Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will develop a customized treatment plan for you in a private setting.
What Is a Blocked / Clogged Milk Duct?
A Blocked Milk Duct is a blockage of one or more ducts carrying milk to the nipple for the purpose of breastfeeding an infant. When milk builds up behind the blockage or clogged duct, this can cause a breast to become swollen which can press on milk ducts and block the normal flow of milk. If the milk remains in the blocked duct it can form a “plug” and a painful lump in the breast. In severe cases this lump can get infected and cause Mastitis.
What Causes a Blocked Milk Duct?
Many women experience clogged milk ducts, and it’s important to follow best practices when breast feeding. Below are common causes of a Blocked Milk Duct:
Changes in feeding pattern
Pressing breast to provide nostril space for baby
Latching issues (tongue tie/lip tie)
Irregular feeding schedule
Rapid weaning
Oversupply of breastmilk
What are the Symptoms of Blocked Milk Duct?
Pain at a specific location in the breast
A swollen, tender lump in the breast
Heat and swelling in the breast
Slow milk flow on one side
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Sometimes a clogged duct is intensely painful or does not go away with home remedies. Physical Therapy has been proven to be a useful intervention in treatment of clogged milk duct.
Treatment is started within 24 hours of a duct becoming blocked before a mastitis can develop. First, therapeutic ultrasound and specific massage techniques are used to clear blockages. Then, immediately pumping or breastfeeding is done to empty the breast completely.
The following strategies are helpful:
Heat – Hot compresses/hot shower preferably before feeding
Positioning – Point baby’s chin or nose toward the clogged duct, making it easier to loosen the milk and drain the duct.
Gravity – Use pillows under the stomach and Breastfeeding the baby so that gravity can help drain the breasts and remove the clog.
Self Therapy – Massaging the clog.
Clothing – Wear loose-fitting clothing and bras with an underwire
Do You Accept Health Insurance?
We accept PPO/POS plans for most insurance companies. Although most insurance companies cover physical therapy, what they cover varies greatly. Please call us at 201-366-1116 or complete below form so we can verify your specific plan benefits.
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Clogged Milk Duct Treatment Near Me
Liberty Physical Therapy is the largest and state-of-the-art physical therapy center with 8 private treatment rooms. The first and only practice in Jersey City that provides comprehensive Women’s Pelvic Floor Therapy. Conveniently located in the heart of Jersey City, next to Grove Street Path Station, we are just 10 minutes from Hoboken, Manhattan & Bayonne. We are a team of specialists with several years of experience successfully treating a Blocked / Clogged Milk Duct.