What is The Perrin Technique?

The Perrin Technique is an Osteopathic technique used to diagnose and treat Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (C.F.S).

The Perrin Technique is also beneficial for people suffering with Post Viral Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid, due to the similar systemic malfunctions happening in the body.

Based on Dr Perrin’s theory that different stress factors like physical injury, infections, environmental toxins, emotional stress (or a combination of these) overload the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a build-up of toxins in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

In a healthy body the spinal cord drains toxins into the lymphatic system where they leave the body via the liver. However, in people with CFS / ME (and similar conditions) the drainage points into the lymphatic system are blocked, leading to a build-up of toxins which irritate the brain, spinal cord and surrounding tissues and contribute to the wide ranging symptoms associated with CFS & ME. 

How Does Treatment Work?

The Perrin Technique uses gentle massage and manipulation of the head, neck, back and chest to manually stimulate fluid motion around the brain and spinal cord to encourage toxin drainage through the lymphatic system.

Patients are also given advice on self-care to help identify stressors, manage symptoms and maintain improvements.

The Perrin Technique improves the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system and the lymphatic system, which together alleviate the physical symptoms associated with ME & CFS.

With regular treatment in conjunction with the self-care techniques (and and providing the patient doesn’t have significant extra stressors over time) they should gradually improve and many return to full health to become totally symptom free. 

What Happens During The Initial Consultation?

During the initial 90 minute consultation I will carry out a physical examination and take a full case history to find out how your condition impacts you and affects your life. This will enable me to diagnose your condition and determine the severity, to identify the best course of treatment.

During your consultation I will provide recommendations for treatment, explain how treatment works and answer any questions you may have.

It is recommended that you bring a chaperone with you to the appointment as breast tissue will need to be examined in order to provide an accurate assessment.

If you are unsure if the Perrin Technique is right for you or you would like to find out more before booking your appointment, please book a FREE 10 minute telephone consultation, where I will be happy to answer any questions you have,

Research on The Perrin Technique for ME / CFS:

1. Perrin R,N. 1993 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a review from the biomechanical perspective. British Osteopathic Journal; vol xi

2. Perrin RN, Edwards J and Hartley P (January/February 1998) An evaluation of the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on symptoms associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. A preliminary report. Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology , 22(1), 1-13

3. Perrin RN. Lymphatic Drainage of the Neuraxis in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Hypothetical Model for the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 107(06), 218-224. 2007

4. NHS Trial supporting the diagnosis signs of The Perrin Technique – Hives L, Bradley A & Richards J. et al. (2017): Can physical assessment techniques aid diagnosis in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis? A diagnostic accuracy study. British Medical Journal (BMJ Open)