Blocked Milk Ducts

Did you recently have a baby? Are you now hoping to breastfeed but are struggling with blocked milk ducts? If so, you are certainly not alone. Blocked milk ducts are a very common concern when it comes to breastfeeding. 

This can be a physically and emotionally taxing challenge. You want to bond and connect with your newborn, but you are dealing with pain and frustration instead. Thankfully, there’s a solution.

Physiotherapy can help mothers who are struggling with blocked milk ducts. At Expert Physio Plus, our physiotherapists are experts in women’s health and are proud to provide hands-on therapy techniques and therapeutic ultrasound to safely and effectively treat blocked milk ducts. 

If you are a new mom in need of assistance, look no further than Expert Physio Plus in Gloucester! Our team of dedicated staff members are ready to support you every step of your breastfeeding journey. 

What is a blocked milk duct?

Lactating mothers produce breast milk, which is transported through certain breast ducts to the nipple where it becomes accessible to babies. When one or more of the breast ducts become blocked by milk, it becomes blocked. 

Women are most likely to develop a blocked duct during the first four weeks after giving birth, with 60% of cases occurring during this time. Blocked ducts can occur for a multitude of reasons. Pressure from a tight bra or strap, a poor latch, even your baby’s feeding habits can lead to poor emptying of the breast duct, which causes blocked ducts. 

Blocked ducts are characterized by red, tender lumps or by a firm area in the breast. Most blocked ducts resolve themselves within 24 to 48 hours after they start, however, if you’re past that point, it’s a very good idea to visit a physiotherapist at Expert Physio Plus in Gloucester. This is especially true when you consider the risk of mastitis.

Mastitis is a dangerous infection that can occur when blocked ducts do not resolve themselves within the one to two-day time frame. This infection presents additional symptoms, alongside the pain of blocked duct. 

Women typically report flu-like symptoms including fever, body aches, fatigue, and chills. Breast tissue may also become inflamed, red, and hot to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms following a blocked duct, contact your doctor or physician immediately. 

How does physiotherapy treat blocked ducts? 

One of the most common physiotherapy treatments for blocked ducts is ultrasound therapy. This is a conservative form of treatment in which an ultrasound machine uses mild heat to drive sound waves through the breast tissue, massaging the blocked area. This aids in the unclogging of the duct and the promotion of milk flow through the breast. 

It’s best to feed your infant right after the treatment or pump the treated breast to properly release and drain the breast. After the therapy, you should notice a softening of your breast as well as a major reduction in the unpleasant symptoms of a blocked duct. It may take two treatment sessions to achieve this result. The good news is that multiple treatments have been found to prevent blocked ducts from recurring in the future. 

Contact Expert Physio Plus in Gloucester today!

If you have a blocked duct, don’t hesitate to contact Expert Physio Plus in Gloucester for relief. Our talented team can administer ultrasound therapy to clear your blocked duct and relieve your painful symptoms. Schedule your appointment now!