What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. The inflammation results in breast pain and tenderness, swelling, warmth and redness. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis), but can also occur in women who aren’t breast-feeding and in men.
How can Low Level Laser Help?
Low Level Laser Therapy or Photobiomodulation Therapy significantly reduces or eliminates inflammation. The oedema (engorgement or swelling) associated with this condition is also reduced or eliminated, generating healthy breast tissue. This reduction in pain and swelling is likely to encourage continuation of breastfeeding.
Inflammation reduction – a brief explanation.
One of the major effects of light when absorbed by our bodies, is on the mitochondria, the power source inside our cells. When cells are stressed through injury or damage, the mitochondria produce nitric oxide (a toxic chemical), which in turn reduces oxygen production, significantly lowering cell energy and leading to a state of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress then creates a state of inflammation and cell death. LLLT or PMB Therapy dissociates the nitric oxide allowing oxygen back into the cell, so the energy level of the cell is restored and oxidative stress is reduced. Once normal mitochondrial function is re-established through LLLT, cell function improves, pain reduces and the patient begins to feel better.