Mastitis & Breast care

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that most commonly occurs during breastfeeding, but it can also affect women at other times. It often develops when milk flow is blocked within the breast, leading to swelling, pain and sometimes infection.

Mastitis can come on quickly and may significantly impact comfort, feeding, and overall wellbeing. Early assessment and treatment are important to relieve symptoms, support continued breastfeeding where desired, and reduce the risk of complications such as abscess formation.

Our Mastitis & Breast Care service focuses on relieving inflammation, improving milk flow, supporting healing, and providing education to help prevent recurrence.

Signs & Symptoms of Mastitis

Symptoms may affect one or both breasts and can range from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:

Breast Symptoms

• Localised breast pain or tenderness

• Redness, warmth, or swelling in a specific area

• Firm or hard lumps (blocked ducts)

• Breast skin that appears shiny or tight

• Burning or aching sensation during or between feeds

General Symptoms

• Fever or chills

• Flu-like symptoms (body aches, fatigue, headache)

• Feeling generally unwell

• Sudden onset of symptoms

If left untreated, mastitis can worsen and may lead to a breast abscess, which requires medical management.

Our Mastitis & Breast Care Treatment

Your physiotherapy session may include a combination of the following:

Therapeutic Ultrasound for Mastitis

Therapeutic ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment commonly used to manage mastitis and blocked milk ducts.

Ultrasound works by:

• Reducing inflammation within the breast tissue

• Helping clear blocked ducts

• Improving milk flow

• Relieving pain and tenderness

• Supporting tissue healing

Many women notice symptom relief after just one or two sessions, particularly when treatment is started early.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Gentle lymphatic massage is used to:

• Reduce swelling and breast congestion

• Improve fluid movement and circulation

• Assist the body’s natural healing process

• Ease discomfort and pressure in the breast

This technique is very gentle and should not be painful. We also teach you safe self-massage techniques to continue at home if appropriate.

Advice, Education & Ongoing Support

Education is a key part of effective mastitis management and prevention. During your appointment, we provide personalised advice on:

• Feeding and positioning strategies

• Breast care and comfort measures

• Managing blocked ducts and engorgement

• Reducing risk of recurrence

• When to seek medical review if required

We work alongside your GP, lactation consultant, or other healthcare providers if needed, ensuring you receive coordinated and supportive care.

Why Choose Physiotherapy for Mastitis?

Seeing a women’s health physiotherapist for mastitis treatment can:

• Reduce symptoms quickly and effectively

• Help avoid progression to infection or abscess

• Support continued breastfeeding where desired

• Provide reassurance, education, and hands-on care

• Address underlying causes to reduce recurrence

Our clinic provides a calm, private, and supportive environment for women at all stages of motherhood.

Book Mastitis Treatment in Drummoyne

If you are experiencing breast pain, blocked ducts, or symptoms of mastitis, early treatment can make a significant difference.

Conveniently located in Drummoyne, we support women across the Inner West and Sydney with expert mastitis and breast care physiotherapy.

Appointments available — no referral required.

Please call the clinic on 0466533813 to be booked in on the same day.