Thanks, Prism99! I will use the "painting" technique for sure. That avoids holding a heavy object and squeezing at the same time.
I'm having to evaluate all of my repetitive tasks to avoid strain. I've found that my worst offender is the mouse for my new desktop computer. My old ergonomic one didn't "speak" Windows 8, so I haven't replaced it. I tried hand quilting a few nights ago, and my hand felt weak and strange, but didn't get sore. My rotary cutter may need to be replaced, too.