Conditions Treated

Harriet Levin, MSPT, specializes in the treatment and prevention of myofascial pain conditions, which include:

• Ÿhronic Neck / Back Pain
• Chronic Tension Headaches
• Fibromyalgia Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
• TMJ / Facial Pain

​Chronic Tension Headaches

Chronic tension headaches are often the result of soft tissue restrictions in the head and neck, especially in the occipital area (base of the skull).  The occipital muscles, along with other neck muscles, rarely stop working to keep your head balanced on top of your spine while initiating and controlling fine movements. Consequently, the muscles often become overburdened, and eventually shorten and weaken, leading to the development of trigger points with referred pain in the head and face.  Treatment involves the identification of active primary and accessory trigger points and then using trigger point release therapy (ischemic pressure) followed by myofascial release and gentle passive stretching.  Treatment plans typically also include the creation of a customized home stretching program, education on the self-identification of pain triggers and any necessary postural, breathing or ergonomic modifications.

Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia, or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is characterized by chronic widespread pain and tenderness which is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, heightened pain in response to tactile pressure and cognitive dysfunction known as “fibro-fog.” Patients typically present with trigger points and fascial restrictions that contribute to the pain and tightness felt in nearby joints, ligaments and tendons.  Myofascial release and trigger point release techniques are used to address activated trigger points, decrease pain and elongate soft tissue restrictions. Manual treatment is followed by very gentle stretching of the musculature and fascia. A gentle home exercise program is typically recommended.  Patients are educated in the self-identification of pain triggers and provided with a gentle home stretching and exercise program.  Treatment for fibromyalgia is always complemented by any necessary ergonomic, breathing and/or postural modifications. This treatment approach is designed to help patients with pain management while maximizing function.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), also know as Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), is characterized by chronic pain caused by multiple activated trigger points and their associated referred pain patterns. Treatment involves trigger point release techniques, followed by passive muscular stretching. This is followed by myofascial release techniques, to elongate soft tissue and reduce muscular overload which helps to prevent additional trigger points from forming. Patients are educated in the self-identification of personal triggers that most frequently activate latent trigger points, and provided with a home stretching program.  Treatment is always complemented by any necessary ergonomic, breathing and/or postural modifications.

TMJ / Facial Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can occur as a result of problems with the jaw, the jaw joint and/or the surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and movement of the jaw. Many patients diagnosed with TMJ pain have a myofascial component to their pain and dysfunction. For this reason, TMJ pain patients often responds well to manual therapy techniques. Active trigger points in the musculature surrounding the joint as well as in the head and neck are often the cause of much of the pain and dysfunction experienced by patients. Treatment of these trigger points involves trigger point release therapy, followed immediately by passive muscular and fascial stretching.  Manual treatment is always complemented by education in the self-identification of pain triggers, a relevant home stretching and exercise program, and education in posture/breathing awareness and ergonomics.

Areas Harriet Serves
Harriet is located in Fort Washington, PA—convenient for patients living or working in Spring House, Blue Bell, Rydal and Dresher, and a short drive for those in Wyncote, Chestnut Hill and Lafayette Hill.
Call Harriet at 267.259.2031.