It’s common sense the heat should loosen thing up and relax the muscles. And it does however there are recent studies opinions that suggest the heat may not help the healing process at all. If you feel u are having the pain from swelling and pressure then I would suggest ice only a very regimented ice only Once here and there does no good. By all means I don’t really know ur condition so follow doctors orders! (I’m a retired football coach/athletic trainer not a real doc of course.) combined with my own experiences
Take care of yourself like you would your plants

are you will b Golden!