I love Espon Salt whenever I need it. I never soaked the towel thing, though. I usually put a lot of salt in the bath tub and just soak myself in it. For any sprain or any kind of soreness, it is wonderful. If it were my shoulder, I would still get in the full tub and just slide down to my neck. It doesn't take long, either. Ten or fifteen minutes is good. I usually stay until the water gets cold.