Rice Heat Pack Instructions

Use a rice heat pack to apply heat to painful body parts.

Treating pain to relieve discomfort may force you to become creative as you seek effective pain control. The pain of muscle aches and joint stiffness can slow you down and cause undue suffering. People who suffer these symptoms can relieve their pain when they apply a source of heat to the hurting body parts. Make a simple---yet effective---heat pack using an old sock and plain rice. Once you make your rice heat pack, you have an inexpensive source of heat that will retain the warmth for an extended period as you apply it to your body.

Instructions

1. Place the heat pack into the microwave oven and close the door.

2. Set the microwave oven for two minutes and turn it on.

3. Allow the microwave to warm the rice pack for the set amount of time. Open the microwave door after the time elapses and hold the rice pack in your hands to judge the warmth emanating from the rice pack. Heat the rice pack for an additional minute if it is not warm enough.

4. Apply the rice pack to the sore area of your body and keep it there until the rice pack cools naturally (this typically takes 20 to 30 minutes).

5. Reheat the rice pack in the microwave if you need additional heat therapy.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a simple rice pack by filling an old sock with rice and tying the opening of the sock shut with a ribbon or string.

• Add lavender or cloves to a rice pack to scent the rice and create a pleasing aromatherapy experience as you use it.

References

• University of Missouri Health Care: Use of Heat and Cold for Pain Relief