Therapeutic Ultrasound for
Blocked Milk Ducts and Mastitis
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Mastitis and Blocked Milk Ducts in Hills District and Hawkesbury
Breastfeeding can come with a steep learning curve. For many new mums, breastfeeding can be a special part of early motherhood, nurturing a unique bond with their newborn while providing nourishment and comfort. But it can also come with challenges.
Blocked milk ducts, engorgement and mastitis can cause pain and discomfort, making feeding more difficult.
At Women’s Health Hub, our pregnancy and postpartum physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and provide Therapeutic Ultrasound when appropriate. This gentle, non-invasive treatment may help ease localised inflammation, swelling and discomfort—helping you breastfeed more comfortably.
Seeking support early can help you understand what is happening and take your next step with confidence.
The presence of breast pain, redness and warmth does not automatically mean antibiotics are needed, and physiotherapy treatment is often the most appropriate first response.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SYMPTOMS
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that usually occurs to breastfeeding mums.
If the inflammation isn't dealt with early, bacteria from the skin can get into the milk and cause an infection.
In Australia, up to 20% of breastfeeding women experience mastitis within the first six months after giving birth, according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
What is your breast telling you?
Breastfeeding-related breast conditions sit along a spectrum.
The signs can overlap, and symptoms may change quickly.
Localised inflammation
Often called a blocked duct
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A firm or lumpy area in one part of the breast
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Localised tenderness or pain
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Redness or a change in skin colour
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An area that does not soften well after feeding
Engorgement
Full, heavy and swollen
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Breasts that feel very full, firm or heavy
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Tight, shiny or tender skin
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Discomfort in one or both breasts
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Difficulty attaching because the breast feels firm
Mastitis symptoms
Increasing or whole-body symptoms
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Increasing pain, heat, redness or swelling
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A hard or increasingly tender area
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Fever, chills or a fast heart rate
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Feeling suddenly or generally unwell
UNDERSTANDING BREAST INFLAMMATION
Why can a breast become painful, firm or swollen?
01
Feeding schedule
Longer gaps, sudden routine changes or your baby sleeping for longer.
04
Pump fit
An incorrect flange size or suction setting may irritate your breast or nipple.
02
Poor latch
A poor latch prevents a baby from draining the breast well.
05
Pressure
A tight bra, clothing, fingers or a sleeping position can press on the breast.
03
Oversupply
You may be producing or expressing more milk than your baby needs.
06
Sudden weaning
Quick changes to feeding or expressing can leave breasts overly full.
CONTACT YOUR GP PROMPTLY
If you feel unwell or your symptoms are worsening
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Fever, chills, a fast heart rate or flu-like symptoms
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Increasing heat, redness, swelling or pain
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Redness that is spreading across the breast
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Symptoms that are not beginning to improve within 12 to 24 hours
Bacterial mastitis may require antibiotics. Therapeutic Ultrasound does not replace medical assessment or treatment.
BOOK A THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT
If localised pain, swelling or a tender area is not settling
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A firm, lumpy or tender area in one part of the breast
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Localised swelling, inflammation or discomfort
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Feeding or expressing feels increasingly uncomfortable
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You are unsure what is causing your symptoms or what to do next
Our pregnancy and postpartum physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, treat when appropriate and guide your next step.
A NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OPTION
What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound is a part of physiotherapy treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves, not radiation, to deliver energy into the tissues beneath the skin.
For breastfeeding-related breast conditions including mastitis, it may be used as part of a broader treatment plan to help reduce local inflammation, swelling and discomfort.
It is not an ultrasound scan.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a treatment and does not produce an image of the breast.
How Therapeutic Ultrasound Can Help with Mastitis
Here are a few ways Therapeutic Ultrasound may help ease pain and discomfort, so you can breastfeed more comfortably.
01
Helps settle inflammation and swelling
It may help reduce localised inflammation and swelling in the affected breast tissue.
02
Eases pain and tenderness
As inflammation settles, treatment may help ease breast pain and tenderness.
03
Makes feeding more comfortable
Reduced pain and swelling may make breastfeeding or expressing feel more comfortable.
04
Works alongside your existing care
Therapeutic Ultrasound can complement appropriate breastfeeding, lactation or medical support as part of your overall care.
YOUR 30-MINUTE APPOINTMENT
What happens during the session?
This 30-minute appointment gives us time to understand what you are experiencing, assess and treat the area and guide your next step.
01
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We assess
Our physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms and breastfeeding history, then assess the affected area.
We treat
If suitable, therapeutic ultrasound is applied to the affected area.
A gel is applied to the skin and a small ultrasound device is moved over the blocked or inflamed area. The treatment is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.
We guide
After treatment, we’ll guide you on what to do next.
This may include feeding your baby, expressing for comfort or using gentle lymphatic drainage techniques to support milk flow and help settle inflammation.