Therapeutic Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Breast Engorgement After Delivery

Abstract

Background: Between the lactating mothers, the problem of engorged breasts is a serious problem which may be a predisposing condition for more serious problems as plugged ducts, cracked nipples and mastitis which for sure affecting the mother’s life. Breast engorgement affecting near to 85% of the lactating mothers. Objective: This experiment was done to measure the therapeutic efficacy of low-level laser therapy on the breast engorgement after delivery. Methods: Fifty lactating mothers who were diagnosed by breast engorgement; two randomized equal groups. Group (A), Control group consisted of 25 lactating mothers that were diagnosed by engorgement, they received only traditional treatments in form of   moist heat pack application for 10 minutes followed by Aloeo oil massage for 30 minutes. Group (B), Study group consisted of 25 mothers received traditional treatments as group (A) in addition to low level laser therapy with 6328 nm as wavelength, power 25 mw, duration was 10 minutes, one week was the treatments duration, with one session every day. Subjective outcome measures including a VAS scale to measure pain and a 6-point self-rated breast engorgement scale for detecting the breast engorgement degree. The study was approved by Research Ethical committee of the faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University with approval number P.T.REC/012/006054 on 2-9-2025. Results: There was a significant decrease in the VAS of the group (A) after treatment than before treatment (p=0.0001). There was a significant decrease in the VAS of the group (B) after treatment than before treatment (p=0.0001). When comparing the results of both groups (A&B), there was no statistical signifant difference (t value-0.341) and (p value =0.735) before treatment sessions. After treatment, there was no significant difference between both groups (A&B) (t value=4.413) and (p value=0.361). After treatment, there was a significant difference in the 6-point self-rated breast engorgement scale of the group A when comparing with before treatment (P=0.0001). After treatment, there was a significant difference in the 6-point self-rated breast engorgement scale of group B when comparing with before treatment (P=0.0001). When comparing both groups (A&B), there was no significant difference between both groups (A&B) before treatment (z value=--.222) and (p value=0.825). After treatment, there was a significant difference between both groups (A&B) (z value=0.95) and (p value=0.000) with more reduction in group B. Conclusion: The current study approved that low level laser therapy has a significant therapeutic effect on breast engorgement problem after delivery.