Here is an update on heat. This is the most common thing people tell me when I tell them to use a hot moist pack," we take a hot water bath, we pour hot water on the affected part for a long time"...DOESN'T WORK! Unless, you bathe in a tub, which none of us do. 
Taking a hot water bath is not the same as using a hot pack. reasons. Hot water bath only gives you a generalized soothing and relaxation effect. A constantly pouring water does little for deeper penetration. It is superficial. It is only when you use a hot pack on the desired area for about 15-20 MINS, that the heat penetrates into the muscle thereby relaxing it.
So whenever your therapist advises you to actually use a hot pack, USE IT. DO NOT REPLACE IT WITH YOUR TRADITIONAL HOT WATER BATH.