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A clogged, blocked, or plugged milk duct occurs when milk flow becomes restricted in part of the breast. This blockage can cause pain, swelling, and disrupt breastfeeding or pumping. If left untreated, it can lead to mastitis.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that targets blocked ducts using silent sound waves to break up the obstruction. This can help:
kaer offers this healing treatment in our Toronto wellness clinic, delivered by a Registered Healthcare Practitioner trained in therapeutic ultrasound for lactation support.
During your treatment, you’ll relax on a comfortable treatment table. The affected breast will be exposed while the rest of your chest remains covered. A cool gel will be applied to the skin, then warmed gently as ultrasound therapy begins.
Ultrasound treatment for clogged ducts is silent, soothing, and pain-free. Most clients feel immediate relief—including a softening of breast lumps and better milk flow. Breastfeeding or pumping directly after treatment is encouraged to maintain milk movement and further clear the ducts.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to gently vibrate tissue and reduce inflammation. For blocked milk ducts, the treatment:
Targets clogged areas within the breast
Breaks up milk stasis and reduces inflammation
Enhances circulation and milk flow
Complements other techniques such as massage and posture correction
For best results, ultrasound may be combined with soft tissue therapy, education on breastfeeding posture, and recommendations for future prevention.
You may have a blocked duct if you experience:
A hard lump in the breast that feels tender or painful
Redness, warmth, or swelling around the lump
Discomfort during letdown
A milk blister or bleb at the nipple
Reduced milk flow or engorgement near the lump
These symptoms can come on suddenly and may not resolve with home care alone. If you notice any of these signs, especially persistent pain or swelling, seek treatment right away to avoid progression to mastitis.
Clogged ducts may result from:
Infrequent feedings or skipped nursing sessions
Poor latch or ineffective milk removal
Stress or fatigue
Wearing tight bras or restrictive clothing
Inadequate breastfeeding positions
kaer also offers Lactation Consulting if you need help identifying and addressing underlying causes like latch or feeding posture.
If at-home remedies (massage, warm compresses, frequent feeding) don’t resolve your symptoms within 24 hours, it’s time to consider ultrasound therapy. Our clinic provides appointments daily to help you get back to feeling well—quickly and safely.
To book with a physiotherapist, you need a referral from a qualified healthcare provider (nurse, physician, or lactation consultant). You can also consult with an Ontario nurse via Telehealth if needed.
If at-home remedies (massage, warm compresses, frequent feeding) don’t resolve your symptoms within 24 hours, it’s time to consider ultrasound therapy. Our clinic provides appointments daily to help you get back to feeling well—quickly and safely.
To book with a physiotherapist, you need a referral from a qualified healthcare provider (nurse, physician, or lactation consultant). All other practitioners do not require a referral.
While professional treatment is often necessary, these steps may help manage symptoms early:
Breastfeed or pump frequently to maintain milk flow
Apply a warm compress for 15–20 minutes before feeding
Massage toward the nipple or armpit during feedings
Try nursing on all fours to use gravity for drainage
Soak in a warm Epsom salt bath
Position baby’s nose or chin toward the lump
If symptoms persist, worsen, or become painful, schedule an ultrasound treatment immediately.
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Book your therapeutic ultrasound treatment at kaer today and find safe, immediate relief from clogged milk ducts—so you can continue your breastfeeding journey with comfort and confidence.
Chanelle Gardner
Registered Massage Therapist
Chanelle is a Registered Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapist and Personal Trainer. As an ex-competitive athlete she has endured numerous injuries that she has worked through - which is what led to her to start offering bodywork when she saw first hand the it's affect on her wellness and how valuable your body is. Since starting in this line of work, she has felt such joy in being able to help clients get relief from pain. She has been able continue her education to be able to better serve clients and to be able to give them a well rounded, holistic approach to their individualized treatment.
Her interest in prenatal and postpartum massage began during her schooling when treating her first pregnant client, being able to provide some relief and relaxation for a body to an expectant mother was incredibly fulfilling and moving.
Chanelle focuses on long term sustainability in her treatments, recommending exercises, mobility work and stretches to help further your progress in getting your moving better and living pain free.
In order to book a therapeutic ultrasound for blocked ducts with a Physiotherapist, you will need to get a referral letter from either your doctor, midwife, RN or OB. This referral letter can be emailed to hello@kaer.ca directly and should include the following information:
This referral letter is not required for you to see one of our RMTs or kinesiologist who also do this treatment. They will be able to perform this treatment as long as the following are not a concern:
You are welcome to bring your baby. Right after treatment is an optimal time to feed or pump to further release and drain the breast.
The procedure may produce slight warmth on the breast, but not pain. Your practitioner will be in consistent discussion throughout the treatment to ensure patient comfort.
No, ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts is a contraindication for people with breast implants. A manual massage is a safe alternative.
This varies from individual to individual, if managed early it may take 1-2 sessions to resolve.
Yes, as this assessment and treatment are completed by a Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
Blocked milk ducts are a common occurrence for breastfeeding moms and can be incredibly painful. If left unchecked, it can lead to infections and mastitis.If
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