Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SCL, Leung ETY, Tsui YY, Chan ACM
Affiliation :
Physiotherapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Physiotherapy management
Keyword 2: :
Blocked ducts
Keyword 3: :
Breastfeeding
Keyword 4: :
Lactating mothers
Introduction :
Breast milk provides the best source of nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding is an enjoyable moment with an intimate time of closeness, creating a deep bonding between mother and child. However, a painful and swollen breast caused by blocked ducts greatly hinders breastfeeding. Blocked milk duct is a common complication among breastfeeding mothers, often resulting in localized breast pain, swelling, and potential progression to mastitis if not effectively managed. Blocked milk ducts affect about two-thirds of lactating mothers 1, and the prevalence of mastitis ranged from 2.5% to 20% 2. It poses a great challenge for the mothers to sustain breastfeeding in the postpartum period.
Objectives :
Review of Physiotherapy service need in the post-partum management of blocked milk ducts in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Methodology :
A retrospective data mining on physiotherapy referral and evaluate the physiotherapy management for the lactating mothers with the problem of blocked milk ducts from January 2024 to December 2025.
Result & Outcome :
Between 2024 and 2025, 26 new blocked milk duct cases were seen, resulting in approximately 102 physiotherapy attendance per year in the Physiotherapy Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Apart from the engorged painful breast, the lactating mothers were all frustrated with the limited milk supply caused by the blocked ducts which greatly hinder them from breastfeeding. Physiotherapy management included therapeutic ultrasound (100%), ice therapy (21.7%), warm compression (91.3%), targeted breast massage (82.6%), patient education on optimal breastfeeding techniques and ergonomic advice to prevent recurrence. Physiotherapy intervention promotes symptom resolution, reduces risk of progression to mastitis and allows lactating mothers to continue breastfeeding. Upon symptoms control, tele-monitoring on home treatment enables busy working mother to optimize their condition as well as minimize recurrence. Blocked milk ducts are common in breastfeeding population, which make lactation painful and difficult, and cause anxiety and frustration to mothers and babies. A holistic management should include provide information to arouse the mother-to-be on the incidence and management of blocked milk ducts in antenatal education for early recognition. In the postnatal care, breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to have regular breastfeeding sessions and gradual weaning by dropping feeds slowly. In case of blocked milk ducts or mastitis, timely physiotherapy referral for symptoms control, enhance recovery, minimize complications and support lactation success for better maternity health and baby care.
