"Clogged Ducts", Engorgement and Mastitis

Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), light therapy, and lymphatic drainage can be performed by a physical therapist for “clogged ducts”, engorgement, and mastitis to reduce inflammation, edema, pain, and firmness. TUS emits non-painful sound waves promoting healing and may facilitate milk let-down and can help clear “clogged ducts” and prevent / alleviate mastitis! Ideally, TUS is performed daily until relief is achieved. With TUS most people are seen for 1-3 sessions on consecutive days (daily until relief is achieved) and have resolution of symptoms in under a week.

Tips:

• Keep feeding as you normally would - don’t stop feeding, overfeed, or over pump. 

• Wear a supportive bra to help manage swelling and promote comfort during the healing process. I love the Hugger Vida bra (link here). These bras feature zones gradient compression, which effectively adapts to changes in breast symmetry during lactation. If shown during your session K-tape can be helpful as well.

• Try a probiotic with Limosilactobacillus fermentum or Ligilactobacillus salivarius 

  • Options: Klaire Labs (link here), Lacta-Biotic (link here), BioGaia (link here), Garden of Life (link here) 

• If you struggle with oversupply, talk to your lactation consultant about using Cabo Creme (link here). 

  • Other tips: cool compresses over the breasts and mint tea may help relieve engorgement discomfort. Work with your lactation consultant as you don’t want to overly suppress supply.

Other Resource Links:

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Mastitis in Breastfeeding Handout 

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum 

• Therapeutic Ultrasound, Lymphatic Drainage, and K-tape for Pain, Engorgement, and Plugging in Lactation

• ATX lymphatic drainage: Lotus Lymphatic (in-clinic and in-home) and Texas Lymphatic (in-home only)