THERAPeutic ultrasound
for managing mastitis and clogged ducts
At Eastridge Chiropractic Co., we are thrilled to offer therapeutic ultrasound as a non-invasive treatment for the treatment of issues on the mastitis spectrum, including clogged milk ducts and mastitis in breastfeeding and pumping moms. With ultrasound therapy, we can relieve the pain and pressure caused by clogged ducts and mastitis without the need for antibiotics or invasive procedures.
What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound involves applying high-frequency sound waves to the affected breast area. The ultrasound head, with a conductive gel, is gently moved over the skin, delivering thermal energy that penetrates deep into the tissue to alleviate inflammation.
Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound:
Reduces inflammation and allows for duct dilation: Ultrasound waves help decrease swelling in breast tissue, allowing the ducts to expand and for milk to flow more freely.
Alleviates pain quickly: Ultrasound therapy can reduce the pain and edema associated with mastitis and clogged ducts immediately.
Promotes healing and prevents complications: Enhances tissue repair and circulation, supporting recovery and preventing more serious complications such as reduced milk supply and infections.
Safe for Breastfeeding: There’s no risk of contamination or harm to the baby, as the treatment targets only the affected tissue. You can resume breastfeeding and pumping immediately.
Treatment Protocol
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's 2022 guidelines recommend initiating therapeutic ultrasound at the first sign of a clogged duct to prevent progression to mastitis. A study by Lavigne et al. found that an average of 3.3 sessions effectively improved milk flow and reduced inflammation. Depending on severity of symptoms, we often need fewer sessions. We recommend treatment daily until symptoms have been resolved. It's essential to continue breastfeeding or pumping regularly during treatment to ensure effective milk removal and prevent recurrence. We recommend bringing your pump or feeding your baby immediately after treatment.
What can I expect?
During the procedure, you'll feel a gentle warming sensation as the ultrasound head moves over your breast. The treatment is generally comfortable, with sessions lasting about 10 minutes per affected side. Post-treatment, you may experience mild warmth or tenderness, which typically subsides shortly.
Schedule now!
Early intervention is crucial for effective management. We encourage you to contact us at the first sign of symptoms to prevent progression. We understand how urgent and stressful these conditions can be when you are trying to feed your baby. This is why we make it our priority to get you in for an appointment as soon as possible - most often same day! If you know for certain that you are experiencing a clogged duct or mastitis (ie. it has been confirmed by a lactation consultant, or you have experienced this before), then no exam is required. Working with a certified lactation consultant is also critical for identifying the root cause and preventing recurrence. If symptoms such as fever and elevated heart rate persist for more than 24 hours or if mastitis has progressed to an abscess, medical intervention is required and ultrasound is not appropriate.