However, you should not use a warm compress within the first 48 hours of a muscle injury.

Alternatively, you’ve got the option to make your own warm compress at home.

Repeat the process as needed.

Woman with heating pad

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Basin Method

This method has fewer steps, but can lose heat more quickly.

Wrap another towel around the bag, and apply the compress to your skin.

Microwave Method

you could make a moist, warm compress by using a microwave.

To do this:

Repeat the steps as needed to keep the compress warm.

Be sure to use clean towels each time you make a warm compress.

It is warmed in the microwave and slowly releases heat.

The filling is usually encased within sealed fabric.

However, its possible to make your own dry warm compress at home.

Never pop a boil or a stye.

It also helps the heat penetrate your muscles, which encourages more blood flow and healing.

The downside to moist compresses is that they can be messy, and you may get wet.

They dont retain heat as long as moist compresses, but they also arent as messy.

Dry compresses are most often used for sore muscles.

When to Skip Heat

Never apply heat within the first 48 hours of a muscle injury.

It can contribute to inflammation and make the injury worse, not better.

Warm compresses can be dry or moist.

Dry compresses are often easy-to-use, and some people prefer a dry heat.

Murakami DK, Blackie CA, Korb DR.All warm compresses are not equally efficacious.Optom Vis Sci.

Optometrists.Can warm compresses help dry eyes?

Cortree.How to make a rice bag heating pad for pain relief.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ice packs vs. warm compress for pain.

Curtis, Scott, DO.Potential Risks and Contraindications of Heat Therapy.Spine Health.

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Spine and Pain Clinics of North America.Ice vs. 2021 Aug 2;11(8):780. doi:10.3390/life11080780