The Perrin Technique
Targeted osteopathic treatment to support lymphatic drainage and reduce neurological toxicity.
Developed by Dr Raymond Perrin, The Perrin Technique is a specialised osteopathic approach designed to improve drainage of the central lymphatic system, particularly around the brain and spinal cord. It uses a combination of gentle, manual techniques to encourage the healthy flow of cerebrospinal fluid, support the nervous system, and help the body clear toxins that may contribute to chronic illness.
This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID, where lymphatic dysfunction and neuroinflammation are believed to play a central role.
How It Works
The Perrin Technique combines both custom-developed and adapted osteopathic techniques, applied with care to key areas of the body including the head, neck, chest, back, and pelvis. The goal is to direct waste products from the central nervous system into the lymphatic system, where they can then be moved into the bloodstream and detoxified by the liver.
Over time, as this toxic build-up is reduced, brain function begins to improve, which in turn helps to regulate the lymphatic system more effectively.
Core Techniques Used in The Perrin Technique
Effleurage
A gentle stroking massage technique applied across the breast tissue, head, neck, and torso to encourage relaxation, blood flow, and lymphatic movement. It’s calming and helps prepare the body for deeper work.
Soft Tissue Massage
Focuses on relieving muscle tension and reducing strain to improve lymph drainage. This may also involve working on secondary areas of the body contributing to discomfort or restricted movement.
Cranial Techniques
Using delicate pressure around the head, spine, and sacrum, cranial and craniosacral techniques help to stimulate cerebrospinal fluid drainage and support neuro-lymphatic circulation. These movements are very subtle yet highly effective.
Gentle Manipulation
Occasionally, spinal adjustments (also known as HVT, HVLA, or mobilisation techniques) may be used to restore movement and reduce nerve irritation.
These are only performed when clinically appropriate, always safely and gently, and only on patients for whom they are suitable.
Diaphragm Release
By reducing tension in the diaphragm, this technique improves breathing mechanics, enhances oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, and supports central lymphatic drainage.
It’s particularly helpful for those recovering from Long COVID, where normal breathing patterns are often affected.
Pelvic Realignment
Where necessary, osteopathic work may be done on the pelvis to improve mechanical function and lymphatic drainage, especially if issues in this area are having a knock-on effect further up the spine.
Find us
Markland Therapy Centre
112 Market Street
(Side entrance on Church Street)
Westhoughton
Bolton
BL5 3AZ
Telephone
Based in Westhoughton, Lancashire, our Clinic specialises in providing treatments and therapy for people suffering from chronic illnesses that cause severe fatigue and can result in persistent headaches, cognitive issues (brain fog) and poor memory, constant muscle pain and soreness, fibromyalgia and other fatigue related symptoms.
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All of our team are fully insured. Our chartered physiotherapists are all registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy CSP and The Health Care Professions Council HCPC.
