Effectiveness of Ultrasound Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Postnatal Breast Engorgement

Abstract

Background: Breast engorgement is a common concern among breast-feeding mothers, and it can lead to serious complications such as clogged milk ducts or mastitis, as well as a reduction in the lactating mother's quality of life. It affects between 72 and 85 percent of women. Objective: This study was conducted to compare the effect of ultrasound versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postnatal breast engorgement. Methods: Forty postnatal women diagnosed with breast engorgement; they were randomized into 2 equal groups. Group (A) received ultrasound with conventional therapy in the form of moist heat and massage. Group (B) received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with conventional therapy as group(A). The treatments lasted a week, with one session per day. The outcome measures were subjective, including a VAS scale for measuring pain and a 6-point self-rated breast engorgement scale for determining the severity of breast engorgement. Results: Comparison between groups (A&B) in VAS showed statistically no significant difference (t value = 0.67) and (p value = 0.5) post treatment. Also, Comparison between groups (A&B) in 6-point self-rated breast engorgement scale showed statistically no significant difference (t value = 0.95) and (p value = 0.34) post treatment. Conclusion: It could be concluded that both TENS and ultrasound are useful for painful breast engorgement. In addition, results supported that there is no significant difference between ultrasound and TENS along with conventional treatment in postnatal painful breast engorgement.