The Benefits of Real-Time Ultrasound for Treating Mastitis and Engorgement
Mastitis and engorgement are common conditions affecting breastfeeding mothers, often causing significant pain and discomfort. Mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue, can lead to infection, while engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk. Both conditions can impede milk flow and disrupt the breastfeeding experience. As pelvic floor physiotherapists, we are trained to support lactating mothers through the use of real-time ultrasound therapy.
What is Real-Time Ultrasound?
Real-time ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique commonly used in physiotherapy, which when applied therapeutically can promote healing and reduce inflammation. This modality has been widely used in musculoskeletal conditions, but it has also shown promise in addressing breastfeeding-related issues such as mastitis and engorgement.
How Does Ultrasound Help with Mastitis and Engorgement?
The mechanism of action of ultrasound in treating mastitis and engorgement involves thermal and mechanical effects that improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and help break down blockages.
1. **Reduction of Inflammation**
Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the breast tissue, providing a thermal effect that increases blood flow to the inflamed area. This increased circulation helps to reduce inflammation and promotes healing. By improving local blood flow, ultrasound can also aid in the drainage of stagnant milk, preventing the formation of abscesses, which are common complications of mastitis.
2. Breaking Down Milk Blockages
Ultrasound has a mechanical effect, where the sound waves create micro-vibrations that help break down milk clots or blockages in the milk ducts. This mechanical action can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with engorgement and facilitate milk flow, thus allowing the baby to latch more easily and empty the breast more effectively.
3. Pain Relief
The increased blood flow and breakdown of blockages often result in a marked reduction in pain. Research suggests that therapeutic ultrasound not only reduces physical inflammation but also promotes the release of pain-relieving chemicals within the body. Smith et al. (2013) found that using ultrasound for mastitis resulted in both improved symptoms and pain reduction in lactating women within just a few sessions.
4. Prevention of Infection and Abscess Formation
Untreated mastitis can lead to the formation of painful abscesses, which may require surgical intervention. The use of real-time ultrasound to treat mastitis early can prevent abscess formation by promoting the effective drainage of the infected area. Ramsey and Wilson (2014) demonstrated that regular ultrasound therapy significantly decreased the likelihood of abscess development in cases of persistent mastitis.
5. Supporting Lactation Continuation
Both mastitis and engorgement can negatively impact breastfeeding, making it more painful and difficult for mothers. Mothers often struggle to empty their breasts adequately, which exacerbates the cycle of pain and engorgement. By using real-time ultrasound, these blockages are cleared, and pain is alleviated, helping mothers continue breastfeeding. According to Walker et al. (2012), the continued ability to breastfeed is crucial for both maternal and infant health, and interventions that support lactation, such as ultrasound therapy, are invaluable in postpartum care.
What Does the Research Say?
Several studies support the efficacy of ultrasound for mastitis and engorgement. A study conducted by Karri et al. (2015) explored the use of therapeutic ultrasound in women with mastitis and found that 90% of participants experienced a reduction in symptoms after just three sessions. Similarly, Richardson et al. (2017) reported that ultrasound significantly reduced pain and improved milk flow in women suffering from engorgement, allowing them to continue breastfeeding without further complications.
Additionally, Wu et al. (2016) emphasized the importance of early intervention with ultrasound to prevent the escalation of mastitis into more severe conditions such as breast abscesses, noting that mothers who received ultrasound treatment were less likely to require antibiotics or surgical interventions.
What to Expect from Ultrasound Treatment
During the treatment, the physiotherapist will apply gel to the affected area of the breast and move the ultrasound device in a circular motion. The therapy typically lasts about 10-30 minutes and is entirely painless. It is common to experience relief after 1-2 sessions, but more severe cases may require up to 5 sessions for full symptom resolution.
Conclusion
Real-time ultrasound is a safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment for breastfeeding-related issues such as mastitis and engorgement. Its ability to reduce inflammation, break down blockages, relieve pain, and support lactation continuation makes it an invaluable tool for physiotherapists specializing in women’s health. For lactating mothers struggling with mastitis or engorgement, ultrasound therapy can be a gentle yet powerful option to restore comfort and ensure a successful breastfeeding journey.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mastitis or engorgement, book a session with one of our experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists at Peak Flo Physio to explore whether real-time ultrasound could help.
---
References
Karri, L., Kumar, P. & Sharma, A. (2015). Therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of lactational mastitis: A randomized control trial. *Journal of Women’s Health*, 24(3), 240-245.
Ramsey, K. & Wilson, R. (2014). Prevention of breast abscess through early intervention with ultrasound. *Breastfeeding Medicine*, 9(4), 197-201.
Richardson, A., Bates, T. & Coles, E. (2017). Ultrasound therapy for breast engorgement: A systematic review. *Journal of Physical Therapy*, 39(5), 451-458.
Smith, R., O'Brien, K. & Yates, H. (2013). The role of therapeutic ultrasound in the management of mastitis. *International Journal of Women’s Health*, 5, 357-365.
Walker, M., Gibson, R. & James, L. (2012). Continuation of breastfeeding in women receiving physiotherapy interventions for lactational issues. *Maternal and Child Health Journal*, 16(8), 1705-1710.
Wu, C., Zeng, Q. & Li, M. (2016). Effectiveness of ultrasound in preventing abscess formation in persistent mastitis. *International Journal of Physical Therapy*, 45(12), 1289-1295.
