Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
I think that simply heating and mashing would do all sorts of bad things to a twisted piece of wood. For one, simply heating will crack the piece from moisture loss.

I expect you missed a step-steaming. Brought to 100 C with steam the wood is plasticized. It will move easily and when cool stay whatever shape it was mashed to.

I have taken bow (or is it crook) out of "priceless" boards with a steam iron and clamps.