Mastitis & Breast Care Physiotherapy

Mastitis | Blocked Ducts | Pre and Post Cancer Mastectomy | Compression | Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Scars

Mastitis and breast-related conditions can be painful and challenging, affecting both breastfeeding parents and individuals experiencing breast inflammation or discomfort. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in relieving symptoms, promoting healing, and preventing complications. Through gentle manual techniques, therapeutic ultrasound, lymphatic drainage, and education on self-care strategies, physiotherapists can help reduce pain, improve milk flow, decrease swelling, and support overall breast health.

Whether managing acute mastitis, blocked ducts, post-surgical recovery, or general breast discomfort, Calm Physiotherapy offers safe, evidence-based treatments. 

“In every compression, massage, and exercise, we sculpt a path towards comfort, restoring balance to the body’s intricate rhythm.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Care Physiotherapy.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast that can cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. It most commonly affects breastfeeding individuals (lactational mastitis), but it can also occur in non-breastfeeding individuals (non-lactational mastitis).

Common symptoms of mastitis include:

  • Breast pain, swelling, and tenderness
  • Red, warm skin over the affected area
  • Fever and flu-like symptoms (chills, body aches, fatigue)
  • A hard lump or engorgement in the breast
Who Can Benefit from Breast Care Physiotherapy for Mastitis?
  • Individuals with blocked ducts or non-infective mastitis
  • Those experiencing persistent breast pain or engorgement
  • Postpartum individuals who want to prevent recurrent mastitis episodes

While Therapeutic Ultrasound is often used alongside other treatments like lymphatic massage, heat therapy, and proper breastfeeding techniques, it is a safe and effective option for many.

What does Therapeutic Ultrasound for Mastitis Involve?

Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) for mastitis is a non-invasive treatment used by physiotherapists to help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and break down blockages in the breast tissue. It involves the application of high-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.

A small handheld probe is moved in circular motions over the affected breast area, often with a gel to improve sound wave transmission. Each session usually lasts 5–10 minutes, and multiple sessions may be recommended depending on symptom severity.

What is Post Operative Oedema (swelling).
Swelling that occurs following trauma or surgery to an area of the body. Post operative oedema will reduce significantly in the first 2 weeks post op as the with most swelling completely going by 6 weeks following. In some individuals, post operative swelling may take longer to settle and restrict their ability to progress in their rehailitation. Lymphoedema practitioners can offer specialised treatment and education to assist in your recovery.
What is Involved in Scar Management?

Physiotherapy can play a vital role in managing breast scars after surgery (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast augmentation, or reduction) to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance healing. Some key techniques include Scar Massage & Mobilization, Laser therapy, Stretching & Mobility Exercises, Silicone Therapy & Taping, Desensitization Techniques and compression. 

By combining these physiotherapy techniques, scar tightness, pain, and mobility restrictions can be minimized, helping individuals regain confidence and comfort in their bodies.

Should I be Concerned about Post Operative and Post Oncological Scars?
Scarring occurs as part of the natural healing process following an injury. Over 12 to 18 months scars will usually mature, flatten and become more mobile as the body heals and remodels. In some cases, scars can become itchy, painful, tight or enlarged as the wound heals (called pathological scars) which can impact on comfort and restrict range of motion and function.
What if I Need a Compression Garment Following Breast Cancer, Mastectomy or Lymphoedema?

Medical grade compression garments are considered a gold standard of lymphoedema management and inflammatory conditions. They come in all shapes and sizes and in a variety of materials. Jennifer has completed extensive training in fitting clients in the best compression garments for their condition to maximise comfort, ease of donning and clinical outcomes. The compression companies we commonly source garments through are Jobst, Medi Australia, Haddenham Healthcare and Sigvaris.

Resources

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Pelvic Floor Health

Individual consultations to assess and treat pelvic floor and continence problems, in a private and kind environment. Gain the understanding and direction you need to achieve long term, healthy outcomes

Lymphoedema Physiotherapy

Our physiotherapists can support you to optimise your condition through the intensive phase and empower you with an individualised program to allow you to take control of your condition and live your best life.

Get In Touch

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    Call

    0411 685 607

    Email

    hello@calmphysiotherapy.com.au

    Address

    Rise Studio Gerringong,
    5a/25 Noble Street, Gerringong, NSW, 2534

    Hours

    By Appointment