Breast Injury Management and Treatment

The present recommendations for managing contact breast injuries sustained by female athletes largely follow standard treatment of soft tissue injuries, which includes providing pain relief, addressing swelling/bruising by increasing compression (via breast support) or icing the injury site, and encouraging lymphatic drainage through massage (Song, Teo and Song, 2015; McGhee and Steele, 2023). In most instances, an athletes will be able to administer appropriate treatment to themselves, but coaching and medical staff play a critical role in providing guidance on when treatment is needed and what that treatment should look like. Severe breast injuries, where damage to the ductal system or implants is suspected, should be promptly referred to a physician.

Frictional breast injuries are best managed by early prevention techniques, such as reducing rubbing/chafing by optimising bra fit, selecting a sports bra made from soft, moisture-wicking material to reduce sweat and with non-abrasive seams and hooks/fasteners to prevent painful rubbing, and applying tape, ointment, or anti-chafe cream to protect the skin (McGhee and Steele, 2023). In instances where chafing has damaged multiple layers of skin (down to the dermis) and persists, infection becomes a significant risk and more extreme dermatological treatment may be required. It is therefore essential to manage frictional injuries early and effectively.