The Perrin Technique: Its Theory, Current Research and Potential Role in Supporting People Living With ME/CFS and Long Covid
- Rakhee Mediratta
- Jul 18
- 7 min read
In July 2025, The Telegraph published a feature by journalist Boudicca Fox-Leonard exploring the work of registered osteopath and neuroscientist Dr Raymond Perrin and the development of the Perrin Technique.
The article examined Dr Perrin’s theories concerning the autonomic nervous system, neuro-lymphatic drainage and the symptoms experienced by some people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). It also discussed the possible relevance of his approach to people experiencing symptoms associated with Long Covid.
This independent educational article provides an overview of the Perrin Technique, Dr Perrin’s proposed model and some of the research relevant to this developing area.
It is important to recognise that ME/CFS and Long Covid are complex medical conditions. The precise mechanisms underlying these conditions remain under investigation, and there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to describe the Perrin Technique as a cure or an established treatment for either condition.
Read the original Telegraph feature by Boudicca Fox-Leonard https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/sleep/perrin-technique-fatigue-syndrome
What Is the Perrin Technique?
The Perrin Technique is a manual osteopathic approach developed by Dr Raymond Perrin in 1989.
It was developed following Dr Perrin’s clinical observations while working with people living with ME/CFS. The approach is based on his theory that changes involving the autonomic nervous system and neuro-lymphatic drainage may be relevant to some of the symptoms experienced by people with the condition.
The technique may include:
• An osteopathic consultation and assessment
• Assessment of posture and movement
• Gentle manual techniques involving areas such as the back, chest, neck and head
• Soft-tissue approaches
• Individual self-management advice, including a prescribed self-massage routine where appropriate
The techniques are adapted to each person’s presentation and tolerance following an individual assessment.
What Is the Theory Behind the Perrin Technique?
The autonomic nervous system helps regulate many involuntary functions within the body. Dr Perrin’s proposed model suggests that dysregulation of this system may be associated with changes in neuro-lymphatic drainage and may contribute to certain symptoms experienced by some people living with ME/CFS.
Within this model, the manual techniques used in the Perrin Technique are intended to support the body’s neuro-lymphatic drainage pathways.
This remains a proposed mechanism. Although scientific understanding of the brain’s fluid and waste-clearance systems has developed considerably, this does not establish that impaired drainage causes ME/CFS or Long Covid. It also does not, by itself, demonstrate that the Perrin Technique is clinically effective.
Further direct and high-quality clinical research is required.
Why Is the Perrin Technique Discussed in Relation to Long Covid?
Long Covid can affect people in different ways. Reported symptoms may include fatigue, cognitive difficulties or “brain fog,” sleep disturbance, dizziness, headaches, pain and post-exertional symptom exacerbation.
Some of these symptoms overlap with those experienced by people living with ME/CFS. This has led researchers and healthcare practitioners to consider whether approaches previously developed in relation to ME/CFS warrant investigation in the context of Long Covid.
The Perrin Technique should not be described as a cure or an established treatment for Long Covid. Research into its possible role remains at a preliminary stage.
What Does the Current Research Show?
A small preliminary study published in 2022 examined a specific manual lymphatic drainage intervention in 20 people experiencing fatigue-related symptoms associated with Long Covid.
Following three months of intervention, the researchers reported reductions in the symptom scores measured. However, the study was uncontrolled, involved a small number of participants and was not a randomised controlled trial.
The results therefore cannot establish that the intervention caused the reported changes or that comparable results would occur in a larger population. The researchers concluded that further controlled studies were required.
Read the 2022 preliminary Long Covid report
A separate feasibility study published in 2025 examined a home-based self-help intervention that included elements associated with the Perrin approach for people living with Long Covid. The researchers reported preliminary indications of possible benefit but emphasised the need for further evaluation. As a feasibility study, it was not designed to provide definitive evidence of effectiveness.
Read the 2025 feasibility study
These preliminary findings may help inform future research, but they should not be interpreted as proof that the Perrin Technique is effective for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
Developments in Understanding the Brain’s Waste-Clearance Systems
Scientific understanding of fluid movement and waste clearance around the brain has developed over recent years.
In 2012, researchers at the University of Rochester described a previously unrecognised waste-clearance pathway in the brains of mice. This pathway subsequently became known as the glymphatic system.
Read the University of Rochester research summary
In 2015, researchers reported the presence of lymphatic vessels associated with the meninges in mice. Further research has continued to investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid, perivascular pathways, meningeal lymphatic vessels and the body’s wider waste-clearance systems.
In 2024, researchers studying five people undergoing neurosurgery reported evidence of glymphatic waste-clearance pathways in the living human brain.
Read the NIH summary of the 2024 human study
These discoveries are important developments in neuroscience. However, the studies did not investigate the Perrin Technique and do not prove Dr Perrin’s proposed model or establish the technique’s effectiveness for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
For this reason, these findings should be described as relevant scientific background rather than “scientific validation” of the Perrin Technique.
What Happens During an Appointment?
An initial consultation normally includes a detailed discussion of the person’s symptoms, medical history, existing diagnoses, current medical care and individual circumstances.
An osteopathic assessment may consider:
• Posture and movement
• Musculoskeletal tension or restriction
• The person’s individual presentation and tolerance
• Whether osteopathic care is appropriate
Any manual techniques offered are adapted to the individual. This is particularly important for people living with ME/CFS who may experience post-exertional malaise or increased sensitivity to physical activity, touch or other forms of exertion.
An osteopath does not replace a GP or medical specialist in diagnosing or medically managing ME/CFS or Long Covid. Where symptoms have not been medically assessed, have changed or require further investigation, an appropriate medical referral may be recommended.
Is the Perrin Technique a Cure for ME/CFS or Long Covid?
No. The Perrin Technique should not be described as a cure for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
NICE states that there is currently no cure for ME/CFS. Evidence concerning the Perrin Technique remains limited, and further high-quality research is needed to understand its safety, effectiveness, possible mechanisms and which patients, if any, may benefit.
The Perrin Technique is not currently recommended by NICE as an established treatment for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
Read the NICE guideline on ME/CFS
Anyone considering an osteopathic or complementary approach should continue to seek appropriate medical care and should not stop or change prescribed treatment without consulting the relevant healthcare professional.
Individual Experiences and Treatment Outcomes
Individual experiences of the Perrin Technique vary, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.
Personal reports and testimonials may describe an individual’s experience, but they are not equivalent to clinical evidence and cannot establish whether a treatment is effective.
Treatment recommendations should only be considered following an individual consultation and appropriate assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed the Perrin Technique?
The Perrin Technique was developed by registered osteopath and neuroscientist Dr Raymond Perrin following clinical observations that began in 1989.
What was the Perrin Technique developed for?
The technique was originally developed in relation to Dr Perrin’s work with people living with ME/CFS. Its possible relevance to fatigue-related symptoms associated with Long Covid has subsequently been explored in preliminary research.
Is the Perrin Technique proven to work for ME/CFS?
Current evidence is not sufficient to establish the Perrin Technique as an effective treatment for ME/CFS. Further robust and independently conducted clinical trials are required.
Is the Perrin Technique proven to work for Long Covid?
A small uncontrolled study and a subsequent feasibility study have reported preliminary findings that warrant further research. These studies do not provide definitive evidence of effectiveness.
Is the Perrin Technique recommended by the NHS or NICE?
The Perrin Technique is not currently recommended by NICE as an established treatment for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
Can results be guaranteed?
No. Responses to any form of care vary between individuals, and no particular improvement or result can be guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
The Perrin Technique is a developing area of osteopathic practice based on Dr Perrin’s proposed relationship between autonomic nervous system function and neuro-lymphatic drainage.
Developments in glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic research have improved scientific understanding of how fluid and waste-clearance pathways are associated with the brain. However, these discoveries do not prove that dysfunction in these systems causes ME/CFS or Long Covid, nor do they establish that the Perrin Technique is effective.
Preliminary research has generated questions that may warrant further investigation. Larger, controlled and independently conducted clinical studies are required before reliable conclusions can be reached about effectiveness, safety and longer-term outcomes.
People living with ME/CFS or Long Covid should receive individualised care and appropriate medical assessment. Anyone considering the Perrin Technique should understand the limitations of the current evidence and consult suitably qualified healthcare professionals.
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Written and clinically reviewed by Rakhee Mediratta
Registered Osteopath — General Osteopathic Council registration number 6576
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine, BCOM
Advanced Licensed Perrin Technique Practitioner
19 years’ clinical experience
This article provides general educational information and does not constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis or a guarantee of treatment outcome. The Perrin Technique is not presented as a cure or an established treatment for ME/CFS or Long Covid. Evidence concerning its effectiveness remains limited, and further high-quality clinical research is required.
Copyright notice
This is an independently written educational overview. It was informed in part by subjects discussed in Boudicca Fox-Leonard’s feature about Dr Raymond Perrin, published by The Telegraph on 4 July 2025. It does not reproduce the original Telegraph article.
The original Telegraph article, headline, photographs and wording remain the copyright of Telegraph Media Group and/or their respective copyright holders. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Telegraph.
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