Heat

Heat can be applied in many ways; using a heat pack, using warm water, or using warm wax. The purpose of applying heat is usually to decrease pain. It can help muscles to relax and it can affect your nerves in order to decrease your pain. Heat can also help to bring blood and nutrients to the area and therefore increase healing.

Heat or heat pads should never be left on for longer than 20 minutes or it can cause other problems like skin damage or swelling. Therefore, most physical therapists would advise you not to use an electrical heating pad to sleep with.