Heat therapy is recommended for stiff and sore injuries or joint pain. Applying heat allows the muscles to increase their elasticity and blood flow. Because of this, it is recommended that you use heat before exercise to help loosen tight muscles and decrease the chance of injury. Heat packs are not recommended for swelling or inflammation, because they increase blood flow and can worsen the condition. Cold therapy is recommended for such injuries, and you can find cold therapy products here. To avoid burns, do not apply any heat packs to skin directly and use for only 15-20 minutes at a time. Painreliever.com offers a large selection of heat packs for any situation.