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Mastitis, blocked ducts and other inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast are commonly painful and distressing, requiring immediate expert care to relieve symptoms and restore normal comfortable breastfeeding. Symptoms of mastitis can include; redness, tension, pain and increase skin temperature of the breast, flu like symptoms of lethagy, and feeling unwell, or more elusive symptoms such as a headache or the baby starting to fuss while feeding. We use the BISSI (Breast Symptom Severity Index) to accurately assess the full range of breast symptoms and to accurately determine the benefit and effectiveness of our treatments.
Physiotherapy treatment ideally commences within the first 24 hours of symptoms, but can be beneficial to reduce pain and inflammation at any stage. Treatment is beneficial in the first episode of mastitis or when mastitis is recurrent. Key to the successful treatment of mastitis is to determine the potential causes for each woman. Your physiotherapist will assess in great detail the history of your health and your baby's health including lactation to determine the cause of mastitis and avoid further reoccurrances. The physiotherapist will liaise with your doctor when required to ensure that you and your baby receive the best care.
Physiotherapy treatment for mastitis and inflammatory conditions of the breast can include:
Nipple damage is common when learning to breast feed and can also occur later in the lactating experience as babies and children grow. Laser Therapy when correctly administered can rapidly accelerate the natural healing process of the tissue of the nipple.
Helen and Annemarie have completed advanced physiotherapy training in the treatment of mastitis and nipple injuries at The Lactating Breast for Health Professionals founded by the esteemed Melinda Cooper, physiotherapist. Helen joined the team of tutors for the Lactating Breast course in 2015. Helen has trained several practitioners at Through Life to ensure that women can receive physiotherapy care in a timely manner whenever possible.
Contact us for your physiotherapy consultation for mastitis as soon as you feel symptoms beginning. The treatment of mastitis is prioritised in our clinic we will always endevour to see you on the day you call.
Helen Lowe of Through Life Physiotherapy, with Melinda Cooper Physiotherapist and Dr Adelle McArdle of Monash University proudly launched much needed research into mastitis care with the early development of the BISSI outcome measure. We continue to follow closely the resarch by Dr Adelle McArdle, Physiotherapist Emma Herron and colleagues.
