Mastitis Treatment: Physio and Ultrasound for Blocked Milk Ducts.

Jasmine Watson. Senior Physiotherapist. PhysioCentral. Miranda. Sutherland Shire

Mastitis is a condition that many breastfeeding women face, bringing discomfort and sometimes leading to more serious issues if not treated promptly. In Australia, up to 20% of breastfeeding women experience mastitis within the first six months after giving birth¹.

Early treatment is essential to ease your symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. Physiotherapy offers gentle and effective mastitis treatment options, including therapeutic ultrasound, which has shown proven, fast results in relieving blocked milk ducts.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that commonly affects breastfeeding mums, and can sometimes involve an infection. The inflammation can lead to breast pain, swelling, and redness. Some women may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever – a sign of infection.

In Australia, mastitis is a significant health concern for new mums, contributing to breastfeeding cessation in up to 74% of cases where it occurs repeatedly². Understanding mastitis and its treatments can empower you to continue breastfeeding successfully and comfortably, ensuring those precious bonding moments aren’t interrupted by discomfort.

Causes of Mastitis

Mastitis often stems from blocked milk ducts. When milk isn’t adequately removed from the breast, it can lead to milk stasis, causing a duct blockage. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to infection. Here are some common factors that contribute to blocked milk ducts:

Incomplete emptying of the breast during feeding or expressing. Poor breastfeeding technique is implicated in up to 80% of mastitis cases³.
Irregular breastfeeding schedules, leading to engorgement.
Poor latch or positioning, causing ineffective milk removal.
Pressure on the breast, such as tight clothing or certain sleeping positions.
Stress and fatigue, implicated in approximately 30% of cases⁴ can impact milk flow and your immune system.

Symptoms of Mastitis

Recognising the early signs of mastitis is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

Redness, pain, or swelling around the breast: The affected area may feel warm to the touch.
Breast lumps or hardness: Indicating blocked milk ducts.
Flu-like symptoms: Including fever, chills, and fatigue.
Discomfort during breastfeeding: Pain may increase during feeding due to pressure on the inflamed area.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Mastitis

Therapeutic Ultrasound treatment for Blocked Milk Ducts

What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound is a gentle physiotherapy treatment that uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissue, to unblock the milk ducts that cause Mastitis. Extremely effective – most patients only require one to three treatments!

Therapeutic ultrasound resolves blocked ducts in up to 84% of cases⁹.

How Does Ultrasound Help in Mastitis?

Promotes Milk Flow: Ultrasound softens and liquefies solidified milk residue to unblock the milk duct.
Reduces Inflammation: The sound waves help decrease inflammatory responses.
Alleviates Pain: Provides relief from discomfort associated with mastitis. Pain reduction is often reported after the first treatment session in over 50% of women¹⁰.

Blocked Milk Duct Ultrasound Treatment Protocol

A typical ultrasound treatment protocol for mastitis may include:

Frequency of Sessions: Usually 1–3 sessions in a 7-10 day period for optimal relief
Duration: 2-3 applications of ultrasound of up to 5 minutes duration each. Combined with a few minutes of self-massage and even expressing of milk between each application. In total, about 30 minutes
Intensity Settings: Low-intensity settings are used to ensure comfort and safety. And relief!
Post-Treatment Feeding: Encouraged to breastfeed or express immediately after to maximise milk flow, and flush out those blocked milk ducts.

Pain reduction is often reported after the first treatment session in over 50% of women¹⁰.

Is Mastitis Curable with Ultrasound?

Yes! Mastitis is curable, especially with early treatment. Therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to be highly effective in resolving blocked milk ducts and reducing symptoms. Combining ultrasound with other physiotherapy treatments can enhance your recovery.

How to look after yourself at home

1. Self-Massage Techniques

Self-massage is a comforting way to relieve blocked milk ducts and improve milk flow. Here are some gentle techniques you can try:

Gentle Circular Motions: Use your fingertips to massage the affected area in a circular motion towards the nipple.
Compression Massage: Apply gentle pressure on the blocked duct while feeding or expressing to help milk drainage.
Breast Compression: Gently squeeze the breast to encourage milk flow during feeding.

Studies have shown that self-massage can reduce mastitis symptoms by up to 50% within 48 hours⁵. It’s like giving yourself a mini spa treatment—without the cucumber slices!

2. Regular Feeding or Expressing

Maintaining a regular breastfeeding or expressing schedule is key to preventing milk stasis and blocked ducts:

Feed on the Affected Side First: Babies tend to suck stronger at the beginning of feeding, helping to clear the blockage.
Frequent Feeding: Increases milk removal and reduces engorgement. This can reduce the risk of mastitis by approximately 25%⁶.
Ensure Proper Latch: Correct positioning ensures effective milk transfer. Proper latch techniques decrease the incidence of blocked ducts by up to 40%⁷.

Consistency is key – keep that milk flowing like a well-oiled machine!

3. Heat Packs

Applying heat is a soothing way to help:

Dilate Milk Ducts: Facilitates easier milk flow.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort: Soothes the inflamed area.

Try using a heat pack, or taking a warm shower before feeding for added relief. It’ll also help improve milk flow!

Using heat therapy has been reported to provide immediate relief in over 60% of mastitis cases⁸.

A few more things to consider:

Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake is essential.
Make sure you’re eating well! A Balanced Diet supports immune function and overall health.
Antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is present. In Australia, antibiotics are prescribed in approximately 60% of mastitis cases¹¹. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP!

Preventing Mastitis

Prevention strategies can help you avoid mastitis and keep breastfeeding comfortably:

Regular Breastfeeding/Expressing: Avoid long intervals between feeds. Regular breastfeeding reduces mastitis risk by 15–20%¹².
Alternate Feeding Positions: Ensuring all areas of the breast are drained.
Avoid Tight Clothing: Preventing pressure on the breasts. Avoiding tight clothing can decrease incidence by up to 10%¹³.
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Supporting overall health and milk production.

Prevention is better than cure!

Globally, mastitis affects an estimated 10% of breastfeeding women¹⁴. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises the importance of continued breastfeeding during mastitis episodes and recommends supportive treatments like physiotherapy¹⁵. It’s comforting to know that you’re part of a global community of mums navigating similar challenges. You’re not alone!

Final thoughts

Mastitis can be a challenging condition for breastfeeding women, but with early treatment and proper care, it is curable. Physiotherapy offers effective mastitis treatment protocols, including self-massage, regular feeding, heat application, and the best of all – therapeutic ultrasound for blocked milk ducts.

Recognising symptoms early and utilising these treatments can quickly ease your pain and discomfort. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice and treatment plans. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one.

Jasmine Watson. Senior Physiotherapist at PhysioCentral. Miranda. The Sutherland Shire

Sources

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Mastitis: Physio Treatment and Therapeutic Ultrasound for Blocked Milk Ducts