Heating Pads And Cold Packs Don't Work: New Rules For Physical Therapists … Heating pads, cold packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and the like almost never help someone who requires physical therapy and, surprisingly, they may even cause harm. … Don't prescribe underdosed strength training programs for older adults. Read more on Medical Daily Does your doctor write too many prescriptions? For example, changing your diet and exercise habits might reduce your blood pressure or cholesterol; talk therapy might ease depression; and physical therapy might ...