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