Can therapeutic ultrasound help with a clogged milk duct?
The answer is YES!
Many breastfeeding mothers experience a clogged duct, or a plugged milk duct, a common condition where there is an obstruction or blockage of milk flow in an area of the breast while breastfeeding. Symptoms can include localized pain or a palpable lump on the breast, which can hinder breastfeeding or cause the mother to stop nursing altogether. According to Mayo Clinic, breast pain is the most frequently stated reason for early weaning. Risk factors for developing a clogged duct may include elevated stress or fatigue levels, a change in feeding schedule (i.e. missed feedings or limited time during feedings), insufficient breast emptying caused by baby positioning or improper latching, or prolonged compression on the breast.
A research report by Cooper and Kowalsky states that some clogged ducts may progress to mastitis if they do not clear (blocked ducts have been identified as the most significant predictor of mastitis in the first 3 months postpartum). Mastitis is an infection of the breast and is usually associated with redness, pain, and flu-like symptoms. Management of the clogged duct will be important to maintain breastfeeding goals and the mother-child relationship while minimizing the risk of further complications.
Because most clogged ducts resolve on their own in less than 48 hours, a combination of techniques to self-manage symptoms is a promising place to start. This can include heat, pain medications, lecithin supplementation, and breast massage. However, if self-management does not result in an improvement in symptoms, this is when physical therapy can step in to help.
What is the current research regarding the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a treatment for clogged ducts?
In a retrospective case series by Lavigne and Gleberzon, it is theorized that “continuous ultrasound treatment would help, by the effects of heat and micromassage, open the ducts and increase circulation, thereby assisting in movement of milk through the area.” Data was collected from 25 lactating women diagnosed with blocked ducts and were treated with therapeutic ultrasound in a private clinic. 23 out of the 25 women reported no adverse effects and resolution of their symptoms after an average of 3 treatments (some women experienced symptom resolution in as little as 1 treatment). Some of the women provided self-care to manage their symptoms alongside the ultrasound. Even though further research is needed to take a closer look at the effectiveness of ultrasound on clogged ducts, this case series suggests that therapeutic ultrasound may be a treatment option to consider within a comprehensive plan of care.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a service offered at Allied Therapy Partners. This is done in the comfort of your own home. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about therapeutic ultrasound to help manage your clogged ducts or to help prevent mastitis.
Post written by Autumn McGee, SPT on May 26, 2023
Physical Therapy Clinical Student at Allied Therapy Partners
References
Managing plugged ducts, mastitis when breastfeeding. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/managing-plugged-ducts-mastitis-when-breastfeeding#:~:text=Plugged%20ducts%20and%20mastitis%20are
Lavigne V, Gleberzon BJ. Ultrasound as a treatment of mammary blocked duct among 25 postpartum lactating women: a retrospective case series. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2012;11(3):170-178. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2012.05.011
Cooper BB, Kowalsky D. Physical Therapy Intervention for Treatment of Blocked Milk Ducts in Lactating Women. Journal of Womenʼs Health Physical Therapy. 2015;39(3):115-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jwh.0000000000000037
Cucchiara M. Standard of Care: Physical Therapy Treatment of Blocked Milk Ducts . Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services; 2019:1-8.
