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Ultrasound Therapy for Blocked Ducts

A treatment that provides immediate, soothing relief from clogged milk ducts.

Relieve pain and swelling

Benefits

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:

  • Relieve pain and reduce swelling in the breast
  • Soften hardened lumps and allow milk to flow more freely
  • Prevent mastitis if addressed early
  • Support better breastfeeding outcomes post-treatment

kaer offers this healing treatment in our Toronto wellness clinic, delivered by a Registered Healthcare Practitioner trained in therapeutic ultrasound for lactation support.

 
Your Treatment Experience

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.

ultrasound webpage photos
ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts
woman receiving ultrasound therapy for blocked ducts in Toronto

How Ultrasound Therapy Works

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.

Symptoms of a Clogged Milk Duct

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.

Why Blocked Ducts Happen

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.

When to Book Ultrasound Therapy

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.

Insurance Coverage

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.

At-Home Care Tips For Clogged Milk Ducts

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.

Start Healing Today

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.

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Your Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

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:

 

  • The patient has no contraindications to treatment
  • There is no presence of infection or current antibiotic treatment
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound is recommended

 

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:

  • Mastitis
  • Currently on antibiotics for mastitis
  • Breast Implants

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.

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