What is the primary purpose of a hot pack in therapy?

The primary purpose of a hot pack in therapy is pain relief. Heat therapy is utilized to alleviate pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which helps to relax muscles and promote healing. It can also reduce stiffness in joints and enhance flexibility, making it beneficial for treating conditions related to muscle tension, chronic pain, and certain injuries.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the main function of hot packs. Muscle strengthening generally involves resistance training rather than heat application. Blood clotting is a physiological process that hot packs do not influence directly; instead, heat can sometimes help or hinder healing based on the context. Joint mobilization focuses on improving the movement of joints through specific techniques rather than the application of heat. Thus, using a hot pack primarily targets pain relief, making it an essential tool in therapeutic practices.