Therapeutic Ultrasound - Mastitis Support Hurstville
Therapeutic Ultrasound- Support for the Mastitis Spectrum
At Dynamic Chiropractic we know and understand the challenges that come with breastfeeding. Mastitis can be a difficult condition for breastfeeding mothers, causing pain, inflammation and sometimes infection. As a clinic that supports all forms of feeding, we understand how important it is to offer safe, evidence-informed treatment options. That's why we offer therapeutic ultrasound as a gentle, non-invasive approach that may help relieve symptoms in the early, inflammatory stages of the mastitis spectrum.
What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to reach deep into the body's tissue. These waves produce gentle heat, which can help increase blood flow, support the reduction of inflammation, and encourage the healing process, alongside a light micro-massage effect. This is a different technology to the diagnostic ultrasound used to scan your baby during pregnancy.
What does the Research Say?
Mastitis is now understood as a spectrum of conditions rather than a single diagnosis, ranging from ductal narrowing and engorgement through to inflammatory mastitis, bacterial mastitis and abscess. Therapeutic ultrasound is included in the current clinical protocol from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine as an option for supporting the early, inflammatory stages of this spectrum, working on the theory that thermal energy from the sound waves helps reduce inflammation and relieve edema (Mitchell et al., 2022). A 2024 case report and evidence review published in the journal Cureus also describes its successful use as a non-invasive option in this earlier stage of mastitis (Roxo et al., 2024).
It's worth being upfront that this evidence base is still developing, and the strength of the current recommendation is graded moderate (Level 2, Grade C) rather than high. Managing inflammation early, alongside good breastfeeding support, may help reduce the likelihood of symptoms progressing to bacterial mastitis, which is the stage that typically requires antibiotics. If you have signs of infection, such as fever, spreading redness, or feeling generally unwell, please see your GP promptly, as antibiotics or further assessment may be needed. Therapeutic ultrasound is intended to work alongside good medical care, not replace it.
Therapeutic Ultrasound FAQ's
What is therapeutic ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help reduce pain, improve blood flow and support healing in muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue. At our Hurstville clinic, it's used for sports injuries, sprains, chronic soft tissue conditions, and the inflammatory stages of the mastitis spectrum.
What conditions can therapeutic ultrasound help with?
It may support recovery from the early, inflammatory stages of mastitis, as well as sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, muscle tightness and scar tissue. It's often used alongside chiropractic care as part of a broader treatment plan. As with any treatment, individual results vary and it won't be the right fit for everyone.
Is therapeutic ultrasound painful?
No. Most patients describe a gentle warming sensation on the skin. It's generally well-tolerated, though your practitioner will always check in with you during treatment.
How long does a session take?
Sessions usually run 5 to 10 minutes per region, and are often combined with other treatments such as dry needling, chiropractic care or exercise rehabilitation. Please allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
Is therapeutic ultrasound safe during pregnancy?Therapeutic ultrasound is not applied over the abdomen during pregnancy. It may be appropriate for other areas of the body depending on your individual circumstances. Your chiropractor will talk you through what's suitable for you.
Why choose Dynamic Chiropractic in Hurstville for ultrasound therapy?
Our clinic has a special interest in family, pregnancy, paediatric care and breastfeeding support. We combine advanced equipment with additional training and a personalised approach, and we're always happy to talk through whether therapeutic ultrasound is a good fit for your situation.
When should I see a GP instead of, or alongside, therapeutic ultrasound?
If you have a fever, feel unwell, notice spreading redness, or have a lump that isn't improving, please contact your GP or nearest emergency department promptly. Therapeutic ultrasound is a supportive option for early inflammatory symptoms, not a treatment for bacterial infection or abscess.
This information is general in nature and doesn't replace individual advice from your treating practitioner or GP. If you're unwell, have a fever, or notice worsening symptoms, please seek prompt medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Areas of Service!
We have had the privilege to treat people locally and to greater surrounds. Some of these areas include the suburbs of Allawah, Arncliffe, Banksia, Bardwell Park, Bardwell Valley, Beverley Park, Beverly Hills, Bexley, Blakehurst, Brighton-Le-Sands, Caringbah, Carlton, Carss Park, Connells Point, Dolans Bay, Dolls Point, Greenhills Beach, Gymea Bay, Hurstville, Kingsgrove, Kirrawee, Kogarah, Kurnell, Kyeemagh, Kyle Bay, Lugarno, Mascot, Menai, Miranda, Monterey, Mortdale, Narwee, Oatley, Peakhurst, Penshurst, Port Hacking, Ramsgate, Riverwood, Rockdale, Sandringham, Sans Souci, South Hurstville, Sutherland, Sylvania, Taren Point, Turrella, Wolli Creek and Woolooware!