Unless this is your first semi auto or sub compact pistol I never heard of a 9mm hurting a shooters hand before. My first "real" pistol was a model 686 6" barell back in 1993 and this past December '14 I purchased my Shield 9mm. This was my first 9mm pistol and it took a awhile to get "used" to the striker fired trigger, it was waay different than my heavy double action trigger on my revolvers that I was accustomed to. But after a few days at the range the Shield turned into a shooters dream...
I would suggest perhaps adding a Pachmayr slip on rubber grip, I added one to mine & I love it.. It will give you a better grip on the pistol and absorb some of the recoil. In addition I would suggest using 115 gr. Winchester white box or 115 gr. Remington UMC as the 124 gr. loads are a bit more snappy until you build up some hand strength or "get used to it" as some would say... The Shield is a great pistol, keep on shootin it! good luck!
Pic shown is my Shield 9 with the Pachmayr slip on grip. I suggest wipping down the pistol with some rubbing alcohol & also the inside of the rubber grip and carefully stretch it on. Once on, it wont slip around and it stays put...