Plugged Milk Ducts and Physical Therapy Treatment

Plugged Milk Ducts

Symptoms

Caused by a blockage in the milk ducts, preventing milk from flowing smoothly and leading to milk stasis within the breast. Symptoms include:

Hard areas in the breast, appearing as thick sheets or firm lumps that are tender to the touch, swollen, or red.
Distorted shape of the nipple or areola.
Visible protruding veins on the skin of the breast.

Causes

Infrequent breastfeeding.
Incomplete emptying of the breast, causing milk to remain in the ducts.
Milk expression that is less than the volume produced.
Wearing bras that are too tight, causing excessive pressure on the breasts.
Wearing bras that are too loose, causing the breast tissue to sag and compress the ducts.
Having very large breasts, which may lead to poor milk drainage.
Consuming a diet high in fats and oils.
Stress.

Solutions and Home Care

Breastfeed your baby frequently.
Pump or express milk regularly.
Position your baby so their chin points toward the lump; prioritize breastfeeding from the side with the hard lump first.
Drink plenty of warm water.
Get sufficient rest and reduce stress.
Stimulation Massage using the following steps:
1. Step 1: Clean the breast and apply a warm compress for about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Keep fingers close together and massage in a circular motion from the inside outward.
3. Step 3: Support the breast with one hand, then use the fingertips of the other hand above the areola to massage in circles around the breast. Repeat 5 times per side.
4. Step 4: Squeeze both hands toward each other while moving toward the areola; alternate up and down motions.
5. Step 5: Place the index finger above the areola and press/rotate the fingertip.
6. Step 6: Place three fingers above the areola and another three fingers above those. Press and rotate at the index finger point, then release. Repeat 5 times per side.
7. Step 7: Press fingers toward each other and knead gently back and forth.
Consume foods that stimulate lactation:
1. Banana Blossom: Banana blossom soup (Kaeng Liang), spicy salad, or fried patties.
2. Ginger: Spicy fish salad with ginger, stir-fried ginger with chicken, ginger tea, or ginger congee.
3. Holy Basil: Added to soups or stir-fries.
4. Chives: Stir-fried with meat or eaten fresh.
5. Lemon Basil: Added to spicy soups or eaten fresh with rice noodles.
6. Papaya: Eaten ripe or in sour curry (Kaeng Som).
7. Pumpkin: Steamed, in coconut milk, stir-fried with eggs, or in soup.
Physical Therapy Procedures:
1. Warm Compress: To dilate blood vessels and milk ducts, increasing circulation.
2. Therapeutic Ultrasound: Deep heat helps dilate the milk ducts and break down the blockage.
3. Duct Opening Massage: To reduce blockages and soften hard lumps.
4. Cold Compress: Used afterward to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.