I recently obtained a good autoharp which is set up with the Bryan Bowers arrangement of chord bars. I hold it in the "baby" fashion or strap in on using the strap which crosses the back with an X. I use fingerpicks on the right hand thumb and fingers. The problem is that after I play I have severe pain in the left wrist and hand, and my left hand & fingers will be numb sometimes for a couple of days after. As I enjoy very much playing the autoharp, I would like to find a way to play without discomfort &/or numbness. While I do have arthritis, no I don't have carpel tunnel, and no I don't spend much time typing at the PC. Any suggestions? Thanks! Kaleea