When you hear the word ‘ultrasound’ you may think of the diagnostic tool that is used to visualise ligament or tendon injuries, or even the machine that gives you a picture of your growing baby during pregnancy. What you may not have heard of before, is our therapeutic ultrasound machine.
Therapeutic ultrasound is one of the many tools we use here at Total Balance, to help treat breast feeding conditions such as mastitis, blocked ducts and engorgement.
The therapeutic ultrasound uses a form of mechanical energy which causes vibrations. An increase in these vibrations can result in heat generation, hence causing thermal changes in the tissues. When used on the breasts, it leads to an accelerated healing of tissue, whilst also encouraging lymph and blood flow which can improve milk flow. This in turn helps with the healing of mastitis, blocked ducts and engorgement.
In regards to mastitis, ultrasound therapy is used over the affected area, aiming to improve the flow of blood and lymph, which can help reduce milk stasis and encourage drainage of the breast. When using the ultrasound machine for blocked ducts, the focus is more localised to this area with the aim of removing the blocked duct to encourage milk flow through the nipple.
There are some instances when ultrasound therapy is not recommended, these include:
- Metal in the nipple, chest wall, armpit or breast
- Local tumour or malignancy (cancer)
- Pacemaker or electronic devices in the region
- Certain vascular conditions
Who can I see at Total Balance to help me with my mastitis or other breast feeding conditions?
Our Osteopaths Dr Simmone Ortland, Dr Megan Brooks and Dr Sarah Duggan have all participated in further training in the treatment of breast health conditions, such as mastitis, engorgement, blocked ducts and blebs.
Dr. Sarah Duggan (osteopath at Total Balance Health)
