The Perrin Technique for ME/CFS, Long Covid and Fibromyalgia

If you live with ME/CFS, Long Covid or fibromyalgia, you have probably heard "have you tried…?" more times than you can count. This page explains, plainly, what the Perrin Technique is, what an appointment involves, and what the research does and does not show, so you can decide whether it is worth a conversation.

I am now a licensed Perrin Technique practitioner, and I offer it alongside my osteopathic care at my London Bridge and Islington clinics. I was trained by Dr Raymond Perrin himself and find it an honour to learn from the pioneer in successful treatment of ME/CFS/ Long Covid and Fibromyalgia. The research and clinical results really speak for themselves.

The Perrin Technique is a gentle, hands-on approach. It is not a cure, and it is not a replacement for medical care. It is one option some people choose to explore alongside the pacing and support they already have in place.

What is the Perrin Technique?

The Perrin Technique is an osteopathic method developed by Dr Raymond Perrin, an osteopath who began studying ME/CFS in 1989. He completed a PhD at the University of Salford in 2005 on cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic drainage in ME/CFS.

His proposal is that long-term strain through the mid-back and the sympathetic nervous system may be linked to reduced drainage of fluid from the brain and spinal cord. The technique combines a physical assessment with gentle manual treatment aimed at supporting that drainage and easing tension in the surrounding tissues.

Science has come a long way and more research to support this work is ongoing. I explain below what has been studied so far and where the gaps are.

Who might consider it

People come to me with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of:

  • ME/CFS, where the hallmark is post-exertional malaise (symptoms that worsen disproportionately after activity), along with unrefreshing sleep and "brain fog".

  • Long Covid, particularly ongoing fatigue and post-exertional symptoms.

  • Fibromyalgia, with widespread pain, stiffness and fatigue.

It may suit you if you want a hands-on option that works with your energy limits rather than against them.

If you have new or unexplained symptoms, or have not yet seen your GP about them, please do that first. If you are housebound or too unwell to travel, contact me before booking so we can talk through what is realistic. Home visits in London are an option but would require prior communication to discuss suitable times.

What happens at an appointment

  1. A proper conversation. We start with your history, your symptom pattern, what tends to trigger a crash, and what care you already have.

  2. A physical assessment. I check for the signs used in the Perrin assessment: restriction in the mid-back, tenderness at specific points, the feel of cranial movement, and changes in the chest area, which for some people includes breast tissue. You can decline any part of this, and a chaperone is always available.

  3. Gentle treatment (at your second appointment only). This uses soft, slow hands-on techniques to the spine, neck, chest and head, including lymphatic-style drainage work. It is paced to your energy on the day and never a push-through approach. We only start treatment on the second visit as the first session is 90 minutes and can be quite exhausting for patients.

  4. A simple plan. You leave with guidance on rest after treatment and, where it suits you, a short home routine.

FAQs

  • Your initial assessment is 90 minutes and follow-ups are all 45 minutes.

  • Initial 90 minute assessment is £150 and 45 minute follow ups are £85.

  • I understand the impact ME/CFS/Long Covid and Fibromyalgia, can have on patients and the time required to take off work therefore if you are struggling financially please do reach out as we can always put a plan in place to support your treatment.

  • I would like you to have seen your GP or a specialist, so other causes have been considered. If you are still waiting for a diagnosis, get in touch and we can still talk it through and give you a diagnosis whilst you are waiting.

  • The full assessment includes the breast area, but it is always your choice. You can decline any part, ask for a chaperone, and we can go at whatever pace feels comfortable.

  • Yes. It is designed to sit alongside your existing care, not replace it.

  • Treatment is gentle and paced to your energy. Some people feel tired afterwards, so I recommend planning some rest after a session and telling me how it went.