Empowered Relief for Postoperative Pain

This trial explores a new method to manage severe pain for women who have just undergone a cesarean delivery. The study tests "Empowered Relief," a single-session pain management class that includes techniques like relaxation and deep breathing, alongside regular postpartum care. Women who have had a cesarean section at Stanford Healthcare and experience severe pain during their hospital stay might be suitable candidates. The researchers aim to assess the effectiveness of this approach and whether participants find it helpful. Participants will be monitored for 12 weeks after delivery. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative pain management research that could benefit future mothers.

Research has shown that the "Empowered Relief" program is generally easy for participants to handle. One study found that a single 2-hour class teaching pain relief skills was as effective as an 8-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program for managing pain. This indicates that the program is not only effective but also manageable for patients.

Empowered Relief is unique because it combines cognitive-behavioral pain management techniques with relaxation resources to address postoperative pain. Unlike traditional pain management options that rely heavily on medications like opioids or NSAIDs, Empowered Relief provides patients with skills such as deep breathing, reframing, and the development of a personalized pain management plan. Researchers are excited about this approach because it empowers individuals to manage their pain with fewer medications, potentially reducing the risk of side effects and dependency associated with long-term drug use. Additionally, the inclusion of digital tools like a smartphone relaxation app makes it accessible and easy to integrate into everyday life.

Research has shown that programs like Empowered Relief can help manage pain after surgery. In this trial, participants will receive a single 120-minute Empowered Relief session in addition to standard postpartum care. Studies have found that learning about pain and using techniques to change thoughts about it can reduce pain and lessen the need for painkillers. Empowered Relief includes methods like relaxation and deep breathing, which are known to help with pain. Evidence also suggests these methods can foster positive beliefs about pain and lower the chance of short-term pain becoming long-term. Although specific data on Empowered Relief for pain after childbirth is limited, research supports its techniques in similar situations.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰