Empowered Relief Therapy for Pelvic Pain

(ER_for_CPP Trial)

This trial tests whether adding Empowered Relief (ER) therapy to usual treatments helps alleviate chronic pelvic pain. Researchers aim to determine if this approach reduces the impact of pain on daily life and improves pain levels and quality of life. The study seeks women who have experienced pelvic pain for at least six months, affecting them at least one week each month. Participants must speak English and meet a certain pain level but should not be planning surgery soon. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future treatment options.

A previous study found that Empowered Relief (ER) therapy was well-received by individuals with chronic pain, including chronic pelvic pain. Research has shown that ER therapy is safe for various types of chronic pain. Another study demonstrated that ER therapy offers benefits comparable to an eight-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program, a well-established treatment for chronic pain. This suggests that ER therapy is both effective and safe for participants. No significant evidence of major side effects or problems has been linked to Empowered Relief therapy. Overall, it appears to be a safe option for managing chronic pelvic pain.¹²³⁴⁵

Empowered Relief (ER) Therapy is unique because it offers a new approach to managing chronic pelvic pain by incorporating a virtual class designed to teach pain management techniques. Unlike the standard treatments that rely on medications or physical interventions like pelvic floor therapy and nerve block injections, ER Therapy empowers patients with self-management skills. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could provide patients with long-term coping strategies and improve their quality of life, potentially reducing reliance on traditional medical interventions.

Research has shown that Empowered Relief (ER) Therapy effectively manages chronic pain. One study found that a single ER session provided pain relief comparable to an eight-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) course, with effects lasting up to six months. This therapy teaches pain relief skills in a two-hour session, offering a quick and impactful option. It reduces the impact of pain on daily life, helping individuals manage pain more effectively day-to-day. Additionally, it has improved both pain levels and overall quality of life for those with chronic pain. In this trial, participants will receive either standard treatment for chronic pelvic pain or standard treatment combined with enrollment in an ER virtual class. These findings suggest that ER Therapy could be a promising addition to standard treatments for chronic pelvic pain.¹²⁴⁶⁷