Episiotomy Scar Massage for Postpartum Pelvic Health
(EPIS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byErin Brennand, MD, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Calgary

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial aims to see if teaching new mothers to massage their childbirth scars can improve their pelvic health. The study will involve women who have given birth and have healed scars. The massage is expected to make the scar tissue more flexible and reduce discomfort.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for first-time mothers over 18, within 6-10 weeks postpartum after a vaginal delivery with episiotomy. They must have healed scars as confirmed by their doctor and be able to understand English well enough to follow an instructional video and fill out questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria

Sufficient proficiency in English to understand intervention instructional video and complete written questionnaires.

Healed episiotomy as confirmed to them by their maternity care provider or family doctor at their postpartum check

I am 6-10 weeks postpartum after a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if self-scar tissue massage on the perineal area can improve pelvic health in new moms. Participants will either perform self-massage following an instructional video or receive routine care without massage, to compare outcomes using pelvic health questionnaires.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Episiotomy and Vaginal/Perineal Tear Self-Scar MassageExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This Arm will be instructed in and perform self-scar massage to their pelvic floor scar tissue.

Group II: Standard Postnatal CareActive Control1 Intervention

This Arm will not be instructed in or perform self-scar massage to their pelvic floor scar tissue.