Therapeutic Ultrasound Alone and Associated with Lymphatic Drainage in Women with Breast Engorgement: A Clinical Trial

Introduction: Breast engorgement (BE) is a problem that affects many women, especially in the first days of breastfeeding, producing inflammatory symptoms. Nonpharmacological therapies are inexpensive, safe, and can produce symptom relief. Objective: This study aims to analyze the safety of therapeutic ultrasound regarding possible risks of overheating and the effects of its use alone and associated with lymphatic drainage (LD) in women. Material and Methods: Effectiveness is measured through thermography, visual analog scale, and six-point scale of BE. This is a nonrandomized clinical trial with a sample of 34 in the ultrasound group (G1), 28 in the ultrasound and LD group (G2), and 37 in the control group (G3). Results: The mean reduction for engorgement was 1.3 ± 0.8 to G1, 1.4 ± 1.0 to G2, and 1.2 ± 0.9 to G3 according to the six-point scale. The mean reduction for pain level was 3.6 ± 2.1 to G1, 4.0 ± 3.1 to G2, and 4.0 ± 2.2 to G3 according to the visual analogue scale. Conclusion: It was observed that all therapies were effective in reducing the level of engorgement, according to the six-point scale. However, combined ultrasound and LD therapy has been shown to be more effective in reducing the level of pain. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-6btb6zz).