Comparing manual lymph drainage and massage for breast engorgement in new mothers

Effects of Manual Lymph Drainage on Breast Engorgement, Pain and Self Efficacy in Postpartum Period.

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06168630

This study is testing whether manual lymph drainage or massage is better at relieving breast pain and heaviness in new mothers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06168630 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of manual lymph drainage versus massage in alleviating breast engorgement, pain, and improving self-efficacy among postpartum women. Conducted at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, the randomized controlled trial will recruit 35 lactating mothers aged 25 to 35 who experience breast pain and heaviness. Participants will be divided into two groups, with one receiving manual lymph drainage and the other receiving massage, alongside a cold pack as a baseline treatment. Assessments will be made using validated scales before and after treatment, with data analyzed using SPSS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are lactating mothers aged 25 to 35 who experience breast pain and heaviness after childbirth.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal, urogynaecological, autoimmune, neurological conditions, breast cancer, or those taking other medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for breast engorgement, improving comfort and self-efficacy for postpartum women.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been many studies on breast engorgement treatments, this specific comparison of manual lymph drainage and massage is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Women aged 25 to 35 years. Lactating mothers who presents with breast pain after birth. Women with breast heaviness. Women who rate themselves 4 on engorgement scale on six-point self-rated engorgement scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with gastrointestinal, urogynaecological, autoimmune or any neurological condition.

Women with breast cancer. Women with breast abcess. Women taking other medications.

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PostpartumEngorgementManual lymph drainagePostpartum periodPainSelf efficacy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.