Picture

​The Perrin Technique
 
In Hobart Matt now offers the Perrin Technique a gentle specific  Osteopathic approach developed for treating
people living with Chronic Fatigue or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

 What is the Perrin Technique?

The Perrin Technique is a is a manual therapy approach that was developed by Dr. Raymond Perrin a British osteopath and neuroscientist who hypothesized that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and  impaired lymphatic drainage,  were linked with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia.  
It is a gentle  approach that aims to help the body’s own processes to clear inflammation and toxins from the brain and CNS through improving the movement of lymph and and cerebrospinal fluids. 

What  are the causes of Chronic Fatigue ?

According to the model proposed by Dr. Perrin chronic fatigue/ME, fibromyalgia and long covid are likely linked to:
  • Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and in particular overload of the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Poor functioning of the body's lymphatic system and fluid stagnation.
  • A build up of inflammatory mediators and toxins in the fluid around the brain and 
  • spinal cord. 
  • Tension, stiffness and disturbed posture in the spine and rib cage.
 
What processes  are used  and how do they help?

  • Gentle articulation of the spine and ribcage using osteopathic techniques.
  • Manual techniques to improve lymphatic drainage of the neck, chest and back.
  • Lymphatic and osteopathic cranial techniques to help the body drain inflammation from the brain
  • and spinal cord to assist the sympathetic nervous system to function better.
  • Daily at-home gentle spine mobilization exercises and self-massage routines.
  • Advise on pacing, need for rest and relaxation and lifestyle changes.



​Frequently asked questions:

What will my initial session involve?

Please allow one hour for your first appointment.
In the initial session we will take full case history and perform
a physical examination that includes looking for specific visual signs and characteristics which
are commonly found in patients with CFS/ME.
We will discuss your treatment plan and prognosis and advise you on lifestyle changes
 as well as gentle exercises that are suitable for your condition.
In most cases there is no treatment in the first consultation due to the time involved and 
your energy levels. This may vary according to individual circumstances. 
Please note that palpation of the upper chest and a breast examination is included in the first consultation
as some specific physical signs of CFS/ME are commonly found in breast tissue including enlarged lymph vessels and tender points. 
We recommend that you bring a support person with you to ensure your feel comfortable.
If you are unable to bring a support person please contact us before your appoint to discuss your concerns.


What to expect at follow up appointments?

Follow up appointments involve teaching of self-massage to do at home as well as gentle exercises to help mobilize the spine.
Manual treatment involving specific lymphatic drainage massage of your neck, chest, back and head will be carried out in each session. 
Please be aware that manual treatment includes the upper breast tissue and upper chest.
A key principle of the Perrin treatment for CFS/ME involves improving the function of the lymphatic system
to assist drainage of inflammation from the brain and spinal cord hence assisting  function and regulation of the autonomic nervous system.  
Breast effleurage done using the backs of the hands in an upwards direction towards the collar bones, where all lymph drains
into the venous system, has been found to  create a negative pressure that improves lymphatic drainage
​from the head down and the lower body up to the central drainage areas.
This process may assist the whole lymphatic system including the brain and spinal cord to drain better.
We suggest that patients who may feel uncomfortable have a support person attend during the first manual therapy session.
Please contact us before the consultation if you are uncomfortable with this procedure or are unable to bring a support person.
 
 
How many sessions will I need?
​
This varies from person to person and depends on your condition and other factors.
The  initial assessment and examination are used to provide a diagnosis CFS/ME
This  provides a scale for the level of severity of symptoms and  will also give an idea of the length of time that recovery may take. 
Some people with less chronic and lower intensity of symptoms may be resolved in a few months,
however more severe and chronic cases will take longer up to several months. 
Many clients find benefit from a combination of regular sessions over some time and regularly doing the at-home self massage and
movement exercises which will be  prescribed and can be found on the Perrin website.
It is recommended to have a treatment every week for the first twelve weeks.
After this time symptoms should start improving and the frequency of treatments can be reduced. 
​
How do I book a Perrin appointment?

Please phone Matt on 0481 089661 to ask any questions or to discuss whether Perrin treatments
would be suitable for you. 


What side effects may occur with Perrin treatments?

Some patients have few side effects and find improvement soon after starting treatment however
it is common to feel worse initially with symptoms of increased tiredness, pain, headaches, nausea
and occasionally spots, boils and other skin eruptions particularly when treatment using Perrin Technique starts. 
This is due to detoxification as the process of lymphatic drainage takes toxins out of the brain
and central nervous system that may have been there for a long time.
The  first few weeks are often the most trying for the patient.
Treatments are always patient-centred meaning that the Osteopath listens to the patient
​and initially goes gently and softly according to their needs at all times.