Using light therapy to relieve pain after C-sections
Application of Photo-biomodulation as Part of Multimodal Analgesia to Improve Pain Relief and Wound Healing for Patients Having Elective Caesarean Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests whether light therapy can help reduce pain after a C-section for new moms and lessen their need for pain medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05738239 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of photo-biomodulation therapy (PBMT) in alleviating postoperative pain in women following a caesarean section. Participants will receive treatment using a combined light and laser device applied to the surgical wound twice daily. The study aims to assess pain levels immediately after surgery and the persistence of pain beyond six weeks. This approach seeks to minimize the reliance on pain medications that may adversely affect newborns.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who are scheduled for a planned caesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain requiring daily opioid medications or those undergoing general anesthesia for their C-section may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce pain and improve recovery for mothers after a caesarean section.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of photo-biomodulation therapy is gaining interest, this specific application for pain relief after C-sections is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Women aged ≥18 years with planned C-Section under spinal anesthesia. Exclusion Criteria: * Not willing * Language barrier or cannot communicate in English. * History of chronic ongoing pain needing daily opioid medications * High risk or twin/multiple pregnancy * C-Section planned under a general anesthetic.
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Harsha Shanthanna, MD — SJHH and McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Toni Tidy, HBSc, CCRA
- Email: tonitidy@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-525-9140
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.