Are you experiencing pain and discomfort while breastfeeding? Have you considered Laser Therapy?
Breastfeeding can be a difficult, and time-consuming task. Approximately 80% of new mums will experience some sort of nipple pain and/or nipples fissures. There are therapies available to assist you through this time including low-level laser therapy which can help to accelerate the healing process and reduce the pain associated with cracked and damaged nipples.
Causes include but are not limited to:
- Friction on the nipple from infant sucking
- Strong sucking action from Bub
- Suboptimal positioning of Bub for suckling
- Shape of the nipple (especially flat or inverted nipples)
- Infection of the nipples
Symptoms:
- Sore/cracked or dry nipples
- Blistering
- Bleeding of nipples
What is Laser Therapy?
Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive light therapy that encompasses the emission of light wavelengths (no heat or vibration) through the skin to take effect on the tissue at a cellular level. The light wavelengths stimulate the body’s immune system and collagen production. This, in turn, stimulates healing, reduces pain, aids in inflammation resolution, and improves blood flow to the affected area, giving mum some relief during this time.
Other Information:
If you are experiencing these symptoms, one of our fantastic Women’s Health Physiotherapists is here to help. We will conduct a thorough assessment of your current breastfeeding technique. This will include an in-depth assessment of your self-selected posture. Then, we will discuss the possible causes of your nipple pain and apply a low-level laser to the affected areas. The assessment will of course be a time where mum can ask any questions necessary, and Bub is always more than welcome to come along too.
To book an assessment with our physiotherapists book online here
Or to read more about our Women’s Health services here
Helpful Sites:
Australian Breastfeeding Association – Breastfeeding Support
Health Direct – Breastfeeding Information
References:
Coca K.P., et al., (2016), Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Relieving Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial, Pain Management Nursing , Volume 17 , Issue 4 ; 281 – 289.
Buck M.L., Eckereder G., Amir L.H., (2016), Low level laser therapy for breastfeeding problems, Breastfeeding Review, Vol. 24, No. 2; 27-31
