Personalized pain coaching for recovery after orthopedic surgery for sports injuries

Implementing and Evaluating the Effect of Personalized Pain Coaches After Orthopaedic Surgery for Patients With Sports Medicine Injuries to Improve Postoperative Outcomes

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT05821699

This study tests whether having a personalized pain coach can help people recover better after orthopedic surgery for sports injuries by using non-drug pain management techniques.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05821699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of personalized pain coaches, known as Life Care Specialists, in improving postoperative outcomes for patients recovering from sports medicine injuries. The trial focuses on integrating non-pharmacological pain management techniques and multimodal analgesia to reduce reliance on opioids and enhance recovery. Participants will receive tailored support in implementing mindfulness-based skills and coordinating care to optimize pain management and activity levels during recovery. The study aims to quantify the impact of this approach on both patient-reported outcomes and objective measures of activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 15-45 scheduled for orthopedic surgery due to sports medicine injuries who are actively employed or full-time athletes.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide consent, undergoing revision procedures, or those who are unemployed, incarcerated, or pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery outcomes for patients after orthopedic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using multimodal analgesia and non-pharmacological approaches for pain management, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults between 15-45 years old
* Scheduled for orthopedic surgery due to sports medicine injuries (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscus injury, rotator cuff injury, etc.), who are actively employed or full-time athletes before injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals unable to provide consent
* Those undergoing revision procedures
* Individuals without access to an internet-connected device
* Individuals who are unemployed or retired at the time of injury will be ineligible.
* Individuals who are incarcerated or pregnant will not be eligible.
* Individuals unable to communicate in English will be excluded since all surveys are validated in English.

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations

Study contacts

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 Sports Medicine InjuriesPersonalized Pain CoachPostoperative outcomeLife Care Specialist
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.