treatment, Combined Decongestive Therapy for primary and secondary lymphostatic lymphedema.

The Medical Director is Rickie P. Sander, M.D. a Family Practitioner / Lymphologist. The Clinical Director is Preston S. Parkerson, a licensed Histologist and LMT, who has completed an extensive study of Combined Decongestive Therapy and Lymphology in Austria under the guidance of world renowned Professor Hildegard Wittlinger at the Vodder Schule. The clinic is staffed with three licensed and certified therapists in the Dr. Vodder method of Combined Decongestive Therapy.

Our most recent endeavor is to stop the practice of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy performed by untrained therapists or by therapists that have taken a less than adequate weekend course. The performance of this modality is for medically trained personnel under the guidance of a physician.

We utilize a specific treatment for post surgical patients who have had a mastectomy, hysterectomy, or prostatectomy resulting in the removal of lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy. We also treat patients with recent trauma such as injury, burns, etc. We have had great success with the reduction of swelling due to orthopedic, oral, and cosmetic surgery.

Lymphedema is fairly common. It affects a little over one percent of the population in the U.S. There are two types of lymphedema: Primary and Secondary.

Primary lymphostatic lymphedema is an inherent or congenital condition that may manifest at birth or during adolescent years. It is more often seen in women around the age of thirty-five, although lymphedema can occur at any age and to either sex. Congenital Lymphedema usually occurs in the lower extremities.

Secondary lymphostatic lymphedema is the most common form of lymphedema. The damaging or excision of lymph nodes can cause lymphedema to the related area. The most frequent incidents occur in patients who have undergone surgery to remove malignant tumors. The up rise in breast cancer and subsequent mastectomy operations are one of the major reasons for the increase of lymphedema today. Cancer of the breast, uterus, prostate, bladder ovaries, and skin are typical examples of resultant lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema typically occurs six months to three years after initial surgery, although it can appear as early as one month and as late as 10 years after surgery.

All of our patients get personalized care. Along with their treatment we can make every attempt to educate them about their condition and how to maintain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

We welcome you to visit with us any time, or contact us for further information.