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NHS support trial of Perrin Technique for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)

NHS to trial the Perrin Technique

As an experienced and busy Osteopath in North London, I have spent 30 years helping patients with a variety of health conditions. From common conditions like back pain and hip and knee pain to painful ailments like tennis elbow and frozen shoulder. 

But having trained in The Perrin Technique™ more than 15 years ago, a practice which works towards diagnosing and treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), more commonly known as Myalgic Encephalitis or ‘ME’ — I can help patients suffering from these conditions, too. It’s also something I offer to those living with Long Covid. 

This comes after The Perrin Technique™ was tested and supported in an NHS controlled trial and published in the British Medical Journal in November 2017. And a more-recent second NHS-funded study, titled “Reducing fatigue in Long COVID-19: A feasibility study of a self-help intervention to reduce fatigue related symptoms among patients in general practice” is still ongoing. 

With this in mind, I wanted to therefore revisit The Perrin Technique™ and how it can help those suffering from ME/CFS and Long Covid. 

What is The Perrin Technique™?

The Perrin Technique™ is a hands-on Osteopathic approach developed by Dr. Raymond Perrin that helps detoxify the body and the brain. 

The Perrin Technique™ aims to target one of the main causes of this potentially debilitating disease and ease the patient’s symptoms. 

It works by using gentle, hands-on methods to stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve nervous system function. This helps reduce inflammation and toxin build up, which can contribute to symptoms in conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). 

By encouraging better fluid flow and easing nerve tension, the technique aims to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing, leading to reduced fatigue, pain, and cognitive symptoms.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?

CFS is a clinically defined condition characterised by severe disabling fatigue and a number of symptoms including disturbance of concentration (‘brain fog’), loss of short-term memory and disturbed sleep and musculoskeletal pain.

Due to the fact there are no accepted means of diagnosis by pathological tests such as blood or urine analysis, the standard diagnostic protocol of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome used within the NHS is one of exclusion. This means that a patient will only be diagnosed as suffering from CFS/ME when all other possible diagnostic tests have proved negative.

This isn’t an ideal situation for the patient at all. It causes distress amongst patients and forces in some cases numerous exhaustive tests that still provide no answer. Not to mention it is a slow process which will prolong the full force of the effects of the syndrome longer than needed.

What is Long Covid? 

Long Covid, sometimes called post-COVID syndrome, sees patients suffering long after the COVID-19 infection has gone. 

The NHS says Long Covid happens when symptoms — like fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, achy muscles and brain fog — persist for more than 12 weeks. Other symptoms can include a high temperature, a blocked or runny nose, a cough and a sore throat. 

Despite what you might have heard, the chances of having long-term symptoms does not seem to be linked to how ill you were when you first got the virus. Even those who had mild symptoms initially can still have long-term problems.

However an article has shown that the use of the Perrin Technique™ can be effective when it comes to treating long Covid sufferers. While the ongoing NHS-funded study which examines whether the technique founded by Dr. Perrin helps reduce the symptoms of Long Covid was last year quoted in The Telegraph as so far having ‘positive results’ for both ME/CFS and Long Covid sufferers. 

Background into 2017 The Perrin Technique NHS trial

The research project which began at Wrightington Hospital, Wigan, was based on Dr Perrin’s discovery. The project “Examining the accuracy of a physical technique for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis” has received ethical approval and is being conducted by a team at the Allied Health Professions unit at the University of Central Lancashire in association with 3 NHS trusts.

Introducing an evidence-based bio-physical diagnostic procedure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME at the earliest onset of the symptoms associated with this disease could lead to much speedier diagnosis. The patient would then be in a position to have their illness managed far earlier than the present NHS protocol supports which in some regions can take at least six months before referral to an NHS specialist unit and at least a further month of blood tests.

The benefits to the patient are significant. In addition, reducing the need for some of the pathological tests currently being carried out could reduce the huge financial burden placed on the health  service for these tests.

 

How a leading London Osteopath can help

If you are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME or Long Covid and would like further information on how I may help you or you would like to book an appointment, please feel free to send me an email or call me on 020 8815 0979.

More information on The Perrin Technique and Treatment

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What would an Osteopath treat?

Common Conditions Treated by Osteopaths

Osteopaths are widely known for treating back pain. However Osteopaths can treat well beyond the spine. 

From frozen shoulder and Fibromyalgia to headaches and muscle spasms—as an Osteopath, I use a variety of manual techniques, manipulation and allied therapies (like lower level laser therapy and Western Acupuncture) to improve circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. 

That said, Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare and Osteopaths treat the person as well as the presenting symptoms. Therefore, I wouldn’t just look at the physical symptoms a patient is presenting with. A big part of my Osteopathic training is to identify any underlying factors to get to the root cause of the problem, which can sometimes be multifactorial—physical, emotional and nutritional. Doing so may help prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

 

Health conditions an Osteopath can help with

 

As confirmed by the Advertising Standards Authority, Osteopaths can help with a range of health disorders like:

  • Arthritic pain
  • Back pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cramp
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences)
  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
  • Joint pains
  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neuralgia – referred acute pain caused by irritation of a nerve
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Sciatica – presents usually with pain down one or both legs
  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash).

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

Beyond Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

1. Migraine prevention

Believed to affect 6 million people in the UK*, Migraines can be a headache in every sense of the word. The complex neurological condition might begin with a painful headache preceded or accompanied by disturbed vision or aura—but migraines can affect the whole body. 

Someone suffering with a migraine might see flashing lights and/or zig zag patterns. While others may also experience pins and needles, numb limbs and difficulty in speaking. Sufferers can also encounter dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. 

Medication is one method some turn to, to help control the pain, severity and frequency of attacks. However, as a Naturopath, I try to help my patients achieve emotional and physical wellbeing through natural methods and treatments, allowing their bodies to fight and prevent disease, minimising the need for surgery or drugs.

For example, Osteopathic techniques can help relieve migraine symptoms, whilst understanding and addressing the underlying, sometimes multifactorial, factors involved. While a 2020 systematic review, confirms that complementary therapies, such as Western medical acupuncture (which is also known as dry needling), “is an effective and safe method for migraines”.

 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Differing to Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes stiffness and pain because of inflammation in the joints.

According to the NHS, GPs usually treat RA with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests natural approaches, like exercise, nutrition and Osteopathy—though the use of soft tissue massage—can be useful for pain management. 

And, as researchers confirmed in the 2022 edition of the Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine journal, acupuncture can be a ‘beneficial’ non-pharmacological option, too. “Available evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain and ameliorating quality of life and health index in patients with RA,” researchers stated. “Thereby, it should be available as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programmes.”

Osteopathy for More Than Just Back Pain

While osteopathy is often associated with back pain, its scope extends far beyond musculoskeletal issues. Osteopaths can support patients with a variety of conditions including joint pain, headaches, digestive discomfort, and even stress-related tension. By taking a whole-body approach, Robin Kiashek considers not just physical symptoms but also lifestyle, posture, and emotional wellbeing. This allows for a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Get in touch

If you are suffering with any aches or pains don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation either online, via phone or by sending an email. Osteopath and Naturopath Robin Kiashek holds clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

**https://gutscharity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DigestingTheFactsReport.pdf

***https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/resources/gastrointestinal-conditions/

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COVID – they think it’s all over

Impact of the Covid  Virus over the Longer Term

It can be a little difficult to keep abreast of the up-to-date COVID situation.  So, we thought it might be helpful to issue a reminder of how we’re dealing with things in our clinics in both Central London and East Finchley.  After all, COVID is still a matter of concern for many people.

Robin is fully vaccinated and boosted. He continues to wear PPE – in the form of an apron, surgical gloves and an FFP2 mask – and to fully sanitise the treatment room between patients.  He also asks that any patients who are not fully jabbed and boosted wear a mask in both reception and the clinic.

This is out of respect for those patients who are medically vulnerable but still need their regular Osteopathic treatment.  It is also to protect Robin.  As you will appreciate, he doesn’t really have the option to move to home working if he catches COVID!

We remain extremely grateful to all patients for their understanding of the need for continued vigilance on the COVID front.  We appreciate that the news is full of restrictions being lifted but numbers are still very high, and we believe it remains appropriate to think of the wider community.

Long Covid

On the subject of COVID, if you do find yourself struggling with the impact of the virus over the longer term then please do bear in mind the work that Robin has been doing with the Perrin Technique to help patients suffering with Long COVID.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines long Covid as lasting for more than 12 weeks, although some people consider symptoms that last more than eight weeks to be long Covid. Ongoing symptoms may include

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Problems with memory and concentration (or brain fog)
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Joint pain
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Rashes
  • Feeling sick, stomach aches or loss of appetite
  • A high temperature

If this rings a bell then there is more information here.  Alternatively, you can book an appointment here.

 

 

 

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