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 almost 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 clinical assessment involves assessing patient symptoms and detailed history and uses these signs as a positive aid to diagnosis rather than the commonly used diagnosis by exclusion. Using the full clinical protocol licensed practitioners should be able to score the severity giving an idea of the prognosis and how long it will take for the treatment to be beneficial.

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 dysfunction causes a disturbance of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine", often 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
A Blinded control clinical trial has been carried out showing that the  physical  signs  mentioned above are useful as an aid to diagnosis [5]  .The ME association (UK) survey  in 2010 listed The Perrin Technique 3rd highest in their list of 25 treatments as recommended by patient preference. 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
 * List of licensed Perrin Technique practitioners available on www.the perrintechnique.com

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

The Perrin Technique 2nd edition. The diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome /ME and Fibromalgia via the lymphatic drainage of the brain. Published by Hammersmith Press: March 2021 (Available in print and kindle version)

Out August 2021: The Concise Perrin Technique : A Handbook for patients