CFS/ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complicated disorder that was not publicly acknowledged until a few decades ago. Since the late 1980s, a neuroscientist and osteopath, Dr Raymond Perrin, has carried out much research into this devastating disease, and his findings have been appreciated across the world and resulted in the formulation of The Perrin Technique.
The Perrin Technique is used to diagnose and manage the symptoms of CFS/ME. The hypothesis and criteria are yet to be universally accepted; however, here at Rakhee Osteopathy, we are proud practitioners of The Perrin Technique. We have used this technique for many years to help patients manage their symptoms effectively and improve the quality of their lives.
CFS/ME and the role of the lymphatic system
To help understand CFS/ME, we need to learn some biology. The dysfunction of the lymphatic system is linked to the development of CFS/ME. The lymphatic system can be simply described as the 'sewerage system' of the body. It maintains fluid levels and homeostasis by removing excess fluids and toxins and is involved in the optimal function of our organ systems.
Decreased lymphatic drainage has been linked with the symptoms of CFS/ME as it causes a buildup of toxins within the central nervous system; this can be identified as tender lymph nodes and enlarged lymph vessels. Toxins in the central nervous system activate the sympathetic nervous system, which puts the body into fight-or-flight mode. This is responsible for the extreme tiredness and fatigue related to CFS/ME, and the continuous activation of the sympathetic nervous system can harm the body's organ systems, which is why CFS/ME is such a debilitating disease.
The Perrin Technique
The Perrin Technique uses osteopathic massage techniques to manually stimulate the lymphatic system to effectively drain toxins in the body. Successful drainage of the toxins has been shown to reduce the symptoms of CFS/ME.
Here at Rakhee Osteopathy, we have also been using The Perrin Technique to help patients deal with symptoms of long COVID, which are very similar to those of CFS/ME. Symptoms similar to CFS/ME have been seen in other post-viral illnesses, and by improving lymphatic drainage, we believe that we can promote better health and wellbeing as well as combat the symptoms you may be experiencing.
There is no magical solution for CFS/ME. When you visit our practice for the first time, we will assess your symptoms to determine whether you are affected by CFS/ME or whether your symptoms are indicative of another illness. We will then put together a tailored treatment plan for you, which will consist of osteopathic massage techniques conducted at our clinic as well as techniques that you can do at home.
At first, you will require weekly appointments with us, but over time, we may be able to reduce the frequency of these appointments. Compliance is very important for the treatments to be successful, and together, we can combat the symptoms of this devastating disease.