How to Make a Therapeutic Heat Wrap

Warm, moist heat is often recommended to ease stiff, sore muscles or joint pain such as arthritis or bursitis. Therapeutic heat wraps and warm poultices are easy to make with a few simple materials and ingredients and will bring hours of relief.

Instructions

Tube Sock Heat Wrap

1

Open the top of a long, clean, white cotton tube sock.

2

Loosely fill the tube sock with dry, uncooked rice about 2/3 full. Overfilling the sock results in a heat wrap that is too solid and will not be flexible enough to wrap around joints.

3

Tie the opening of the sock closed with a tight knot, or use a needle and thread or sewing machine to close the opening.

4

To use, heat the wrap in the microwave oven on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Wrap around affected area for two to three hours of relief. Do not overheat; this can cause burns to the skin.

Washcloth Therapeutic Heat Wrap

5

Lay two new washcloths, one on top of the other. Using a sewing machine, sew around three sides of the washcloths about 1/4 inch from the edge. Your result resembles a small bag.

6

Fill the bag about 2/3 full of dry, uncooked rice. Use straight pins to close the opening. Sew across the opening to complete the heat wrap.

7

Heat in the microwave oven for 2 to 3 minutes and apply to painful area.

Warm Poultice and Heat Wrap Combo

8

Place about one cup of herbs of choice in a saucepan and cover with water. Place on the stove on medium heat and allow the herbs to poach for about 20 minutes. Remove from the stove and allow the mixture to cool until it is warm to the touch.

9

Heat the therapeutic rice pack or a heating pad according to directions.

10

Remove excess moisture from the herb mixture using a strainer or colander. Cover the affected area of the body with a piece of soft flannel or muslin. Spread the herb mixture over the cloth.

11

Apply plastic wrap over the herb mixture, covering it completely. Place the warmed rice bag or heating pad on top of the plastic wrap. Relax for 20 to 60 minutes with the poultice in place to relieve sore, stiff and aching muscles and joints.