Osteopathy and Breast Care
At Eastern Osteopathy, our osteopaths are experienced in supporting people through Breast Cancer Recovery and Mastitis conditions.
Osteopathic Treatment to help Breast Cancer Recovery
After breast cancer surgery, including lumpectomy, lymph node removal, or mastectomy; women may experience pain due to scar tissue, adhesions or constrained movement in their upper body. Osteopathy can help to relieve and address the following symptoms that may follow breast cancer surgery.
Chloe & Geetha have completed extensive training in supporting those who have had breast cancer. They enjoy assisting the healing process of post cancer treatment.
Scar Tissue
The formation of scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process following any surgery, including breast surgery. Those who have had Radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer can also experience scar tissue formation as a result.
Formation and build up of scar tissue can contribute to pain and restricted range of movement in the breast and surrounding areas, including the shoulder. In some cases, scar tissue can spread and stick to layers of tissue beneath the affected area (adhesions). This can cause further pain and reduced mobility for the individual. By addressing the development of scar tissue early and regularly treating the affected area, you can reduce the chance of adhesions occurring.
Osteopathic treatment can help to manage the impact of both external scars and internal scarring. Your osteopath will use gentle techniques and work with your body to soften the deeper tissue of the breast.
Cording (AWS):
Axillary Web Syndrome or Cording refers to a tight cord that runs from the armpit down the arm, in some cases it can extend down to the hand. These cords are believed to be scarred or hardened tissue resulting from surgery of the breasts or lymph nodes. This condition may develop anywhere from a few weeks or months post-operation.
The hardened cord-like tissue can be painful and restrict mobility. Depending on the severity of the cording you may feel pain, restriction or tightness when lifting or moving your arm.
Osteopathic treatment can support those experiencing cording. Using mobilisation techniques, your osteopath can work with you to ease pain and increase your mobility. If treatment is managed properly, most people can expect to regain mobility and eliminate pain in the affected area.
Capsular Contraction:
Capsular contraction can occur following breast implant surgery. The body naturally forms a protective capsule around the implant, this is normal and to be expected. In some cases, this capsule can become unusually hard and tight, squeezing the implant, this can cause pain and needs to be addressed.
Capsular contraction can cause pain and lead to asymmetry of the breasts. Risk factors for capsular contraction occurring include; radiation following breast implant surgery and a predisposition to scarring.
Osteopathic treatment can help to reduce the effects of capsular contraction. Your osteopath will work with your body to soften the tissue around the capsule. This will reduce the tightness and can improve mobility and decrease the pain associated with capsular contraction.
By addressing scar tissue, cording, and capsular contraction, osteopathy can help you move forward with greater comfort and freedom.
Transform your road to recovery.
Speak to Eastern Osteopathy to find out how Osteopathy enhances the breast cancer healing process.
Osteopathic Treatment for mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast tissue which may or may not be accompanied by infection. When milk becomes stagnant or congested in the breast tissue, the body creates an inflammatory response.
Symptoms can come on extremely quickly and usually peak within the first 24-48 hours of having it. After this, you will still need to spend time over the next week to fully recover.
It is common for those with mastitis to require multiple treatments within a week time frame. To support your recovery, we have multiple osteopaths trained in this field they include: Chloe, Meg, Nicole, Mia & Geetha.
Signs and Symptoms of Mastitis
Tenderness and pain in the breast area
Swollen breast tissue (edematous)
Redness or rash over the breast area (erythema)
Heat emitted over the affected area of the breast
Fever or chills (does not necessarily indicate bacterial mastitis)
Tachycardia
Pain when feeding, lifting the arm or lying on the affected side
Severe symptoms include vomiting and delirium and may need to be addressed by your GP or require hospitalisation.
What are the causes of mastitis?
Mastitis conditions are caused by Hyperlactation and Mammary Dysbiosis, which both lead to ductal narrowing. This is the temporary narrowing of the mammary ducts which carry milk from the alveoli to the nipple, impacting the normal flow of milk.
Hyperlactation is the overproduction of breast milk. To support the high production of milk, increased volumes of blood (hyperemia) and fluid (edema) present in the breast tissue. In addition to congested alveoli this can lead to inflammation in the mammary system, which can cause ductal narrowing.
Mammary Dysbiosis is a disruption to the milk microbiome. Healthy milk microbiome contain bacteria, CoNS and viridans streptococei, which form a thin film lining the epithelium of the mammary ducts. When there is a dysbiosis (imbalance) in the milk microbiome, CoNS and viridans streptococei proliferate and form a thick film, inflaming the epithelium and narrowing the ductal lumen.
Reasons why you might have ductal narrowing or inflammation that has contributed to mastitis
Your baby may not be optimally feeding which can affect milk production, this can be caused by:
Your baby might not be latching properly
A restriction in your baby’s mouth, jaw, tongue or neck may affect optimal feeding.
You or your baby’s posture during feeding.
Your baby may have a tongue tie.
Breast pump use; are you exclusively or predominantly using your breast pump
Feeding until you have “emptied” your breast, this can disregulate milk production
Nipple shields can impact optimal feeding and can affect optimal milk removal and milk production signals.
Dysbiosis of your mammary system can impact your milk production regulation and localised inflammation
How can osteopathic treatment help with mastitis?
Addressing any postural restrictions, breast tissue restriction, tight muscles and poor lymphatic drainage will help to get to the root cause of the milk stasis and breast congestion. They will also be able to provide you with therapeutic ultrasound of the affected area to support your recovery.
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage which can aid in fluid movement and in turn assist in reducing swelling and inflammation. This treatment involves gentle sweeping movements across the affected area. It is important to avoid deep massage of the lactating breast at any time as it can cause trauma to the tissue and increase inflammation.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is an important tool in treating mastitis. Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves which are absorbed by tissues in the body. These sound waves apply force to the tissue causing it to move uniformly. This movement causes non-stationary fluids and molecules to be dislodged and promotes circulation of fluids. The movement of molecules will also result in a localised heat response which further aids fluid circulation.
This is a painless treatment, the ultrasound is working at a cellular level so you will not feel any vibration or movement. Similar to diagnostic ultrasounds you may have had, a conduction gel will be placed on your breast and the ultrasound wand moved gently across your skin, you may feel some warmth but there should not be any discomfort.
Ultrasound is just one component of treatment for mastitis, typically we will spend 3 to 10 minutes using the ultrasound, the treatment will feel similar to diagnostic ultrasounds you may have had in the past. Conduction gel will be placed on your breast and then the ultrasound transducer or wand is placed on your breast and moved around the areas of concern.The wand is moved gently over your skin with minimal pressure, you may feel some warmth but not to any point of discomfort. The effects of the ultrasound are at a cellular level, so you won’t be able to feel any vibration or movement during the ultrasound.
