Mastitis & Blocked Ducts

Symptoms

You may be experiencing an inflammatory breast condition if you notice:

• Localised breast pain, tenderness or swelling

• Redness or warmth over part of the breast

• A painful lump or firm area in the breast

• A feeling of fullness or tension that doesn’t ease after feeding

• Feeling generally unwell or run down

As inflammation progresses, symptoms may include fever, chills or flu-like feelings. Early support is important, as untreated inflammation can worsen and lead to infection or abscess formation.

How physiotherapy can help

Women’s health physiotherapy can assist by addressing local inflammation and supporting tissue recovery.

Treatment may include:

• Therapeutic ultrasound to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling

• Lymphatic drainage techniques to assist fluid movement and speed up recovery

• Education and guidance particularly around handling your breast and managing at home

Ultrasound is typically used daily over a short period (often 1–3 days) until symptoms begin to settle. Early treatment tends to lead to faster improvement.

Home management

Alongside physiotherapy and lactation support, the following strategies are recommended:

• Continue physiological feeding (feeding on demand). Mastitis does not make your milk unsafe, and there is no need to stop feeding on the affected side or to increase feeds to ‘remove the blockage’.

• Use cold packs after feeds for comfort and to reduce inflammation

• Take anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate (seek advice from your pharmacist or GP)

• Stay well-hydrated

• Rest as much as possible and accept help where you can

Please avoid

• Firm or deep breast massage

• Massaging towards the nipple

• Wearing tight or underwire bras

• Trying to “clear a blocked duct” through repeated pumping or feeding

• Ignoring symptoms in the hope they resolve on their own

These approaches can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms.

Next steps

If you notice early signs of breast inflammation, prompt support is important.

Physiotherapy can help reduce inflammation and support recovery, particularly when treatment begins early. Please seek urgent medical review if you experience fever, chills, rapidly worsening symptoms, or no improvement within 24–48 hours.

If you experience onset of symptoms on a weekend or public holiday, please still give me a call - mastitis won’t wait until Monday!

Same day in person treatment with therapeutic ultrasound is highly prioritised (home visits can often be negotiated). However, as a sole clinician, there may be times when I’m away or unable to see you in person. If this is the case, phone advice for home management will be given and I’ll refer you to another clinician who may be able to treat you same day.

For difficulties with breastfeeding, you can contact the Australian Breastfeeding Associations free 24/7 helpline on 1800 686 268, seek help from the midwives at CAFHS or see a lactation consultant.