Therapeutic ultrasound for plugged ducts may give you the relief you are looking for when all else has failed. Most will resolve on their own but some stubborn clogs may need expert assistance. Not everyone will get a plugged duct, but some women experience chronic issues with this. Talk to us about proactive care.
To understand how the milk gets “plugged” the ducts inside the breast carry milk from deep within the breast to the nipple openings, to allow you to breastfeed. Sometimes these ducts can develop a clog or blockage of milk that results in a tender or painful lump or firm area in the breast. You will be able to feel this lump in your breast like a marble under the skin. The skin around the lump may also be red and warm.
This may happen due to a variety of reasons. Sometimes, simply sleeping on your breasts or wearing a new bra can cause this to happen. Other ways may be due to:
- Nursing positions and posture
- Mechanical factors
- Inefficient milk removal
- Stress or fatigue
- Breast engorgement
- Missed feeds
- Latch issues
- Change in feeding/pumping pattern
handheld ultrasound
Most plugged ducts will be gone within 48 hours. If your plugged duct has not resolved within 48 hours or so, therapeutic ultrasound often works well. Most local physical therapists or sports medicine clinics can do this for you. However, very few are aware of how to use ultrasound to treat plugged ducts. An ultrasound therapist with experience in this technique has more successful results. We have ultrasound training and understand how the breast works when lactating.
Right after the treatment, it is an optimal time to feed your baby or pump the treated breast to fully release and drain the breast. You should feel a softening, as well as a significant reduction of the uncomfortable symptoms of the blocked duct. Sometimes, two or three treatment sessions are required to get this effect. If you are still experiencing pain after treatments, please see your obstetrician or primary care doctor.
Therapeutic ultrasound for plugged ducts may not always be right for everyone. There are contraindications to consider:
• Acute mastitis not treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours
• Pacemaker presence
• Vascular disease or ischemic tissue presence
• Known cancer in the region
• Breast implants (precaution)
• Healing fracture site
If you have any of these conditions, please reach out so we may further educate you on your options for breast relief.
