Title of Research
Start Date
16-11-2018 9:30 AM
End Date
16-11-2018 11:30 AM
Abstract
The Efficacy of Cold Therapy as an Alternative Pain Relief Method for Postpartum Discomfort:
An Integrative Review of the Literature
Laleh Afshar, MS
Alison DiValerio, MS, RN
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of perineal trauma has been well documented worldwide and is associated with acute and chronic perineal pain in postpartum women. Consequently, perineal pain has been shown to contribute to maternal morbidity. Review of literature suggests that addressing postpartum perineal pain utilizing holistical and various modalities as such may decrease the associated morbidity.
Objectives: Determine the efficacy of cold therapy as an alternative pain relief method for mothers in the first six weeks following childbirth, or the puerperal period.
Methods: This integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Source to search the literature between 2013-2018. Articles that were selected had to be of original study design, be peer-reviewed, have a nursing or medical concentration, and be available in the English language, leaving five studies to review.
Results: The literature found that a single application lasting 20 minutes provided pain relief for at least 1.5-2 hours, while another study of multiple applications over four hours provided pain relief for up to 48 hours. Two studies also found that cold therapy decreased pain interference during activities such as walking, sitting, bathing, and breastfeeding.
Conclusions: The results of this research suggest that perineal pain scores following a vaginal delivery were decreased when cold therapy was used. When used appropriately, cold therapy can be useful and effective at decreasing perineal pain and should be offered to mothers along with pharmacological therapy. While cold therapy has been shown to be an effective method for perineal pain relief, determining standardization of practice would achieve safe and effective pain relief.
Key words: Postpartum period, pain management, postpartum, pain, ice, cold therapy, and, cryotherapy,
Included in
The Efficacy of Cold Therapy as an Alternative Pain Relief Method for Postpartum Discomfort: An Integrative Review of the Literature
The Efficacy of Cold Therapy as an Alternative Pain Relief Method for Postpartum Discomfort:
An Integrative Review of the Literature
Laleh Afshar, MS
Alison DiValerio, MS, RN
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of perineal trauma has been well documented worldwide and is associated with acute and chronic perineal pain in postpartum women. Consequently, perineal pain has been shown to contribute to maternal morbidity. Review of literature suggests that addressing postpartum perineal pain utilizing holistical and various modalities as such may decrease the associated morbidity.
Objectives: Determine the efficacy of cold therapy as an alternative pain relief method for mothers in the first six weeks following childbirth, or the puerperal period.
Methods: This integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Source to search the literature between 2013-2018. Articles that were selected had to be of original study design, be peer-reviewed, have a nursing or medical concentration, and be available in the English language, leaving five studies to review.
Results: The literature found that a single application lasting 20 minutes provided pain relief for at least 1.5-2 hours, while another study of multiple applications over four hours provided pain relief for up to 48 hours. Two studies also found that cold therapy decreased pain interference during activities such as walking, sitting, bathing, and breastfeeding.
Conclusions: The results of this research suggest that perineal pain scores following a vaginal delivery were decreased when cold therapy was used. When used appropriately, cold therapy can be useful and effective at decreasing perineal pain and should be offered to mothers along with pharmacological therapy. While cold therapy has been shown to be an effective method for perineal pain relief, determining standardization of practice would achieve safe and effective pain relief.
Key words: Postpartum period, pain management, postpartum, pain, ice, cold therapy, and, cryotherapy,