If a client reports after 10 minutes that the hot pack is not warm enough. What should the therapist do?

The client’s sensation to heat has been reduced after 10 minutes of having a hot pack in place. The temperature should NOT be increased. This means don’t remove insulation around the hot pack, and don’t swap out the hot pack for a new one. Doing this will increase the risk of burns. Also NEVER apply any kind of liniment, balm, medication or other chemical on the client’s skin if a hot pack is to be applied there. If a client has applied any topical liniments there before hand, then clean the skin prior to applying heat. Failure to follow these guidelines greatly increases the risk of causing a burn.