how long should heat be applied before stretching
1 After a workout, ice is the better choice on a chronic injury. 2  Like cold packs, heat therapy should be applied for no longer than 15 minutes though it can be applied several times a day. 3  Use enough layers between your skin and the heating source to prevent burns. 4  Moist heat is better than dry heat. Like cold packs, heat therapy should be applied for no longer than 15 minutes though it can be applied several times a day. 2  Use enough layers between your skin and the heating source to prevent burns.