Introducing Ellen PoageAPRN, MPH, CLT-LANA
Nurse Practitioner & Lymphedema Specialist

Ellen is a highly skilled nurse practitioner with an evidence-based approach to treating lymphedema at Precision Healthcare Specialists. Her collaboration with Dr. Lea Blackwell has created a unique opportunity to improve early diagnosis and prevention of lymphedema for breast cancer patients in Southwest Florida. She also sees patients with lymphedema from other causes like melanoma, head and neck, gyn surgeries, primary lymphedema and lipedema.

Drawing on her extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, such as vibration, cupping and microcurrent point stimulation, Ellen works with patients to reduce swelling, fibrosis, and pain, while improving range of motion after surgery. Because lymphedema is often an overlooked complication of surgery and radiation, Ellen works tirelessly to improve patient outcomes and their overall well-being. Her passion for helping patients achieve optimal health is unwavering.

With an increasing number of patients undergoing surgical interventions for lymphedema management, she has established herself as a preoperative and postoperative provider for various procedures. Her roles include preoperative assistance to reduce limb swelling to its maximum extent two weeks prior to surgery and postoperative care to accelerate healing by reducing swelling, subsequently alleviating pain and inflammation. These procedures include Suction Assisted Protein Lipectomy (SAPL), Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT), Lymphovenous Anastomosis (LVA), and other plastic surgeries.

Ellen’s educational background includes a degree in acupuncture from the University of Miami and a specialization in auriculotherapy, which Ellen incorporates into her practice. A dedicated advocate for lymphedema management and research, Ellen has published several journal articles for organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society and the American Lymphedema Framework Project. She also travels to Washington D.C. to advocate for the Lymphedema Treatment Act, a bill aimed at securing Medicare funding for compression garments.