Understanding and Managing Mastitis: Physiotherapy Support and Solutions - UPLIFT

If you’re reading this, you might be worried about breast pain, swelling, or other discomforts and wondering if you might have mastitis. Mastitis is a common condition that can affect breastfeeding women, but the good news is, there are effective ways to manage it. This blog aims to provide you with supportive information to help you determine if you’re experiencing mastitis and to offer practical tips you can start implementing right away. Plus, we’ll explain how seeing a women’s health physiotherapist can provide you with personalised care and relief.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that can involve an infection. It often occurs in breastfeeding women and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Mastitis can make you feel tired and unwell, and it can also interfere with your breastfeeding routine.

Common signs and symptoms of Mastitis

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have mastitis:

Breast Pain: This can be a sharp or throbbing pain, and it might be localised to one area or spread across the entire breast.
Swelling and Redness: The affected breast may appear swollen and red. The skin might feel warm to the touch.
Lump or Hard Area: You might notice a lump or hard area in your breast, which is often a sign of a blocked milk duct.
Fever and Chills: Feeling feverish and experiencing chills can be an indication of an infection.
Flu-like Symptoms: General feelings of tiredness, body aches, and a lack of energy can accompany the breast symptoms.

Immediate actions to take to treat Mastitis

If you suspect you have mastitis, there are several steps you can take right away to help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening:

Pain Relief: 💊 Nurofen and/or Panadol – dosage as per instructions on package (if able).
Continue Breastfeeding: 🍼 It’s crucial to keep breastfeeding or pumping to empty the affected breast. This can help clear the blockage and reduce pain and swelling.
Apply Cool Compresses:❄️ Place a damp cool towel along the sore area for 5-10 minutes every hour.
Very Gentle Massage: 🤲 Gently massage the breast with the same pressure you would use to massage a baby, focusing on the area where you feel the lump or hardness. It’s important to massage in the direction of the armpit, not towards the nipple, to help release the blockage.
Stay Hydrated: 💧 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support your body’s healing process.
Clothing: 👚 Wearing non-restrictive clothing around the beast aree (e.g. avoid bra with underwire).
Rest: 🛌 Ensure you get adequate rest. Your body needs energy to fight the inflammation and recover.

If your symptoms are particularly bad, for example you notice pus or blood in your breast milk, it is important to see a GP. Mastitis can be caused by general inflammation or an infection. If an infection is present, you may need antibiotics to treat it effectively.

When to see a women’s health physio for Mastitis treatment

While these immediate actions can provide some relief, it’s important to seek professional help if:

Your symptoms persist or worsen after trying home treatments.
You experience a high fever or severe symptoms.

A women’s health physiotherapist can provide you with a personalised assessment and treatment plan to address mastitis effectively. Here’s how they can help:

Personalised Assessment: 📝A physiotherapist will evaluate your symptoms, breastfeeding technique, and overall health to determine the root cause of your mastitis.
Therapeutic Ultrasound: 🌀One of the effective treatments for mastitis is therapeutic ultrasound. This non-invasive therapy uses sound waves to reduce pain and inflammation and help unblock milk ducts. It’s a safe and gentle method that can provide immediate relief. The benefits of therapeutic ultrasound include:
- Reduces Pain and Swelling: 🩹Ultrasound therapy can quickly alleviate pain and reduce swelling in the affected breast.
- Speeds Up Recovery: ⏱️ This treatment can accelerate the healing process, allowing you to return to your normal routine sooner.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: ✅ Ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects, making it a preferred option for many breastfeeding women.
Breastfeeding Support: 👩🏻‍🍼 Physiotherapists can offer guidance on breastfeeding positions and techniques to prevent future blockages and ensure comfortable feeding for both you and your baby.
Pain Management: 💆‍♀️ They can also provide other pain relief strategies, including gentle exercises, stretches, and advice on managing stress and fatigue, which can impact your overall well-being.

If you suspect you have mastitis and are struggling with breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to a women’s health physiotherapist who can provide the support and treatments you need to feel better and continue your breastfeeding journey comfortably.

Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available. With the right care and support, you can overcome mastitis and enjoy this precious time with your baby.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, book an appointment with one of our fully qualified Physiotherapists now for a consultation within the next 24 hours. Book online HERE. Can’t find an available slot? Call us on 03 9752 2368 to ensure you are seen today. Our policy ensures that mothers with mastitis or blocked ducts receive same-day care when they reach out to us.