Physical Therapy Intervention for Puerperal Mastitis

Mastitis Clinical Trial

Official title: Physical Therapy Intervention for Puerperal Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women

Status Recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

Puerperal mastitis is one of the most commonly reported problems during breastfeeding. Women frequently report breast pain, tenderness, redness, engorgement, fever, malaise, chills, lethargy, sweating, headache, nipple damage and a hot spot on the affected breast. These highly distressing symptoms may severely impact on a woman's daily activities and quality of life and might lead to the premature cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, which may have significant impact on infant health and survival. The role of physical therapy in reducing pregnancy/postpartum-related disorders including breast problems is gaining momentum and importance in obstetrics. However, to date, only low-level evidence has shown positive effects of breast massage, a physical technique, on pain, milk supply and symptom relief in women with breastfeeding problems. This is encouraging, however further research is needed to explore whether physical therapy is effective to reduce symptoms of puerperal mastitis. The investigators will conduct a prospective, assessor blinded single-center randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy program with therapeutic ultrasound, education and massage for patients with puerperal mastitis, compared to patients receiving usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment.

Clinical Trial Description

The high incidence of mastitis in breastfeeding women places health professionals working with postpartum women in key positions for managing women for symptoms of mastitis. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a physical therapy program for mastitis. The data the investigators collect from this study will provide evidence on effective and targeted strategies to achieve the goals of acceptable, effective and low risk physical therapy treatment of mastitis in postpartum women. Once these perspectives are known, recommendations on mastitis management can be made. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Mastitis

• NCT number: NCT04569136
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Cheng Kung University
• Contact: Kuan-Yin Lin, PhD
• Phone: +886-6-2353535
• Email: 10802003@gs.ncku.edu.tw
• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: December 1, 2020
• Completion date: October 31, 2023