THE USE OF THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND TO TREAT MASTITIS AND BLOCKED DUCTS

What is Mastitis
 
Mastitis is a painful breast condition experienced by breastfeeding mums. It occurs when milk ducts become blocked and symptoms can include:

• A red lump or area on the breast which is sore or hard. It may feel hot and painful to touch or while wearing a bra.
• You may experience a continuous burning pain in the breast or it may occur only when breastfeeding.
• There may be white nipple discharge containing traces of blood.
• You may experience flu like symptoms such as aches, fever and chills.

 
Causes of mastitis can include the following
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• Poor latching or sucking by your baby, causing incomplete emptying of the breast.
• Cracked nipples which can become infected. The infection can travel up to the milk ducts.
• Infrequent or missed feeds causing engorged breasts causing milk to remain stationary in the breast.
• Compression. This compression doesn’t need to be excessive it can be from a tight bra, Finger compression to position the breast for breastfeeding or leaning over a car seat as you place baby into the car.

 
Treatment for Mastitis
 
If you are experiencing a blocked duct, it is encouraged that you continue breastfeeding your baby at regular intervals to help clear the blockage. If you are unable to resolve the blockage, physiotherapy intervention can be very helpful.
 
Physiotherapy treatment can include therapeutic ultrasound, effleurage massage and kinesiotaping. Ultrasound has been proven as a very effective treatment and prevention for mastitis. If used early enough it has been shown to prevent a blocked duct developing into infective mastitis. After treatment it is encouraged that you continue breastfeeding to help you clear the blockage.
 
In many cases therapeutic ultrasound can speed up recovery and help improve symptoms significantly in 1 to 3 sessions. 
If the infection is persistent however it is advised that you seek medical advice. 
 
If the mastitis has been caused by an infection in the nipple it is advised that you seek medical advice. Cracked nipples can be treated effectively with the use of Laser. I will cover this in another blog post.
 
If you have any breast lumps or pitting that you are unsure of, you should always seek medical advice with your midwife of GP
 
 
If you are having any issues with breastfeeding you can seek advice from your midwife or local lactation consultant (https://lcgb.org).
 
References:
 
Lavigne V., Gleberzon B.J. Ultrasound as a treatment of mammary blocked duct among 25 postpartum lactating women: a retrospective case series. Journal of chiropractic medicine. (2012) 11, 170 – 178
 
https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/common-concerns/mastitis-symptoms-and-treatment