Assess the effectiveness of foot and hand massage on caesarean pain among post- Natal mothers

The birth of the child is generally viewed as a time of rejoicing despite the physical pain and exhaustion experienced by the mother. At this time, the mother needs lot of help for the realization and acceptance of child birth as normal physiological phenomenon. Recently, many complementary therapies such as music, TENS, reflexology has proved effective in managing caesarean section pain. Foot and hand massage has the potential to aid in relaxation as well as in pain relief.

To determine the effectiveness of foot and hand massage on caesarean pain among post-natal mothers in the experimental group.

Quantitative approach, Quasi experimental time series design. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 60 post-natal mothers: 30 assigned for experimental and 30 for control group. Assessment of caesarean pain perception was done by Numerical Rating Scale. Pre-intervention pain level and post-operative parameters were assessed, for experimental group, foot and hand massage for 20 minutes for two sessions, with an interval of 60 minutes was provided and the post-intervention pain level, post-operative parameters are assessed for both the groups.

In experimental group, the posttest 1 mean score of caesarean pain was 3.17 with S.D 1.78 whereas in the control group the post-test 1 mean score of caesarean pain was 8.50 with S.D 0.51. The calculated unpaired ‘t’ test value of t = 15.757 was found to be statistically significant at p<0.001 level. In the experimental group, the post-test 2 mean score of caesarean pain was 0.37 with S.D 0.49 whereas in the control group the post-test 2 mean score of caesarean pain was 7.77 with 0.77. The calculated unpaired ‘t’ test value of t = 44.248 was found to be statistically significant at p<0.001 level.

Foot massage is easy to apply, costless and does not need special equipment. Midwives are responsible for pain management; hence their practice of Complementary therapy is important to provide a platform for Independent Midwifery Practitioner.