Long Covid Support in London: The Perrin Technique at Rakhee Osteopathy

Long Covid continues to affect a significant number of people, with persistent symptoms that can disrupt daily life long after the initial infection has passed. For those still navigating its effects, finding a structured and clinically informed approach to care can make a meaningful difference. Rakhee Osteopathy offers treatment through The Perrin Technique — a dedicated manual therapy protocol that addresses the underlying mechanisms thought to contribute to post-viral conditions, delivered by a practitioner who has trained directly with its creator, Dr Raymond Perrin.

Understanding Long Covid

Long Covid, also referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of Covid-19 infection. These may include profound fatigue, breathlessness, chest tightness, widespread body aches, headaches, dizziness, balance difficulties, and cognitive difficulties such as brain fog and poor concentration. Psychological effects, including anxiety and low mood, may also be present.

A central feature of Long Covid for many patients is post-exertional malaise — a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion that can be disproportionate to the level of activity undertaken. This is an important consideration when determining which approaches to care are appropriate, and it is why exercise-led recovery narratives are not part of the approach at Rakhee Osteopathy.

The Perrin Technique and Long Covid

The Perrin Technique is a specialised osteopathic approach developed by Dr Raymond Perrin, originally for CFS/ME and now increasingly applied to Long Covid, where overlapping mechanisms appear to be at play. The technique is based on the hypothesis that these post-viral conditions are associated with impaired lymphatic drainage from the brain and central nervous system, leading to a build-up of neurotoxins that contributes to nervous system dysregulation and the wide-ranging symptoms patients experience.

Treatment through The Perrin Technique incorporates several interconnected elements:

Lymphatic drainage — gentle manual techniques designed to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid and support the body's capacity to clear neurotoxins from the central nervous system.

Soft tissue work along the spine and chest — targeted manual therapy to release tension and improve circulation in areas central to both lymphatic and autonomic nervous system function.

Cranial osteopathic techniques — subtle, precise work aimed at improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and easing congestion within the central nervous system.

Autonomic nervous system regulation — supporting the body's capacity to manage stress responses and restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

What to Expect During Treatment

In keeping with Dr Perrin's protocol, sessions are typically recommended on a weekly basis during the initial phase of treatment. This frequency allows the body to respond gradually without being overloaded. Some patients may experience a short-term worsening of symptoms — before improvement begins. This is a recognised part of the process and is carefully monitored throughout.

Graded exercise therapy is not used at Rakhee Osteopathy in the management of Long Covid. Given the nature of post-exertional malaise, activity-based recovery approaches may be inappropriate or counterproductive for many patients with this condition. Any guidance on movement or self-care is patient-specific, practitioner-advised, and introduced only when clinically suitable for the individual.

Where diet and lifestyle are relevant to a patient's overall wellbeing, any nutritional guidance is general in nature only. Patients seeking personalised nutritional advice are encouraged to consult their GP, a registered dietitian, or a qualified nutritional therapist.

Rakhee Osteopathy and The Perrin Technique

Rakhee Mediratta has trained directly with Dr Raymond Perrin and works alongside him in the delivery of this specialist approach. Rakhee Osteopathy has been awarded twice for excellence in practicing The Perrin Technique by Dr Perrin himself, and patients highly recommend the technique in the management of post viral fatigue and CFS/ME.

The following symptoms may respond well to osteopathic treatment when clinically appropriate: persistent muscle aches and joint pain, breathing difficulties and chest tightness, fatigue and reduced mobility, headaches and nerve pain, and balance issues and dizziness.

An initial consultation at Rakhee Osteopathy provides a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history, forming the basis of an individually tailored treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment will vary, and realistic expectations are discussed openly from the outset.

For those in London seeking a structured, non-invasive approach to Long Covid symptom management, Rakhee Osteopathy offers experienced, patient-centred care grounded in The Perrin Technique. To find out more or to arrange an initial consultation, visit the Rakhee Osteopathy website.