Blocked Ducts, Breast Pain, Mastitis? Here’s How Ultrasound Can Help You Feel Better, Faster

Breastfeeding is often described as a special bonding experience—but when pain, swelling, or fatigue set in, it can quickly become overwhelming. If you're navigating mastitis, a blocked duct, or breast engorgement, you're not alone. Mastitis is more common than you might think—affecting 1 in 5 lactating mums—and it can take a real toll both physically and emotionally.

The good news? With the right care and early support, things can improve.

At Kaylana Wellness Collective, we offer gentle, evidence-based treatment tailored to where you’re at—one of which is therapeutic ultrasound, a tool increasingly recognised for its role in relieving blocked ducts and mastitis.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what therapeutic ultrasound is, how it works, and why so many mums feel relief after just a few sessions.

Engorgement vs Mastitis: How to Tell the Difference

Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Common Breastfeeding Challenges

What Is Engorgement

A build-up of milk, blood flow, and fluid in the breast, often when milk first comes in (typically days 3–5 postpartum), or when feeds are skipped or baby isn’t draining the breast well.

You might notice:

• Breasts feel full, firm, swollen, and may be tender

• Skin may look tight or shiny

• Mild warmth

• No fever or systemic signs of infection

Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation in the breast, usually from a blocked milk duct.

You might notice:

• A painful, hard lump in one area of your breast

• Redness or warmth

• General exhaustion, chills, or even fever

• Pain or frustration when feeding or pumping

Seeking prompt diagnosis and effective treatment at the first signs of mastitis will help halt your progression through the spectrum.

Factors Contributing To Mastitis

• Poor latch – Baby isn’t attaching well and milk isn’t draining properly

• Tongue tie or oral issues – Makes it harder for baby to empty the breast

• Cracked or damaged nipples – Can let bacteria in and cause infection

• Skipped or rushed feeds – Milk builds up and can lead to blockages

• Engorged or very full breasts – Puts pressure on the milk ducts

• Tight bras or clothing – Can block milk flow

• Stress and lack of sleep – Can lower your body’s ability to fight off inflammation

How Can We Help?

This high-quality study, published in 2023, found that conservative treatment including physiotherapy can be highly effective in managing engorgement and mastitis. Current guidelines, such as those from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (2022), also recommend starting therapeutic ultrasound early, ideally at the first sign of a blocked duct or developing mastitis.

At Kaylana Wellness Collective, we use a range of gentle, evidence-based techniques to help reduce pain, ease inflammation, and support your recovery. These may include:

• Therapeutic ultrasound

• Lymphatic massage

• Breastfeeding positioning and advice

• Practical education to help you feel confident managing symptoms at home

How Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Help With Mastitis?

Therapeutic Ultrasound (TUS) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves and warmth to reach deep into the breast tissue. It’s been shown to be highly effective for managing symptoms across the mastitis spectrum.

When applied to the affected area, ultrasound helps increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. The warmth it creates can also help improve milk flow, making it easier to clear blocked ducts and prevent further build-up.

Beyond symptom relief, TUS supports your body’s natural healing process—helping to repair tissue, reduce swelling, and get you feeling more comfortable, sooner.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

We work around you and your baby.

1. Chat & Check-In: We’ll ask when symptoms started, any fever, feeding changes, or past mastitis.

2. Assessment: We check the breast and your overall wellbeing, looking for any signs needing GP review.

3. Therapeutic Ultrasound: Warm gel + gentle circles over the sore area—most mums feel mild warmth, not pain.

4. Home Plan: We will provide you with home advice to support your recovery.

5. After Treatment: Feed or pump within 15 minutes to help clear the duct.

6. Follow-Up: Most mums need 2–3 sessions over consecutive days. We will also coordinate care with your GP or lactation consultant as needed.

How to Perform Lymphatic Massage At Home

(KellyMom. n.d.)

Interested In learning More Home Tips?

Download our at-home guide here for breastfeeding mothers.

Need An Appointment With Us In Hurstville?

If you experience any signs of breast pain, discomfort or mastitis symptoms early treatment is key. We offer same day appointments for mastitis. Feel free to call us on 0431 582 661 or book online for treatment and advice on how to get back to feeding more comfortably and keep looking after the little one! 

FAQ’s:

Q. How Many Ultrasound Sessions Will I Need?

A. Most mums improve within 2–3 treatments. If symptoms are severe, we may schedule up to 4 closely spaced sessions. You’ll always be reviewed—no unnecessary visits.

Q. Do I need antibiotics?

A. Reserve Antibiotics for Bacterial Mastitis. Rest assured, many cases of mastitis can resolve with conservative care alone, and full recovery is often possible without the need for antibiotics. However, if you develop a fever or your symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly

Q. How does therapeutic ultrasound help with mastitis and blocked ducts?

A. This gentle, non-invasive treatment uses low-intensity sound waves to help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support tissue healing. The ultrasound is applied for a short time over the affected area and is often paired with light massage and strategies to keep milk flowing—like feeding or expressing after the session.

Q. Can you exercise with Mastitis?

While rest is really important when managing mastitis, gentle movement may still be helpful—depending on how you're feeling. Light activities like walking or gentle stretching can support circulation and overall wellbeing, but it’s essential to tune in to your body and avoid anything that feels too intense or uncomfortable.

Make sure to stay well-hydrated, and opt for a supportive, non-restrictive bra during any movement to help ease discomfort and support recovery.

Q. Where are you located?

A. Kaylana Wellness Collective is conveniently located in the heart of Hurstville—just a 2-minute walk from Hurstville train station, with easy access to nearby council car parks. Our clinic is pram-friendly and fully accessible, making visits smooth for every member of the family.
We’re proud to support individuals and families from Hurstville, South Hurstville, Penshurst, Allawah, Oatley, Kogarah Bay, and surrounding suburbs.

References

Anderson, J., Thomson, R., Maher, S., & Amir, L. H. (2023). A mixed methods study of women’s experiences of therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of lactational breast inflammation. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23, Article 632. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06114-2

KellyMom. (n.d.). Lymphatic drainage massage for breast engorgement [Digital illustration]. Retrieved from https://kellymom.com

Mitchell, K. B., Louis-Jacques, A. F., & Berwick, M. (2023). Risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of lactational mastitis. JAMA, 329(4), 364–373. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.0004

Disclaimer: This information is general and not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. If you have fever (38°C+), rapidly spreading redness, increasing pain, or you feel very unwell, please contact your GP, urgent care, or present to hospital. Breast abscess requires medical treatment.