How to adapt your bathroom when living with CRPS and chronic pain

Find out which aids and equipment will make using the bathroom safer and more comfortable, with expert advice from registered nurse Sue Tomkinson (RNLD, Dip Couns, BSc (Hons) Palliative Care). 

By Fiona Forman

The challenges of using a bathroom with CRPS

People with chronic conditions such as CRPS often have limited mobility and range of motion, fatigue or muscle weakness, and standing and balancing can trigger pain. This can often make using the bathroom both challenging and exhausting, as there are a number of obstacles to deal with – slippery surfaces, getting in and out of a bath or shower, and bending to sit on a toilet, not to mention the time and energy these day-to-day tasks can take.

Here, registered nurse Sue Tomkinson recommends the best equipment to adapt your bathroom, making it safer and more comfortable to use, and helping you maintain independence

With the right knowledge and resources, every bathroom can become a place where functionality and comfort come together to allow not only safety but also create a space where you can relax and unwind. Often, the equipment is lightweight and portable, meaning it can be removed and stored away when not in use. This is particularly beneficial for those who do not want the aids on show in their home or to enable their family to use the bathroom without aids being static.

Aids and equipment can be researched and purchased online and found at many retailers where your specific needs can be discussed. Even one or two small aids can make a real difference to someone’s function and autonomy, giving them back their sense of purpose and autonomy, and reducing reliance on others.

Not every piece of equipment will be suitable for everyone, and they are dependent upon your individual needs.

Raised toilet seat
This is very helpful for people who find it difficult to bend or move easily when using the toilet. It adds extra height to make sitting and standing easier, and it’s easy to move or take off without needing any tools.

Adjustable toilet surround
A toilet surround or frame provides extra support and security, making it easier to sit and stand, and reduces the chance of falling. They are compatible with most standard and raised toilets, and they are lightweight and easy to move.

Drop-down toilet support rail
These have two bars for extra support when using the toilet, and can be folded away when not in use.

Adjustable bath board
This lightweight aid sits securely on the bath, providing support for bathing and showering. Perfect for people with lower limb mobility challenges who might struggle to get in and out of the bath or stand in the shower.

Bathroom step
A portable step will help you get in and out of the bath safely, and it’s easy to store when not in use.

Bath stool step and handrail
A bath stool step with a handrail provides support for safely entering and exiting the bath, and will help to reduce the risks of slips and falls. They are also handy to use elsewhere in the house for reaching things like high cupboards.

Height-adjustable shower chair with armrests
A shower chair will provide extra support when showering, making it comfortable and safe.  The height can be adjusted to suit individual needs, and for added safety, the chair has non-slip, non-marking rubber feet, which are widely spaced to enhance stability and prevent the chair from slipping. Armrests make it easier to sit and stand with confidence.

Height-adjustable shower stool with side handles
An adjustable shower stool offers similar support to a shower chair, and has handles for extra stability. The heavy-duty plastic seat is designed to shed water quickly, keeping the surface dry and hygienic.

Wall-mounted shower seat
This wall-mounted shower seat is a practical and comfortable solution for people needing a bit of extra support whilst showering. It is a foldable design, so you can stow it away easily when not using it, making it ideal for shared or small bathrooms. The seat is equipped with sturdy legs and a padded cushion for enhanced comfort.

Wall-mounted shower seat with padded back and armrests
For people living with CRPS, a comfortable and supportive shower seat can transform daily routines. The wall-mounted shower seat with a padded back and armrests is designed to provide stability, comfort, and safety, helping you maintain independence while reducing strain and fatigue during bathing.

Shower commode chair
The lightweight shower commode chair is a multi-functional mobility aid designed to provide comfort, safety, and independence in your bathroom routine. Whether you need a toilet chair, shower chair, general mobility aid, or commode, this versatile piece of equipment offers a practical and durable solution.

Perching stool with padded seat and backrest
A perching stool is designed to support those who struggle to stand for long period of time, providing a safe, comfortable seating option while showering. It helps to reduce strain on the legs, joints and muscles, making showering more manageable.

Easy bar suction grab rails
People with CRPS often struggle with balance, so suction grab rails provide support when standing, sitting or moving between different areas in the bathroom. These easy bar suction grab rails easily attach to smooth, non-porous surfaces like tiles or glass, using suction cups, so there’s no need for screw, making them ideal for temporary use.

Small suction grab rail
This is a versatile, easy-to-install support aid, designed to provide extra stability. It can easily be moved around, making it perfect for moving between rooms or taking with you when travelling.

Swedish bath grab rail
A Swedish bath grab rail is another handy piece of equipment, helping you get in and out of the bath safely. These attach to the side of the bath (and are compatible with most standard baths) using rubber-lined clamps, providing a firm, stable grip. No drilling or permanent installation is required.

There’s a wide range of aids and equipment out there to help make using the bathroom easier for those with CRPS or chronic pain conditions, reducing the pain and fatigue that comes with it. We hope you’ll find something suitable to help you.

Is there a piece of bathroom equipment that you find helps you day-to-day? Let us know and we’ll add it to a future article!