ADVANCED WOUND CARE +
LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY
Two specialties. One healing plan. Chronic wounds and uncontrolled swelling often feed the same cycle. At Advanced Wound & Lymphatics Institute, wound care and lymphedema therapy are coordinated so we can address the wound, the edema, the skin and the factors that may be keeping healing from moving forward.
Advanced Wound & Lymphatics Institute provides coordinated care for chronic wounds, lymphedema and complex swelling. Our therapists combine advanced wound management, complete decongestive therapy, compression and patient education to help protect skin, restore function and support long-term limb health.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Our Approach
WHY THEY GO HAND IN HAND
Our Team
Meet our Providers
James “Jim” Ferrara
James “Jim” Ferrara, OTR/L, CLWT, WCC, is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema & Wound Therapist with more than 25 years of rehabilitation experience.
Jim’s clinical background includes outpatient rehabilitation, home health, neurological rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and advanced wound care. He earned his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Spalding University and has pursued advanced training in lymphedema and wound management.
Jim specializes in treating complex lymphedema, chronic edema, venous disease, wounds, fibrosis, and related mobility limitations. His approach focuses on treating the underlying factors contributing to a patient’s condition through evidence-based Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), advanced wound care, compression management, therapeutic exercise, and patient education.
As a clinician and entrepreneur, Jim has helped develop therapist-owned rehabilitation and lymphedema services throughout Florida. He owns Functional Transformation Mobile Rehab, Functional Transformation DME (compression garments) and is a co-owner of Mobile Rehab & Lymphatics and part of the provider team at Aetherus Wound & Lymphatics and co-owner of Advanced Wound & Lymphatic Institute in Tampa.
Jim believes wound care and lymphedema treatment should work hand in hand. His goal is to combine clinical expertise, advanced technology, and individualized one-on-one care to improve healing, restore independence, and enhance each patient’s quality of life.
Frank Aviles
Frank Aviles, PT, CWS, FACCWS, CLT-LANA, ALM, is a nationally recognized wound care and lymphatic specialist with more than 35 years of clinical experience. An educator, author, researcher, and Certified Lymphedema Therapist instructor, he has trained healthcare professionals throughout the United States and internationally and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. Frank remains actively engaged in academic teaching, clinical research, and professional education. He is also co-host of The Frank & Lizzie Show, an educational platform dedicated to improving outcomes through evidence-based wound and lymphatic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We focus on chronic and complex swelling, skin changes and wounds. This includes lymphedema, chronic lower-extremity edema, recurrent or difficult-to-heal wounds, and related skin changes such as fibrosis, hyperkeratosis and fragile tissue.
Do I need a referral?
Referral requirements can vary. In many cases, we work closely with your existing providers to coordinate care. Contact us and we can help you understand what is needed based on your insurance, diagnosis and current treatment plan.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your insurance information, a list of current medications, any recent wound or imaging reports, and details about your current dressings or compression. If you already use compression garments or wraps, bring them with you so we can evaluate fit and effectiveness.