Breastfeeding and physiotherapy…what is the connection?
There was a time, many years ago, when I first started as a physiotherapist. I was manning the front desk of our clinic while our admin had gone for a lunch break when I received a call that asked for a specific type of physiotherapy.
I distinctly remember the lady on the phone asking “do you do physiotherapy for mothers having trouble breastfeeding?”. Now back in 1999 I wish I had a camera phone to capture my confused reaction as I recited her query back to her “do we do physiotherapy for breastfeeding?!?!”.
Thankfully my boss was sitting close to me and took over the call and said, “yes ma’am we do” potentially saving me from an embarrassing conversation for a newly minted physio.
That said, if you yourself have a little confusion after reading my short anecdote, then by all means please read on. Contrary to what I first believed back when I was a rookie therapist, physiotherapy, specifically physiotherapy using targeted ultrasound can and effectively help those who are having difficulty with certain issues associated with breastfeeding.
While not new, referrals for this intervention is not that common. Within the private sector and IMHO totally depends on a knowledgeable referring practitioner whether it be a midwife or a physician.
How does therapeutic ultrasound work? In short, ultrasound sends gentle sound waves that can generate a mild heat towards the breast tissue. It´s provide a “massage-like” effect to the blocked area of the breast tissue.
These subtle waves help to unclog the duct and encourage milk to flow through the breast. Depending on the degree of blockage it may only take a few sessions to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of an impaired breast duct.
So how do you know if you have a suspected clogged milk duct? Look for these following symptoms:
- A lump in one area of your breast.
- Engorgement around the lump.
- Pain or swelling near the lump.
- Discomfort that subsides after feeding/pumping.
- Pain during letdown.
- Milk plug/blister (bleb) at the opening of your nipple.
- Movement of the lump over time.
Should you be having issues with breast feeding? If this sounds familiar to you and you’re concerned about the possibility of a clogged milk duct, reach out to your physician or midwife to conduct an examination and explore whether therapeutic ultrasound may be of help.
Neil Flores
Here at Revolve Physiotherapy, we have highly skilled physiotherapists who can help. Call us today at (905) 864-8181 and talk to a specialist.