Shoulder pain might seem like a minor inconvenience to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand—but for those who live with it daily, it’s a constant, nagging reminder that even the simplest tasks can become daunting. Whether it stems from an injury, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a rotator cuff issue, persistent shoulder pain can have a surprisingly deep impact on daily life.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common (and often unexpected) struggles, and a few practical tips for managing them.
1. Getting Dressed and Undressed
Putting on a shirt, especially one that requires you to raise your arms or reach behind you, is a frustrating and painful process. Undoing a bra clasp or pulling a tight sports shirt overhead can feel like a workout—or a trap.
Solutions:
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Opt for front-closure bras or button-up shirts instead of pullovers.
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Try magnetic fasteners or adaptive clothing designed for limited mobility.
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Dress the painful arm first when putting on clothes, and remove it last when undressing.
2. Sleeping Comfortably
Shoulder pain doesn’t take the night off. Sleeping on the affected side is often a no-go, and lying flat can increase stiffness or pain.
Solutions:
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Sleep on your back with a pillow under the affected arm to keep it slightly elevated and supported.
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A wedge pillow can help reduce pressure on the shoulder.
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Avoid sleeping on the painful side at all costs—positioning pillows behind you can prevent rolling in your sleep.
3. Reaching and Lifting
Grabbing a mug from a high shelf, lifting a grocery bag, or even combing your hair can trigger sharp pain or cause your arm to give out mid-movement. Everyday tasks suddenly require strategy and planning.
Solutions:
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Rearrange commonly used items to lower shelves.
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Use a grabber tool for reaching without strain.
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Lighten loads and use two hands whenever possible—even for things like pouring water from a kettle.
4. Driving and Commuting
Turning the steering wheel, checking blind spots, or fastening a seatbelt involves arm mobility that shoulder pain can severely limit.
Solutions:
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Adjust mirrors to reduce the need for twisting.
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Use a seatbelt grabber tool or install a small loop handle to make fastening easier.
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Consider ride-sharing or public transit temporarily if driving becomes unsafe.
5. Emotional and Mental Toll
Chronic pain, even in a relatively small area like the shoulder, can lead to frustration, depression, and fatigue. You may find yourself turning down social events, exercise, or travel due to fear of aggravating the pain.
Solutions:
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Talk to a physical therapist or occupational therapist for tailored exercises and coping strategies.
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Don’t be afraid to seek emotional support—from friends, online support groups, or a counselor.
- Celebrate small wins. Even small improvements in range of motion or pain levels can feel like major victories.
6. Showering: A Daily Battle
It might sound trivial until you experience it yourself: drying your back with a towel after showering becomes nearly impossible when you can’t lift your arm over your shoulder or behind your back. That natural, over-the-shoulder reach to rub down your back can result in a sharp jolt of pain or simply isn’t doable at all.
Solution:
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The new Empower Towel is a hanging towel that allows you to dry without reaching. This can save a lot of pain, while still allowing someone with shoulder pain to dry off comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Living with shoulder pain means constantly adjusting, adapting, and rethinking how you do the things others take for granted. The challenges are real—but so are the tools and techniques available to help manage them. Whether it’s through physical therapy, assistive devices, or simply changing your daily habits, relief is possible, and life doesn’t have to be put on hold.
If you're dealing with shoulder pain, know that you’re not alone—and that your struggle is valid. Healing may be a journey, but every smart adaptation brings you one step closer to reclaiming comfort and independence in your day-to-day life.