A firm, painful, or tender area in your breast can feel urgent, especially when it is interfering with breastfeeding or pumping and you are unsure what to do next.
Your first appointment includes the evaluation and, when clinically appropriate, treatment during the same visit. You do not need to schedule a separate evaluation before receiving treatment.
If you have a painful area that is not improving, call us. We will ask a few questions and let you know whether an appointment with us is the right next step.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you are breastfeeding or pumping and experiencing:
Call our office and we will ask a few questions to determine whether an appointment with us is an appropriate next step.
Treatment is based on your symptoms, how long they have been present, and what we find during your evaluation. We use gentle techniques and avoid aggressive breast massage.
When appropriate, gentle hands on techniques may be used to address tissue sensitivity and comfort. We do not use aggressive or deep breast massage.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound wave energy over the affected area. It may be considered for persistent localized pain, tenderness, or inflammation. Results vary, and we cannot promise that symptoms will resolve in one visit.
Elastic therapeutic tape may be applied around the affected area as additional support for comfort and localized swelling. The tape is not placed over the nipple or areola and should be removed if it causes itching, redness, pain, or skin irritation.
Research on taping for breastfeeding related breast concerns is limited, so results vary.
Persistent breast symptoms may also be influenced by feeding technique, pumping, milk removal, positioning, or other lactation factors.
Pelvic Rehabilitation and Wellness Center does not replace lactation care or medical breast care. We recommend continuing to work with your lactation consultant and medical provider when appropriate.
If you do not currently have a lactation consultant, our team can help connect you with one.
Latch, feeding technique, positioning, milk transfer and more
Tissue mobility, reducing inflammation, improving milk flow, and addressing underlying restrictions