Physical Therapy Intervention for Puerperal Mastitis
Physical Therapy Intervention for Puerperal Mastitis
Puerperal mastitis is one of the most commonly reported problems during breastfeeding. Women
 frequently report breast pain, tenderness, redness, engorgement, fever, malaise, chills,
 lethargy, sweating, headache, nipple damage and a hot spot on the affected breast. These
 highly distressing symptoms may severely impact on a woman's daily activities and quality of
 life and might lead to the premature cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, which may have
 significant impact on infant health and survival. The role of physical therapy in reducing
 pregnancy/postpartum-related disorders including breast problems is gaining momentum and
 importance in obstetrics. However, to date, only low-level evidence has shown positive
 effects of breast massage, a physical technique, on pain, milk supply and symptom relief in
 women with breastfeeding problems. This is encouraging, however further research is needed to
 explore whether physical therapy is effective to reduce symptoms of puerperal mastitis. The
 investigators will conduct a prospective, assessor blinded single-center randomized
 controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy program
 with therapeutic ultrasound, education and massage for patients with puerperal mastitis,
 compared to patients receiving usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment.
The high incidence of mastitis in breastfeeding women places health professionals working
 with postpartum women in key positions for managing women for symptoms of mastitis. This
 study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a physical therapy program for mastitis. The
 data the investigators collect from this study will provide evidence on effective and
 targeted strategies to achieve the goals of acceptable, effective and low risk physical
 therapy treatment of mastitis in postpartum women. Once these perspectives are known,
 recommendations on mastitis management can be made.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Have given birth at National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH)

 -  Are Breastfeeding

 -  Are aged 21-35

 -  Are diagnosed with early stage mastitis

 -  Have sufficient Chinese/Mandarin language skills to participate

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of breast reduction or augmentation

 -  An abscess

 -  Severe physical/psychiatric impairments

 -  Presence of any malignancies