I have fibro and arthritis. Had to give up knitting and crcheting because of pain in my fingers, hands, arms and back. Found I can hand quilt (without a frame) and machine quilt if I do short periods of time - about an hour or so. Don't know what the issue is with the frame but I think it doesn't allow the freedom to bend and twist the fabric as easy as without one. One thing I have to religously time myself with is cutting peieces. That seems to cause more pain in back, shoulders elbows and wrists. The good news is that quilting doesn't seem to put the strain on my body that knitting and crocheting did. Just don't give up and pace yourself. :)