What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. It commonly occurs during breastfeeding and may sometimes involve infection. Symptoms can include a swollen, hot, painful or red area of the breast, a lump or hard area, and feeling unwell with fever or flu-like symptoms. Redness can be harder to see on darker skin tones.

How mastitis may affect daily function

Mastitis can affect:

• comfort during feeding

• feeding frequency and confidence

• sleep and rest

• upper body movement and posture

• caring for your baby during feeds

• confidence with breastfeeding or expressing

• day-to-day wellbeing and energy levels

People with mastitis may feel sore, fatigued, feverish or generally unwell, and feeding can become stressful if breast pain or inflammation worsens. Untreated infection can sometimes progress to a breast abscess, which may require additional medical treatment.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment for mastitis, but it may provide supportive care around:

upper body comfort and movement

posture during feeding

gentle positioning advice

return to comfortable day-to-day activity

support for musculoskeletal discomfort linked to breastfeeding or feeding posture

If breast pain, swelling or fever are present, medical review is important, especially if symptoms are not improving. Guidance from breastfeeding and NHS resources emphasises early action and ongoing milk drainage.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is not usually required for mastitis itself, but it may be relevant if pain, fatigue or breastfeeding-related discomfort are affecting daily routines, self-care, feeding setup or home function.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant for mastitis itself, unless there are separate infant feeding, attachment or swallowing concerns that sit outside the mastitis issue.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology is not typically part of mastitis management, but may be relevant later if a person is returning to exercise and wants support pacing activity after a difficult postpartum recovery.

Feeding and breastfeeding considerations

Breastfeeding guidance commonly recommends continuing to breastfeed or express milk if you have mastitis, as keeping milk moving can help reduce inflammation and pressure. Healthdirect and the Australian Breastfeeding Association both advise that your milk is safe for your baby and that frequent feeding may help drain the breast.

Supportive measures commonly recommended include:

• continuing to feed or express

• resting where possible

• using cool packs between feeds for inflammation

• checking attachment and positioning

• seeking help if nipples are sore or damaged

• arranging medical review if symptoms are worsening or not improving.

When to seek medical review

Medical review is important if:

• you feel feverish or unwell

• symptoms are worsening

• there is significant redness, swelling or pain

• there is a hard lump that is not settling

• you suspect a breast abscess

• symptoms are not improving after 12 to 24 hours of effective milk drainage

Clinical guidance indicates antibiotics may be needed if symptoms are worsening or not improving after this period, or if infection is suspected.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a practical, supportive approach. That means we look at how mastitis or breastfeeding-related discomfort is affecting the person in everyday life and what non-medical support may help alongside appropriate medical care. Support may focus on:

improving comfort with feeding positions

reducing upper body strain

helping with return to daily tasks

supporting confidence with movement and routines

working alongside the person’s GP, midwife, lactation consultant or other treating professionals where appropriate

Because mastitis can worsen quickly in some cases, we encourage prompt medical assessment where infection or abscess is a concern.

FAQ

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. It is most common in people who are breastfeeding and usually causes the breast to become swollen, hot and painful.

What are the symptoms of mastitis?

Common symptoms include breast pain, swelling, redness, a lump or hard area, and feeling unwell with fever, chills or flu-like symptoms.

Can I keep breastfeeding if I have mastitis?

Usually, yes. Breastfeeding guidance commonly recommends continuing to breastfeed or express, as keeping milk flowing can help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Is mastitis an infection?

Mastitis is breast inflammation and can sometimes involve infection. If symptoms are worsening or not improving, medical review is important.

When should I see a doctor for mastitis?

You should seek medical review if you feel unwell, have fever, worsening pain or swelling, or if symptoms are not improving after 12 to 24 hours of effective milk drainage.

Can mastitis turn into an abscess?

Yes. Mastitis that does not improve or is left untreated can sometimes lead to a breast abscess, which may require drainage or other medical treatment.

Can physiotherapy treat mastitis?

Physiotherapy does not treat mastitis itself or replace medical care. It may provide supportive help with upper body comfort, feeding posture and day-to-day movement while the person is also getting appropriate breastfeeding and medical support.

What can help while I’m waiting for treatment?

Common supportive advice includes continuing to breastfeed or express, using cool packs between feeds, resting where possible, and getting help with attachment or sore nipples.

If you are experiencing mastitis or breastfeeding-related discomfort and would like supportive care around comfort, posture or day-to-day function, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy input may be appropriate alongside medical care. 

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.