Ultrasound For Blocked Ducts
Yoga Mamas offers therapeutic ultrasound therapy for the treatment of clogged milk ducts. A plugged, clogged or blocked duct is the result of a localized obstruction caused by milk stasis in part of the breast. This can cause pain and impact breastfeeding along with milk supply. Blocked ducts may happen gradually, or come on suddenly requiring immediate attention.
This is where we can help and bring you immediate relief. Ultrasound therapy can successfully be used in the treatment of blocked ducts. This soothing treatment is led by either a Yoga Mamas Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
This is where we can help and bring you immediate relief. Ultrasound therapy can successfully be used in the treatment of blocked ducts. This soothing treatment is led by either a Yoga Mamas Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
In order to schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist, it is necessary to first consult with a healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose a blocked duct and suggest appropriate treatment. This referral can be given by a registered healthcare professional such as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional. Consult with an Ontario nurse via Telehealth here.
Therapeutic ultrasound treatments are performed by Registered Healthcare Practitioners from different disciplines, and the cost of the appointment is billed under the practitioner's license number and discipline. To determine if your health insurance covers the specific practitioner's discipline, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before booking an appointment.
Therapeutic ultrasound treatments are performed by Registered Healthcare Practitioners from different disciplines, and the cost of the appointment is billed under the practitioner's license number and discipline. To determine if your health insurance covers the specific practitioner's discipline, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before booking an appointment.
Blocked ducts can come on suddenly, and if not resolved by home care or professional care, may lead to mastitis. It's important to begin self care immediately, and seek ultrasound therapy if you are not able to resolve the blocked duct at home.
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How Ultrasound Therapy Works For Blocked Ducts
Therapeutic ultrasound for clogged ducts is a non-invasive treatment applied directly to the breast(s). Sound waves created by the machine help to reduce obstruction that surround the ducts which carry the milk, allowing for pressure relief, pain/swelling reduction, and promotes milk flow.
In combination with other treatment techniques (soft tissue/massage techniques, education on posture/positions), ultrasound treatment can help resolve the blocked duct, as well as prevent future blockage from recurring in the same duct. |
What Does Ultrasound For Clogged Ducts Feel Like?
The treatment is relaxing and pain free. You will be on a treatment table with draping over your chest so only the breast that is receiving treatment will be exposed. The gel may be a little cold when you practitioner applies it to your skin, but it will soon gently warm up once the ultrasound therapy begins.
The ultrasound treatment itself is silent but very effective. Using silent sound waves, therapeutic ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts penetrates past the surface of the breast and releases the ducts by breaking up blockages.
Relief is immediate as you will feel a softening of the lump(s) in your breast. You will experience better milk flow and nursing or pumping immediately after the treatment, or as soon as possible is recommended. You will continue to notice reduced redness, pain and pain and elimination of the lump(s).
Why Do Blocked Ducts Occur
Clogged, blocked or plugged milk ducts happen when a milk duct in your breast gets blocked or otherwise has poor drainage. You might experience a blocked duct if your your breasts are engorged, a breast isn’t fully emptied after a feed, or if you skip a feeding.
Blocked ducts can also occur for many reasons such as:
Symptoms of Blocked Ducts
The treatment is relaxing and pain free. You will be on a treatment table with draping over your chest so only the breast that is receiving treatment will be exposed. The gel may be a little cold when you practitioner applies it to your skin, but it will soon gently warm up once the ultrasound therapy begins.
The ultrasound treatment itself is silent but very effective. Using silent sound waves, therapeutic ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts penetrates past the surface of the breast and releases the ducts by breaking up blockages.
Relief is immediate as you will feel a softening of the lump(s) in your breast. You will experience better milk flow and nursing or pumping immediately after the treatment, or as soon as possible is recommended. You will continue to notice reduced redness, pain and pain and elimination of the lump(s).
Why Do Blocked Ducts Occur
Clogged, blocked or plugged milk ducts happen when a milk duct in your breast gets blocked or otherwise has poor drainage. You might experience a blocked duct if your your breasts are engorged, a breast isn’t fully emptied after a feed, or if you skip a feeding.
Blocked ducts can also occur for many reasons such as:
- Issues with latching. Yoga Mamas offers Lactation Consulting services if you require support with breastfeeding.
- Nursing positions or posture
- Stress or fatigue
- Too-tight sports bra
Symptoms of Blocked Ducts
- lump(s) in your breast tissue that feels hard
- You will will be able to feel the edges of the lump(s)
- the lump may move over time
- warmth, redness, pain or swelling near the lump
- engorgement around the lump
- discomfort during milk letdown
- milk plug/blister (bleb) at the opening of your nipple
Your Healing
In clinic ultrasound therapy for blocked duct appts are available 7 days a week. If you are unable to find an appointment using our online booking system, please contact our team and we will try our best to assist.
At Home Remedies For Blocked Ducts
A blocked duct may not go away with home remedies, or may be intensely painful. Ultrasound therapy can be extremely helpful in these situations.
At Home Remedies For Blocked Ducts
- Regular, consistent breastfeeding or pumping is the quickest way to resolve a blocked duct.
- Massage the blocked duct both before and during a feeding. This can be done towards the armpits or towards the nipple.
- Apply a warm compress for 20 minutes at a time.
- Soak the breasts in a warm Epsom salt bath.
- Point baby’s chin or nose toward the clogged duct when breastfeeding.
- Use gravity to help drain the breast by breastfeeding on all fours.
A blocked duct may not go away with home remedies, or may be intensely painful. Ultrasound therapy can be extremely helpful in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHOULD I BRING MY BABE IN?
You are welcome to bring your babe. Right after treatment is an optimal time to feed or pump to further release and drain the breast!
DOES THE ULTRASOUND HURT?
The procedure may produce slight warmth on the breast, but not pain. Your practitioner will be in consistent discussion throughout the treatment to ensure patient comfort.
CAN THIS TREATMENT BE USED IF I HAVE BREAST IMPLANTS?
No, ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts is a contraindication for people with breast implants. A manual massage is a safe alternative.
WHAT OTHER ASPECTS OF THE TREATMENT ARE INCLUDED?
Your practitioner will go through a full assessment of the breast tissue and posture. In addition to the ultrasound, she may use taping techniques, massage techniques, and provide education to help manage and prevention techniques at home!
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This varies from individual to individual, if managed early it may take 1-2 sessions to resolve.
IS THIS COVERED THROUGH EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS?
Yes, as this assessment and treatment are completed by a Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
You are welcome to bring your babe. Right after treatment is an optimal time to feed or pump to further release and drain the breast!
DOES THE ULTRASOUND HURT?
The procedure may produce slight warmth on the breast, but not pain. Your practitioner will be in consistent discussion throughout the treatment to ensure patient comfort.
CAN THIS TREATMENT BE USED IF I HAVE BREAST IMPLANTS?
No, ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts is a contraindication for people with breast implants. A manual massage is a safe alternative.
WHAT OTHER ASPECTS OF THE TREATMENT ARE INCLUDED?
Your practitioner will go through a full assessment of the breast tissue and posture. In addition to the ultrasound, she may use taping techniques, massage techniques, and provide education to help manage and prevention techniques at home!
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This varies from individual to individual, if managed early it may take 1-2 sessions to resolve.
IS THIS COVERED THROUGH EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS?
Yes, as this assessment and treatment are completed by a Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
Your Practitioners
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Maja Degen
Registered Physiotherapist– Pelvic Health, Women’s Health Maja Degen is a dedicated physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health. With a passion for empowering her patients, Maja brings extensive knowledge and experience to her practice, addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and related issues. Maja's educational background includes undergraduate degrees in Kinesiology (HBScKin) from McMaster University, followed by a Master's Degree in Physiotherapy (MScPT) from the University of Toronto. Maja has pursued advanced practice courses in pelvic health and paediatric physiotherapy. Her treatment approach incorporates soft tissue work, manual therapy, fascial release, scar release, and personalized exercise prescription to meet the specific needs of each patient. Maja fosters a warm and compassionate environment, recognizing the sensitivity of pelvic health concerns. She listens attentively to develop personalized treatment plans, respecting each patient's circumstances and goals. Committed to ongoing professional development, Maja stays up to date with advancements in pelvic health, ensuring evidence-based care. Her expertise and personalized approach will empower you to achieve optimal health and well-being. Whether you seek treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction or pain, Maja is here to guide you towards a healthier, happier life. |
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Lamiya Zaidi
Registered Physiotherapist – Pelvic Health, Women’s Health Lamiya graduated from Queens University in 2012, with her masters in Physical Therapy. After working as a Orthopaedic Physiotherapist, Lamiya's passion for women's health led her to pursue further training in pelvic floor physiotherapy.
She works closely with patients who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunctions, with a focus on pre and post natal effects on the pelvic floor muscles. Her goal is to empower and help educate females to combat the effects of pregnancy and delivery on their bodies. Using a variety of treatment modalities such as manual therapy, functional taping techniques and exercise prescription, Lamiya creates an individualized treatment plan geared to meeting a patients' goals! On her spare time, Lamiya enjoys working up a sweat with yoga and spin classes! |
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Amanda Norek
Registered Physiotherapist & Massage Therapist – Pelvic Health, Women’s Health Amanda is a compassionate therapist that believes in an individualized and goal-oriented treatment plan that applies a comprehensive approach to all aspects of functioning pre and post-natal. As a dual practitioner, she has been working as a Registered Massage Therapist and Physiotherapist since graduating from St. George’s University of London in the United Kingdom. This diversified practice provides continuity and quality of care that follows clients through their wellness journey. She has also received specialized training in MPS Scar Release using the Dolphin Neurostim, to help release all types of scars including c-section scars. She believes client education is an extremely important aspect of treatment that allows women to get in touch with their bodies and empower them to take an active role in their pregnancy, preparation for labour as well as recovery postnatal. After falling in love with everything pre and postnatal and having the chance to work with amazing women on their pregnancy journey as an RMT at Yoga Mamas, she has since taken advanced practice courses within physiotherapy to specialize in pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and pelvic floor assessment. Utilizing her soft tissue expertise, manual therapy, fascial release, scar release and exercise prescription, she will be dedicated to making you feel your best self no matter where you are in your journey, and believes it is never too early or late to start! |
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Susan Lamb
Registered Massage Therapist Susan Lamb is an extremely experienced registered massage therapist and is a year 2000 graduate of the comprehensive three-year program at Centennial College. She has consistently worked in a variety of treatment therapies, including pre and post-natal care, cranial sacral therapy, lymph drainage, cupping and restorative exercise. She is trained and experienced in ultrasound therapy, and regularly sees breast feeding mamas for easing blocked ducts. Susan is also an educator at Centennial College and Canadian College of massage and hydrotherapy. She has been a registered Massage Therapist for twenty years and has been treating prenatal / postnatal clients for twenty years. She looks forward to seeing you at Yoga Mamas! |
