What is Perrin Technique?
Perrin Technique is an approach used to diagnose and treat Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Through gentle osteopathic treatment, lifestyle modifications and home exercise/massage, it aims to improve ME/CFS patients’ symptoms.
Perrin Technique aims to improve poor lymphatic drainage, stimulate healthy fluid flow around the brain and spinal cord and promote regulation of the sympathetic system.
Who is Perrin Technique for?
The Perrin Technique benefits:
- People suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- People suffering from post-viral fatigue
- People suffering from long COVID
- People suffering from fibromyalgia
This is due to the similar physiological processes that happen in the body with these conditions.
How does Perrin Technique work?
The Perrin Technique is based upon the work of Dr Raymond Perrin, an osteopath who has been treating and researching ME / CFS for over 30 years. He has theorised that ME / CFS arises when various factors stressing the body, which include infectious (e.g. viral, parasitic or bacterial), environmental (e.g. exposure to toxins) and psychological stresses, overload the autonomic nervous system.
These toxins are supposed to drain down the spinal cord and into the lymphatic system where they leave our bodies via the liver. But in people with CFS / ME and similar conditions the drainage points into the lymphatic system are blocked leading to the build-up of congested toxins.
This may cause a build-up of toxins in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, causing irritation of the central nervous system and surrounding tissues, possibly accounting for the wide-ranging symptoms found in ME/CFS patients.
The Perrin Technique is a gentle osteopathic treatment which focuses on clearing poor lymphatic drainage, promoting regulation of the sympathetic system and stimulating fluid flow around the brain and spinal cord.
More comprehensive information and links to research on the Perrin Technique is available on the Perrin Technique website.
What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
It is a condition often diagnosed by exclusion, which is characterised by, but not limited to:
- Abnormal muscle fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Headaches
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Depression
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Irritable bowel
- Irritable bladder
- Sore throat
- Increased sensitivity to light/sound
What will happen during my first appointment?
First appointment - 90 minutes
This appointment will involve a thorough case history and physical examination to determine whether a diagnosis of ME/CFS can be made and an estimate of prognosis if so. Advice on supplements may also be provided (please consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements).
The physical examination will involve a postural assessment of the spine as well as an examination of lymphatic tissue around the neck and breasts. Because this is a sensitive area, we will obtain written consent from you prior to commencing the examination, and you may wish to bring a chaperone with you.
No treatment is given during the first appointment to ensure that you have time to digest what has been discussed and consider whether you would like to continue with treatment.
Because of the length of the case history and the sensitive nature of the examination, you may want to bring a partner, family member or friend with you for support and to act as a chaperone during the physical assessment.
What will happen during follow up appointments?
Second appointment - one hour
During the second appointment, there will be hands-on treatment, discussion of lifestyle modifications and you will be taught a self-massage routine that should be performed daily, ideally by another person at home; thus, if possible, this person should attend the appointment with you. There will also be the opportunity to discuss any questions that have arisen since your first appointment.
Follow ups - up to 45 minutes
Follow up appointments will be largely focused around hands-on treatment.
How will treatment make me feel?
Although Perrin Technique treatment is very gentle, it is normal and expected that treatment may cause a flare in your symptoms in the short-term, especially at the beginning. However, your practitioner will adjust treatment to the severity of your symptoms and give you lifestyle advice to help you support your body through this process.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Generally, it is advised that you bring someone that you live with to your second appointment as we will go through a daily massage routine that ideally someone else will help you with.
The lymphatics of the breast tissue are assessed during the first appointment and treated in all subsequent appointments so you may wish to bring a chaperone.
We ask that under-16s are accompanied by a chaperone, and parental consent must be given for under-18s to attend alone (all under-18s must have a chaperone present for their first two appointments).
Do you treat under-18s?
Yes we do, as ME/CFS often affects individuals during their teen years and it is important that treatment is not delayed. However, we ask that under-16s are accompanied by a chaperone, and written parental consent must be given for under-18s to attend alone (all under-18s must have a chaperone present for their first two appointments).
