Apply a heat pack to the painful site for 20 minutes up to 3 times a day: The heat will increase circulation and remove pain-inducing metabolites form the muscles and fascia sites.
You can have your moist heat prepared in one of the following ways:
• Electric heating pad: An electric heating pad is convenient for this purpose but care must be taken not to leave it unattended as surface burns can result. If you buy an electric heating pad, make sure it's a "Moist heat" electric heating pad, since it is more effective than dry heat and less likely to produce a skin burn.
• Hydrocollator heating unit and canvas bag: One way to have a heat pack ready whenever you want it is to get a large coffee maker at a discount store. Use it to heat the water for hydrocollator bags you keep inside. The hydrocollator bags are canvas bags filled with very small heat retaining rocks. This bag will hold heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The canvas bag is removed from the hot water and wrapped in cloth and applied to the pain site, the hydrocollator bags can be purchased at a medical supply store or pharmacy (special order).
• Microwave heat pack: Roll a small towel lengthwise, wet it, fold and place in a plastic bag. Put in a microwave and heat on high for 1-3 minutes. Carefully remove towel from plastic bag with tongs, cover with an additional dry towel to prevent burning yourself, and put around back of neck and sides of face.