Authors: (including presenting author): :
Pang SK, Lau TL, Lee SK, Lee WY, Yim PL, Har WK, Cheung KT, Ip YW, Chao YL, Leung YY.
Affiliation: :
Physiotherapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Ultrasound Therapy
Keyword 2: :
Lactation-Related Breast Symptoms
Keyword 3: :
Physiotherapy Treatment
Introduction: :
The early postpartum period is a critical window for establishing lactation. However, approximately 33.6% of lactating mothers experience breast engorgement symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, hardness, redness, and swelling. These symptoms may escalate to blocked ducts, mastitis or abscess if left inadequately managed, affecting the maternal well-being and breastfeeding continuity. As a baby-friendly hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) reported a crude breastfeeding rate of 79% in 2022. To encourage breastfeeding, a “Lactation Program” between the collaboration of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Physiotherapy department has been developed in PMH since April 2016. The program included therapeutic ultrasound therapy, cryotherapy, and education for lactating mothers presented with breast engorgement symptoms.
Objectives: :
1. To analyse the correlation between the 6-point engorgement scale and the number of treatment sessions. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of the lactation program for pain relief.
Methodology: :
This was a retrospective study design. Lactating women with breast engorgement symptoms that referred physiotherapy for participating in the “Lactation Program” in PMH in the period from April 2016 to October 2025 was included for analysis. Outcomes on subjective breast fullness rating using the 6-point engorgement scale, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before and after treatment, and the number of treatment sessions received were retrieved for analysis. Correlation between the 6-point engorgement scale and the number of treatment sessions was also evaluated.
Result & Outcome: :
Eight hundred and fifty lactating mothers with breast engorgement symptoms participated in the program. Majority (40%) of them required single treatment session only, followed by twice treatment sessions (29%), and the remaining 31% required 3 to 20 treatment sessions. A significant positive correlation (r=0.164, p< 0.001) was found between the 6-point engorgement scale and the number of treatment sessions. The NPRS score significantly reduced from 6.4 ± 2.4 initially to 2.8 ± 2.2 (p< 0.001) upon discharge. Physiotherapy intervention incorporating ultrasound therapy was effective in reducing pain in lactating mothers with breast engorgement symptoms. The severity of the breast fullness symptoms was directly proportional to the number of treatment sessions received, indicating early referral promote faster recovery. Therefore, maintaining and expanding such a supportive service is encouraged to promote breastfeeding continuity and maternal health.
