Hot and cold compresses do the same, but not as much fun . I injured the tendons in my back whilst in the army. About 20 years of pain later I eventually found an Osteopath and Sports Inury specialist. She said "I'll see you twice, the rest is up to you, 30 seconds hot compress 30 seconds cold/ice, Do that as long as you can, 30 mins or 3 hours" It worked well. Fresh bllod in, old blood out, fresh blood in.......