Years ago I went to a concert with Lou and Peter Berryman, where Lou (a petite woman) was playing accordion, as usual. She mentioned that playing had been causing her various pains, and a doctor said she should stop playing. However, a designer friend rigged up a pole which was mounted on the bottom of the accordion and took the weight.

Lou continued to play, (while standing) and thus far the pain had gone away. The pole went back and forth with her as she operated the bellows. It was not obtrusive.