Osteopathic intervention for inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast: a case series

Introduction

Inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast (ICLB) are responsible for many cases of early weaning. Patients with ICLB seek care from osteopaths with treatment often including osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS). The aim of this case series is to measure change in inflammatory symptoms following OMT and TUS in patients with ICLB.

Methods

This case series includes women 18–40 years who attended a private mastitis clinic between April and October 2024. The primary outcome measure was the Breast Inflammatory Symptom Severity Index (BISSI). The BISSI was administered at baseline (pre-treatment), immediately post-treatment, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days. All patients received OMT and TUS. Number of treatment sessions, other treatments and adverse events within the 14-day period were recorded.

Results

11 women were included in this case series. There was a sustained reduction in BISSI scores across the entire cohort over 14 days (average score: 28.5 at baseline; 0.6 at 14 days). There was a 41 % reduction from baseline to immediately post-initial treatment (28.5–16.7), a 64 % reduction by 1 day (28.5–10.4) and an 80 % reduction by day 2 (28.5–5.6). The average number of treatment sessions was 1.5 with most of the treatments occurring within the first 2 days. No adverse events were reported following OMT or TUS.

Discussion

A combination of OMT and TUS appears to be safe and beneficial to women with ICLB. Our finding of a 40 % reduction in symptoms immediately post-initial treatment warrants further investigation.