The Perrin Technique

The Perrin technique is a bio-mechanical treatment consisting of lymphatic drainage, spinal and cranial osteopathy developed by UK-based osteopath Raymond Perrin for patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

The Perrin technique is based on the hypothesis that the underlying cause of ME/CFS is impaired function of the lymphatic and "glymphatic" systems.

Diagnostic signs
Perrin argues that there are five physical signs are always present in those who suffer from ME/CFS:
 * 1) mechanical disturbances of the thoracic spine
 * 2) breast varicosities
 * 3) tender Perrin’s point (third left intercostal space)
 * 4) tender coeliac plexus, and
 * 5) dampened cranial flow Perrin proposes that examination for these five signs is a more accurate means of definitively diagnosing ME/CFS than the commonly used Canadian Consensus Criteria or a diagnosis of exclusion.

The Perrin technique's diagnostic assessment does not involving assessing patient symptoms.

Theory
The Perrin technique is a bio-mechanical form of therapy for ME/CFS based on the hypothesis that problems with the lymphatic drainage of toxins from the central nervous system are common in patients, with the toxins having resulted from infection, pollution and emotional or physical trauma. The Perrin technique hypothesis is that autonomic system over-activity caused an "excess of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine", resulting in a build-up of choline levels in the brain. The supplement EPA is added to help repair damage caused by the neurotoxins. A part of the brain known as the hypothalamus is also involved.

The Perrin technique is claimed to produce a lasting improvement in symptoms of ME/CFS.

Evidence
Randomized clinical trials have not been carried out using the Perrin technique. Individual case reports provide some limited evidence of improvement.

Notable studies

 * 2010, Perrin: EPA and the Perrin Technique: a combined approach to treating myalgic encephalomyelitis - (Abstract)
 * 2017, Can physical assessment techniques aid diagnosis in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis? A diagnostic accuracy study (Full text)

Clinicians

 * Raymond Perrin
 * Collette Bourke

Book
The Perrin Technique: How to Beat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME is a self-help book by Raymond Perrin.