PowerPlay cold compression systems are used by athletes at every level — but they’ve also found growing popularity among a whole new demographic. We recently spoke with guitarist Malcolm Pinkston, who became a big believer in the potential of cold compression for musicians during his recovery from arthritis and tendonitis.
The Demanding Lifestyle of a Professional Musician
Malcolm is a guitarist based in Austin, Texas, the renowned “live music capital of the world.” He’s a busy professional, playing gigs all around town and teaching music as well.
“I pride myself on my versatility,” he says. “I play a lot of different styles, electric and acoustic, six-string and seven-string — you name it … And I was going all out. I’d be performing at least three times a week for around three hours each and teaching 30-35 students a week as well.”
Midway through 2024, Malcolm’s busy performance lifestyle caught up with him, and he began feeling pain and weakness in his fingers, hand, and wrist.
Like many athletes, he was experiencing injury related to overuse of focused joints and muscle groups.
“I would have a gig Saturday night and get out late and have to wake up early to play at church the next morning, then go straight to another gig,” he explains. “I was not getting much rest in between sessions, and it kind of turned into a marathon. I think that hurt me quite a bit.”
He saw his general doctor and then a specialist who diagnosed arthritis in his thumb joint and tendonitis in his wrist.
Overuse wasn’t just getting painful; it was getting in the way of his career as a gigging musician.
“To be a high performer, you’re gonna have to be using those key muscle groups daily — over and over. I can see how both athletes and musicians would be prone to those kinds of overuse injuries.”
Making Time for Rest and Recovery
Over the next several months, Malcolm cut down his practice time, turned down some extra gigs, and got a PowerPlay wrist wrap.
“There was a while when I was doing two to three sessions with the PowerPlay every day,” he says. “It was a winning combination for me. I’m definitely feeling better now.”
Read more about common wrist injuries.
Portable Relief for a Busy Professional
One of Malcolm’s favorite PowerPlay features was its portability: “I was initially using an ice pack, but the PowerPlay was even better… I would strap the pump to my belt loop, and I could even take a walk around the neighborhood.”
“The wrist wrap covered all the relevant parts of my hand from my palm up into my forearm. I would definitely recommend it for other musicians.”
“After you get over the initial shock of cold, the cold feels good, and the compression feels like a small massage at the same time,” he says. “It became a really relaxing, soothing routine.”
Back in Action
Now in early 2025, Malcolm is regaining momentum, and his pain is “barely noticeable.”
He shares how he recently wrapped up a gig at the Zack Theatre in Austin, playing music before the Broadway hit Jersey Boys.
“We were performing six to seven times a week before the show, sometimes twice a day. I was playing acoustic guitar, which can be harder on your hands, and we were doing 50s and 60s oldies with a lot of barre chords!”
“I was a little worried about it, but I’m pleased to say it worked out well, and it helped to get my hand stronger again after taking time off. That was a big test.”
Get PowerPlay’s Cold Compression Wrist Wrap
PowerPlay can provide welcome relief through cold compression for musicians, athletes, or even computer typists.
PowerPlay’s pump and Universal Wrist Wrap deliver targeted cold therapy and pneumatic compression to the wrist to help temporarily relieve minor muscle aches and pains and increase circulation in the treated areas.
Shop PowerPlay’s Single Kit with pump, carrying bag, and a wrap of your choice.
The information featured on this page is subject to our standard content policy and disclaimer. It is available for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.
