Therapeutic Ultrasound for Treatment of Clogged Milk Ducts

What is a clogged milk duct?

During lactation, a network of tubes called ducts carry milk from your breast tissue to your nipple for expression. A clog occurs when a milk duct becomes blocked or obstructed, preventing milk flow to the nipple for lactation. The clogged duct causes milk to back up which often leads to inflammation, redness, pain and a lump at the breast.

Symptoms of a clogged milk duct:

  • Painful, warm, red, localized lump in breast

  • Swelling near area of the lump

  • Painful let down

  • Relief by pumping or feeding

  • Milk “bleb” or blister on the nipple

  • No fever

How Can Therapeutic Ultrasound Help?

Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive treatment that sends sound waves with heat through the breast tissue, providing gentle vibration to the blocked duct. This helps to dilate the duct and break down the clog into smaller pieces clearing the clog and restoring milk flow to the nipple. The treatment is administered with a small handheld probe that is moved over the clog and the pathway of the milk duct.

Therapeutic Ultrasound has been proven to prevent mastitis by clearing clogs before infection occurs. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine now includes it as a recommended treatment for prevention of mastitis.

Relief can be immediate or up to a few days following treatment.

What to Expect During Your Appointment:

  • Appointments last 30 minutes

  • Begins with a brief history and assessment by physical therapist

  • Ultrasound treatment performed at site of clogged duct which lasts about 10 minutes

  • Lymphatic massage performed and instructed by PT following for 5-10 minutes

  • Please bring your baby or pump as you will need to feed or pump directly after the session.

  • Relief may be immediate or up to a few days following treatment.

  • 1-3 sessions is likely all you will need.

  • 50$ per session, a package of 3 sessions for $120 (HSA/FSA eligible)