Lymphatic Drainage Versus Ultrasound for Postpartum Breast Engorgement: A Pilot Study

Comparative Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Therapeutic Ultrasound on Breast Engorgement in Postpartum Women: A Feasibility Pilot Study

In this article, women were randomly assigned to the manual lymphatic drainage group, therapeutic ultrasound group, and control group, and the breast pain, swelling hardness, and milk excretion before and after each treatment were measured.

Breast engorgement as the swelling and distention of breast, which is one of the most common problems of postpartum of 3-8 days. At the same time, the congested blood vessels and tissue fluid will enter the surrounding tissues, resulting in the retention of tissue fluid and blood, resulting in interstitial fluid. In cases such as interstitial edema, the flow of milk is restricted.

There are many conservative treatments for relieving breast swelling. At present, there have been published studies on the application of ultrasound therapy and manual lymphatic drainage to breast problems during lactation. Previous studies have shown that manual lymphatic drainage and ultrasound therapy can significantly improve the pain, temperature, and firmness of breast engorgement. Manual lymphatic drainage and ultrasound therapy have been widely used in physical therapy, but there is little empirical evidence for manual lymphatic drainage on breast swelling. It is hoped that this empirical medical research method can be used to reduce the effect of breast pain caused by breast problems and improve breast milk. The purpose of this study was to examine whether manual lymphatic drainage and ultrasound therapy can improve breast pain, breast swelling, and increase the flow and volume of milk removed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 20 years old
• Physiological breast swelling, breast heaviness, lumps, milk plugging, breast pain after childbirth
• Able to read and understand Chinese
• At least four points on the Breast Swelling Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Autoimmune system problems
• physical and mental health problems
• Breast abscesses, mastitis
• Breast implants
• Cardiac pacemakers
• Malignant tumors