Empowered Relief for Chronic Pain After Cesarean Delivery

This trial examines how a single pain relief class, Empowered Relief, can assist women experiencing ongoing pain after a cesarean delivery. The class teaches skills such as relaxation, deep breathing, and positive thinking to manage pain. Women who have given birth by cesarean at Stanford Healthcare and continue to experience pain or pain-related issues six weeks after delivery may be suitable candidates. Participants will also have access to a relaxation app to help manage their discomfort. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to learn effective pain management techniques and contribute to research that could benefit future mothers.

Research has shown that the Empowered Relief session is generally easy to manage. Previous studies found no major negative effects from this treatment. It teaches skills to help manage pain, potentially leading to less pain, making it a well-tolerated option for many people. Additionally, women using an automated version of Empowered Relief required less opioid medication after surgery. This suggests it not only helps with pain but also might reduce the need for strong painkillers.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike traditional treatments for chronic pain after cesarean delivery, which often involve medications like opioids or NSAIDs, Empowered Relief offers a non-pharmacological approach. This treatment is unique because it combines a single 120-minute session of pain education with cognitive-behavioral skills such as relaxation, deep breathing, and reframing. Additionally, participants receive access to a smartphone relaxation tool, which can be a more convenient and sustainable option for managing pain. Researchers are excited about Empowered Relief because it empowers patients with skills they can use independently, potentially reducing reliance on medications and improving long-term pain management.

Studies have shown that Empowered Relief can effectively reduce pain and improve the quality of life for people with chronic pain. In earlier research, participants reported feeling less pain and distress after just one session. Empowered Relief teaches skills such as relaxation, deep breathing, and changing thoughts about pain, which can help reduce its impact. Some studies also found that people felt more in control of their pain and experienced less disruption in daily activities. In this trial, participants will receive a single 120-minute Empowered Relief session in addition to standard postpartum care. These findings suggest that Empowered Relief could be a helpful addition to standard care for managing pain after a cesarean delivery.