Therapeutic Ultrasound for Treating Blocked Ducts and Mastitis
In recent years, a new form of treatment has become available to breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing blocked ducts and mastitis. Therapeutic ultrasound treatment offers relief from these conditions and can often help women avoid the need for antibiotics.
How Therapeutic Ultrasound Works
Therapeutic ultrasound emits ultrasound waves to ease inflammation, clear blocked ducts, and treat mastitis. The treatment involves emitting ultrasound waves that stimulate fluid movement in the tissue and cell membrane, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Ultrasound waves control inflammation by speeding up healing, reducing pain, and improving tissue extensibility. Increased local vasodilation and blood flow help cells heal, while painful nerve signals are dampened down.
Is Treatment Painful?
The treatment is comfortable, with patients experiencing only gentle heat. Blockages in the ducts often clear during the procedure, and patients may notice a significant difference afterward. It is not uncommon for patients to leak milk during a treatment due to the heat.
At Hampstead Chiropractic Clinic, our specialists are trained to administer therapeutic ultrasound with precision and care. We understand the importance of providing relief to breastfeeding mothers experiencing discomfort or complications.
Duration of Each Appointment
Appointments typically last around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the affected area. Patients generally recover after 1 to 4 sessions. If there is no improvement, patients are referred to a breast surgeon for further evaluation.
Can I Bring My Baby?
Babies can accompany mothers to the clinic, but they must stay in their pushchairs during the treatment. Mothers should breastfeed no later than 20 minutes after a session, so the baby needs to be close by.
Additional Treatments and Strategies
Therapeutic ultrasound can be combined with lymphatic drainage massage, lymphatic taping, and other techniques to enhance effectiveness. Certain breastfeeding positions such as the rugby hold and the laid back/baby-led breastfeeding position can also help clear blockages.
The Importance of Additional Support
Mothers experiencing mastitis or blocked ducts should seek support from an IBCLC lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor. These professionals can help with attachment and positioning and check for tongue ties in babies. Physiotherapists and chiropractors work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and prevent recurrence of blockages.
Meet Our Specialist: Nina van Dyk
Nina van Dyk is a chiropractor based in Hampstead with expertise in treating breastfeeding mothers. She holds a master’s degree in chiropractic and a postgraduate master’s in advanced chiropractic paediatrics. With her extensive experience as a breastfeeding mother of two, Nina understands the challenges faced by breastfeeding women.
Her compassionate approach and dedication to helping mothers overcome breastfeeding difficulties have made her a trusted specialist in the community.
To learn more about Nina van Dyk and her practice, visit her profile here.
Contact Us for Breast and Lactation Support
If you’re experiencing blocked ducts, mastitis, or other breastfeeding challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support. Our team at Hampstead Chiropractic Clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate care and effective solutions for breastfeeding mothers.
For appointments and inquiries, please call 020 7433 3323 or email us: info@hampsteadchiropractic.co.uk. We’re here to help you and your baby thrive on your breastfeeding journey.