Your First Perrin Technique Appointment in London: What to Expect

If you’re considering the Perrin Technique in London, you may be wondering what actually happens at the first appointment. Will you be examined straight away? How much hands-on treatment is involved? And what if you’re already struggling with fatigue and have limited energy for travelling to appointments?

These are all sensible questions to ask before starting something new.

I’ve worked with the Perrin Technique for more than 19 years and have treated over 5,000 patients. One thing that experience has taught me is the importance of understanding how someone is affected by their symptoms before deciding what approach is appropriate for them.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for me to understand your situation, answer your questions and assess whether the Perrin Technique may be suitable for you.

We start with your story, not a treatment routine

The initial consultation can last up to 90 minutes. I’ll want to understand your symptoms, medical history and how your health is affecting everyday life.

That includes more than asking how tired you feel. I’m interested in what a typical day looks like for you, what happens after physical or mental activity, how you sleep and which activities have become difficult. It’s also helpful to understand how long you’ve been unwell, any relevant diagnoses and the medical care you’re currently receiving.

Two people can describe similar symptoms but have very different experiences of living with them. One might manage to work but have little energy left afterwards. Another might find that getting dressed, preparing a meal or having a conversation takes considerable effort.

Understanding those differences helps me build a clearer picture before considering treatment.

What does the physical assessment involve?

After taking your history, I carry out a physical assessment. Depending on your circumstances, this may include looking at posture and movement and assessing relevant areas of the spine, ribcage, back, neck and head.

The Perrin Technique also considers tissues and pathways associated with lymphatic drainage, so the examination may involve other areas, including the upper chest or abdomen, where clinically relevant.

I’ll explain what I’m assessing and why. Your comfort, privacy and consent matter throughout the appointment, and you can ask questions, request a pause or decline any part of the examination.

I also take into account how much you can comfortably manage on the day. If travelling to the clinic or sitting upright for a prolonged period is difficult, tell me beforehand so we can discuss what may help.

How I use the Perrin-Juhl score

As part of the assessment, I calculate a Perrin-Juhl score. This is a clinical scoring system used within the Perrin approach to help describe a person’s current presentation and support treatment planning.

The score runs from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best level of health. It takes account of symptoms, the effect on quality of life and daily function, how long someone has been unwell, relevant co-existing conditions and physical examination findings.

It gives us another way to record your starting point and review changes over time. It is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, and I consider it alongside the wider picture rather than in isolation.

Does treatment start at the first appointment?

Usually, the first appointment is focused on taking a detailed history and completing the assessment. Perrin Technique hands-on treatment would normally begin at the second appointment.

This gives us time to understand your presentation and consider how to approach treatment. There isn’t a standard sequence that should be applied in exactly the same way to everyone.

The techniques used may involve the spine and ribcage, diaphragm, neck and head, along with relevant soft tissues and lymphatic pathways. The approach is adapted according to the findings from your assessment and your individual circumstances.

How can I prepare?

You don’t need to do anything complicated. A few details can help make the consultation more useful:

• Bring a list of your current medication and supplements.

• Bring relevant medical reports or details of diagnoses, if available.

• Think about what happens after activity, including whether symptoms change later that day or over the following days.

• Consider which everyday activities you most want help managing.

• Wear comfortable clothing and let me know if you have particular needs around travel, positioning, light or sound.

• If it would help you feel more comfortable, you can ask about bringing someone with you.

  
  

Please don’t feel that you need to prepare a perfect account of everything. We can work through the details together.

What happens after the assessment?

If we decide to proceed, we’ll discuss an appropriate plan, including how frequently appointments might take place and what you may be able to do between sessions.

Some patients begin with weekly appointments during an initial 12-week assessment period. This is not a guaranteed timetable or a commitment that suits everyone. The plan depends on your presentation and is reviewed as we learn more about how you respond.

Any home programme should also be appropriate to your current capacity. You won’t be expected to take on a demanding routine simply because it forms part of a treatment approach.

The aim is to make considered decisions based on your circumstances, rather than rush into treatment before we understand what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a confirmed ME/CFS diagnosis before enquiring?

Tell me about any diagnosis you already have and the medical investigations you’ve had. The consultation can help establish whether the Perrin Technique may be appropriate, but it does not replace medical assessment or diagnosis.

What if I’m too exhausted to manage a long appointment?

Let me know when arranging your appointment. The initial consultation can last up to 90 minutes, so it’s important to discuss your needs in advance and consider what is manageable for you.

Will I be given exercises or self-massage to do at home?

A home programme may form part of the approach. What is recommended depends on your assessment and capacity; it should be discussed with you rather than treated as a one-size-fits-all routine.

Can I continue seeing my GP or specialist?

Yes. The Perrin Technique should sit alongside appropriate medical care, not replace it. Continue following advice from your existing healthcare team.

Considering the Perrin Technique in London?

If you’d like to find out whether the Perrin Technique may be suitable for your circumstances, you’re welcome to get in touch with me at Rakhee Mediratta Osteopathy. We can discuss your situation and what an initial consultation involves before you decide how to proceed.

About Rakhee Mediratta: Rakhee is an osteopath with more than 19 years of clinical experience and has treated over 5,000 patients. Her approach to the Perrin Technique begins with understanding the individual, their symptoms and the effect these have on everyday life.