A Phased Approach to Recovery from ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia & Long COVID
Every patient is unique – from genetics and life experiences to the way their condition presents. While ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID share core characteristics, no two recovery journeys are the same. That’s why The Perrin Technique is delivered in carefully tailored phases, each designed to support your body’s ability to recover at its own pace.
Below, we outline the four phases of The Perrin Technique. Not every patient will experience all aspects of each phase, which is why your individual treatment plan is so important to guide your progress.
Phase 1: Detox
Your recovery journey begins with regular, 30-minute weekly treatments aimed at breaking down and clearing the toxic build-up in your lymphatic system. This is the foundation of The Perrin Technique – helping to reduce the burden on your body and support the first steps toward healing.
Between sessions, a personalised self-care routine is often recommended to keep things moving and maintain momentum.
🔸 Important note: Some patients may feel worse before they feel better as toxins are mobilised – a common and temporary response that indicates the treatment is working.
We may also suggest adjustments to your daily routine – including scaling back certain activities – to support your recovery. Review appointments take place every 12–15 weeks to monitor progress and determine when you’re ready to space appointments further apart.
Phase 2: Recover
As treatment progresses, your body begins to reclaim its ability to regulate itself, with toxins gradually reducing and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) starting to function more effectively.
This stage marks a turning point, but it can be influenced by external factors like work, stress, or life events. Your osteopath will guide you on when you’re ready to move into this phase.
As you begin to feel improvement, we’ll help you avoid the common boom-and-bust cycle by offering advice on pacing and energy management.
Phase 3: Rehabilitate
In this phase, appointments can begin to move from fortnightly to three-weekly, monthly, and eventually every few months, depending on your progress.
Your treatments may now include more structural osteopathic work, focusing on areas like the spine and pelvis to reduce residual strain and support full-body function.
Many patients at this stage begin to reconnect with life – returning to work, hobbies, or social activities they once thought were out of reach. It’s a deeply rewarding time where we often witness patients shifting focus from illness to wellness.
At this point, we may introduce a maintenance plan and offer guidance on how to safely build stamina and maintain your recovery long term.
Phase 4: Maintenance
Many patients achieve full recovery – which is a joy to witness – while others find The Perrin Technique helps them manage their condition long-term with ongoing support.
We typically recommend check-ins every six months to once a year, depending on your needs. For some, more frequent appointments are helpful to maintain stability, especially if other health issues are present.
We’re always here, even if you take a break or explore other therapies. Your notes are safely kept, and many patients return for occasional support or maintenance sessions.
If life becomes stressful or you fall ill, symptoms can temporarily return. In these cases, we may recommend a short course of treatment to prevent a setback, keeping symptoms from escalating and supporting your nervous and lymphatic systems through a challenging time.
🔸 Whether it’s an ad-hoc appointment or a structured plan, we’ll work with you to find the best way to protect and support your long-term wellbeing.
Ready to Begin Your Recovery?
Take the next step and start your personalised journey with The Perrin Technique. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with symptoms for years, we’re here to help you feel like you again – gently, safely, and at your own pace.
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.
Follow Us on Social Media
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.
