The Perrin Technique

The Perrin Technique is a method of diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue conditions, such as fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and Long Covid (or Post-Covid Syndrome).

It’s a method that has scientific backing and, as new research takes place, it undergoes constant updating.

It was conceived by neuroscientist and osteopath, Dr Raymond Perrin, in 1989. It’s practised by osteopaths (or other manual therapists) who have completed a qualification in the technique.

Dr Perrin developed an interest in treating CFS/ME after treating a patient for a different problem. The patient reported that, following treatment, his ME symptoms had also resolved. Dr Perrin began working with patients and researching ME to understand how treatment might affect it.

He concluded that some people experience an ‘overwhelm’ of stress. This stress can take many forms, including physical, emotional or psychological trauma, stressful life situations, and disruption to the hormonal and immune systems. Often, the final trigger in the process is a viral infection.

All these stressors activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Dr Perrin hypothesised that an overstimulated sympathetic nervous system leads to a build-up of toxins around the brain and central nervous system.

Normally, these toxins would be dispersed by our lymphatics – the network of fluid drainage that is under the control of the sympathetic nervous system. But the abnormal toxic build-up blocks these normal drainage channels, leading to the array of symptoms we typically see in CFS/ME and Long Covid patients.

Dr Perrin found that patients who had these symptoms also had tell-tale physical signs. Looking for these signs enables practitioners to diagnose the presence of a post-viral condition, and to treat it according to the principles of The Perrin Technique. 

By understanding the process that leads to a chronic fatigue or post-viral syndrome, Dr Perrin was able to formulate targeted treatment. This hands-on treatment addresses the underlying causes of a patient’s symptoms. Typical symptoms include extreme fatigue, aching, brain fog, breathing difficulties, depression and anxiety, stomach troubles, tingling and numbness, and disturbed sleep.

The Perrin Technique is a natural, non-invasive protocol. It’s designed to gently clear the toxins that are blocking normal drainage in the central nervous system.

The osteopath applies gentle manual pressure to certain areas on your body to help stimulate lymphatic drainage and clear toxic build-up. They mobilise your chest, neck, pelvis and other areas. Everyone is unique, and the osteopath adapts treatment according to what they find, and how you respond.

As treatment begins to work, you may find an initial worsening of your symptoms. This can happen as toxins begin to shift and your system works hard to clear them.

Soon, normal function begins to return to the lymphatics. This allows the overstimulated nervous system to settle, and you’ll find your symptoms improve. 

It’s important to keep the momentum of your recovery going, so your osteopath will give you instructions on exercises you can do at home to maintain your progress.

Reaching your best health usually takes several months, but your osteopath will keep a close eye on your progress and advise you. As recovery moves forward, the frequency of your treatments will be reduced.

Some patients subsequently move onto a maintenance schedule. Remember that stress of many kinds can trigger symptoms, so you may wish to have treatment from time to time to keep things in check.

It’s important for your osteopath to examine you to diagnose your condition. This involves assessing certain parts of your body, including the chest area, for tell-tale signs. At your first appointment, the osteopath will examine you to find these signs. This may require you to remove some clothes, but your osteopath will ensure you understand and consent to the procedure first.

You’re welcome to bring a friend or relative to the appointment with you, if that makes you feel more comfortable – just let us know when you book in.

After the diagnosis has been made, treatment mainly focuses on gentle manipulation around the head, neck, chest and back.

This might include soft tissue treatment to relax muscles, mobilisation of joints, cranial osteopathy techniques, and lymphatic drainage massage. This special form of massage uses light touch along the skin in specific directions to enhance the flow of fluid through the lymph network. These techniques require skin contact, but your osteopath will ensure you’re only uncovered as far as necessary, and will always gain your consent prior to starting.

The osteopath devises personalised treatment to fit individual needs, based on symptoms, stage and the osteopathic assessment. They will discuss their plan for your treatment session with you and make sure you’re happy and comfortable with it.

The initial phase of treatment starts the process of mobilising your lymphatic system. Your body has to work quite hard during this stage, as your liver processes the toxins that have built up. You may feel more symptomatic, particularly with fatigue, while this happens.

We treat you weekly at this stage, both to support this clear-out process, and to help you more generally to cope with symptoms you may be experiencing.

As your treatment progresses and your symptoms start to improve, we may suggest that you come in less often. We’ll guide you in using self-massage techniques at home to make sure your recovery stays on track. Your osteopath will monitor your progress closely and will discuss the best course of action with you.

In the later stages, as you attain your peak of recovery, we may suggest reducing treatment frequency further. We can base this on your symptom level and your progress. Although you may then only need to come for treatment occasionally, remember that stress can trigger a flare-up, and it’s best to deal with symptoms early.

Of course, everyone is unique and each path to recovery is different. Some people feel worse before they feel better, while others will feel an improvement straight away. In all cases, we’d expect to see significant positive changes within three months, though it’s often much sooner.

We’ll be guided by your symptoms and your progress, but you can be assured that we will never prolong treatment longer than necessary. You’re in charge at all stages. 

The Perrin Technique is devised specifically to treat chronic fatigue conditions, such as CFS/ME, fibromyalgia and Long Covid. Scientific studies looking into both the conditions themselves and the use of The Perrin Technique to treat them, increasingly validate it as an effective method.

For example, a recent study confirmed that physical examination of patients is valuable in identifying CFS/ME. And early research into the effects of The Perrin Technique for patients with Long Covid has also shown promising results.

Currently, other treatment options for these conditions offer physical and psychological rehabilitation to help you manage your symptoms. The Perrin Technique is different, in that it addresses the underlying cause. 

Many people who book for treatment with The Perrin Technique have already had a diagnosis of CFS/ME or fibromyalgia and have exhausted other treatment options. They may have seen a number of health professionals without success.

Other people book because they have symptoms typical of chronic fatigue or post-viral syndromes. They realise their symptoms of feeling tired, ill, achy, breathless and foggy-headed have lasted much longer than a normal virus should.

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or not, we can help. We will assess you to confirm your diagnosis – this will happen at your first appointment. At that stage, we can advise on whether The Perrin Technique is right for you, and what to expect.

We recognise that these kinds of symptoms can have many underlying causes, so if something doesn’t seem right, we’ll always refer you to your GP for blood tests or other diagnostics, as appropriate. 

Each individual treatment plan using The Perrin Technique is formulated according to the needs of the patient and adapted to match the patient’s progress. Because it is designed around you, this single course of treatment will help you achieve your best recovery.

The Perrin Technique is a team effort, and the best outcome requires each patient to commit to the process. That includes adapting your lifestyle, where possible, to reduce stress, and undertaking self-management exercises at home.

We will monitor your progress together, looking at your symptom fluctuation and your everyday functioning, as well as physical signs. Although it’s best not to interrupt a course of treatment, we understand that circumstances can change, or you may wish to explore other options. We’re always happy to give you advice on the best way forward.

Despite best efforts, stressful things do still happen in life! As stressors can trigger symptoms, you may experience the occasional setback. That’s why our doors are always open, and you can pick up treatment as and when you feel the need. We’re here to support your journey to health. 

Aisha brought me pain relief for fibromyalgia where nothing else worked. She is warm and welcoming, and the sessions and environment are always extremely soothing. She is very knowledgeable about health and especially women’s health, giving regular information about supplements and ways to manage or improve pain. I would absolutely recommend seeing her.

Sabrina, 2021

Absolutely wonderful staff, I always felt very cared for and considered. Ami, Aisha, and Robert always went the extra mile and were pivotal for my recovery. The reception were always friendly and helpful, made me feel at home. I would wholeheartedly recommend without any hesitation.

Kellye, 2021