Ultrasound for Clogged Ducts
What is Ultrasound for Clogged Ducts?
It is a therapeutic ultrasound therapy for the treatment of clogged milk ducts. A plugged, clogged or blocked duct is the result of a localized obstruction caused by milk stasis in part of the breast. This can cause pain and impact breastfeeding along with milk supply. Blocked ducts may happen gradually, or come on suddenly requiring immediate attention.
This is where we can help and bring you immediate relief. Ultrasound therapy can successfully be used in the treatment of blocked ducts.
How Ultrasound Therapy Works For Blocked Ducts
Therapeutic ultrasound for clogged ducts is a non-invasive treatment applied directly to the breast(s). Sound waves created by the machine help to reduce obstruction that surround the ducts which carry the milk, allowing for pressure relief, pain/swelling reduction, and promotes milk flow.
In combination with other treatment techniques (soft tissue/massage techniques, education on posture/positions), ultrasound treatment can help resolve the blocked duct, as well as prevent future blockage from recurring in the same duct.
What Does Ultrasound For Clogged Ducts Feel Like?
The treatment is relaxing and pain free. You will be on a treatment table with draping over your chest so only the breast that is receiving treatment will be exposed. The gel may be a little cold when you practitioner applies it to your skin, but it will soon gently warm up once the ultrasound therapy begins.
The ultrasound treatment itself is silent but very effective. Using silent sound waves, therapeutic ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts penetrates past the surface of the breast and releases the ducts by breaking up blockages.
Relief is immediate as you will feel a softening of the lump(s) in your breast. You will experience better milk flow and nursing or pumping immediately after the treatment, or as soon as possible is recommended. You will continue to notice reduced redness, pain and pain and elimination of the lump(s).
Why Do Blocked Ducts Occur?
Clogged, blocked or plugged milk ducts happen when a milk duct in your breast gets blocked or otherwise has poor drainage. You might experience a blocked duct if your your breasts are engorged, a breast isn’t fully emptied after a feed, or if you skip a feeding.
Blocked ducts can also occur for many reasons such as:
- Issues with latching. I also offer Lactation Consulting services if you require support with breastfeeding and clogged ducts.
- Nursing positions or posture
- Stress or fatigue
- Too-tight sports bra
Symptoms of Blocked Ducts
- lump(s) in your breast tissue that feels hard
- You will will be able to feel the edges of the lump(s)
- the lump may move over time
- warmth, redness, pain or swelling near the lump
- engorgement around the lump
- discomfort during milk letdown
- milk plug/blister (bleb) at the opening of your nipple