Blocked Duct Ultrasound Therapy

Blocked milk ducts can be painful and stressful, especially when you are trying to continue feeding your baby. At Rooted Family, we offer blocked duct ultrasound therapy as a gentle, evidence-based treatment to help relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and restore milk flow.

We provide blocked duct ultrasound therapy for breastfeeding parents in the Ottawa area, including Kanata, in a supportive and welcoming environment.

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What Is Blocked Duct Ultrasound Therapy?

Blocked duct ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses therapeutic ultrasound to help clear blocked milk ducts in the breast. Ultrasound sound waves penetrate the tissue to help break up thickened milk and reduce inflammation, allowing the duct to open and drain more effectively.

This treatment is commonly used when at-home strategies have not fully resolved a blockage.

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How Does Blocked Duct Ultrasound Therapy Work?

Therapeutic ultrasound delivers gentle, high-frequency sound waves to the affected area of the breast. These sound waves help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and loosen the blockage within the milk duct, supporting healing and improved milk flow.

Ultrasound therapy is considered safe for breastfeeding parents and does not affect breast milk or your baby.

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What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment will begin with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and feeding history. With your consent, your provider will complete a breast assessment to ensure ultrasound therapy is appropriate for your concerns.

During treatment, a small handheld ultrasound device is gently applied to the affected area. In addition to the ultrasound therapy, you will receive education and practical guidance to support healing and help reduce the risk of future blocked ducts.

We recommend nursing or pumping shortly before your appointment, as well-drained breasts can improve treatment effectiveness. After your session, you will be encouraged to feed or pump again. You are welcome to bring your baby or your pump, whatever feels most comfortable.

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Conditions Treated With Blocked Duct Ultrasound Therapy

Blocked duct ultrasound therapy may be helpful for:

• Blocked milk ducts, including painful lumps and localized swelling
• Recurrent blocked ducts that occur frequently in the same area
• Breast engorgement related to milk flow issues
• Mastitis, as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatment. Read more here.

Your provider will help determine whether ultrasound therapy is appropriate for your situation.

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Blocked ducts often have underlying feeding or pumping factors. Ongoing support from a lactation consultant can help address root causes and reduce the risk of recurrence. You may wish to explore our lactation consultant services for comprehensive feeding support.

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FAQs

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Q: How does therapeutic ultrasound help treat a blocked milk duct?

A: Therapeutic ultrasound uses gentle sound waves to help break up thickened milk and reduce inflammation within the breast tissue. This allows the blocked duct to open and drain more effectively, supporting improved milk flow and healing.

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Q: Is ultrasound therapy safe while breastfeeding?

A: Yes. Therapeutic ultrasound is considered safe for breastfeeding parents. It does not affect your breast milk, your baby, or your ability to continue feeding.

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Q: How many ultrasound sessions are usually needed to clear a blocked duct?

A: Many people notice improvement after one or two sessions. Some may require additional treatments depending on how long the blockage has been present or whether blocked ducts are recurring.

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Q: Can I breastfeed or pump before and after ultrasound therapy?

A: Yes. Feeding or pumping before and after your session is encouraged, as it can help move milk through the treated area and support recovery.

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Q: How is ultrasound therapy different from at-home treatments like heat and massage?

A: Heat and massage can be helpful, but therapeutic ultrasound reaches deeper into the breast tissue. It helps break up blockages more effectively and reduces inflammation in a way that at-home methods may not.

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