Understanding Long Covid: How We Use The Perrin Technique at Rakhee Osteopathy

Long Covid has become one of the more significant and complex health challenges to emerge from the pandemic, affecting a substantial number of people with symptoms that persist long after the initial infection has resolved. For those in London seeking a structured, manual therapy approach to post-viral symptom management, Rakhee Osteopathy offers treatment through the private long covid clinic London via the Perrin Technique — a dedicated osteopathic protocol developed by Dr Raymond Perrin and delivered by a practitioner who has trained directly with him.

Understanding Long Covid

Long Covid, formally known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a multi-systemic condition in which symptoms continue weeks or months after the acute phase of infection. These may include persistent fatigue, brain fog, cognitive difficulties, breathlessness, chest tightness, cardiovascular symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and dizziness. The severity and duration of symptoms vary considerably between individuals, meaning that a personalised approach to assessment and care is essential.

A particularly significant feature for many Long Covid patients is post-exertional malaise — a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion that is often disproportionate to the activity undertaken. This is a central consideration in determining which approaches to care are appropriate, and it is why exercise-led or activity-based recovery approaches are not used at Rakhee Osteopathy in the management of this condition.

The Perrin Technique and Long Covid

The Perrin Technique is a specialised osteopathic approach originally developed by Dr Raymond Perrin for CFS/ME — conditions that share a number of physiological features with Long Covid. The technique is based on the hypothesis that these post-viral conditions are associated with impaired drainage of neurotoxins from the brain and central nervous system via the lymphatic system. Poor lymphatic drainage may lead to a build-up of toxins 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, which are frequently dysregulated in Long Covid.

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 care. This allows the body to respond gradually without being overloaded. Some patients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms in the early stages of treatment 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. Any self-care guidance offered alongside clinic-based treatment is patient-specific, practitioner-advised, and introduced only when clinically appropriate for the individual.

Rakhee Osteopathy and the Perrin Technique

Rakhee Osteopathy is proud to be one of the leading osteopathic practices offering a natural and non-invasive approach for patients managing Long Covid. Rakhee Mediratta has trained directly with Dr Raymond Perrin and has worked 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 many patients highly recommend the technique in the management of Long Covid 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.

Each patient at Rakhee Osteopathy receives a thorough initial assessment to establish their individual symptom profile and determine whether the Perrin Technique is appropriate for their circumstances. An open dialogue is maintained throughout, helping patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care. Individual responses to treatment will vary, and realistic expectations are discussed openly from the outset. To find out more or to arrange an initial consultation, visit the Rakhee Osteopathy Long Covid page.