The Perrin Technique is an osteopathic treatment using gentle manual therapy to support the body’s lymphatic and neuro-lymphatic (glymphatic) systems. It was developed by osteopath Dr Raymond Perrin and is used to help people with chronic fatigue conditions by improving the flow of lymph around the head, spine and upper body. The aim is to reduce overload on the nervous system and improve day-to-day symptom management.

While many manual therapies — including osteopathy, massage and traditional MLD — focus on improving movement, easing tension or helping fluids circulate, The Perrin Technique takes a broader view. It works not only on lymphatic flow, but also on how the lymphatics interact with the brain, spinal cord and autonomic nervous system. This combination of lymphatic drainage, cranial work and gentle spinal techniques aims to reduce overload on the nervous system and support long-term recovery from fatigue-based conditions.

The technique is most commonly associated with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long COVID, as well as other post-viral fatigue syndromes. Patients often seek support for persistent fatigue, “brain fog”, pain, sleep difficulties and reduced resilience following infection, illness or periods of high stress.

The approach is based on the idea that chronic fatigue conditions can be linked to impaired lymphatic drainage and an overactive sympathetic nervous system. When these systems struggle, toxins accumulate instead of being efficiently cleared, placing additional strain on the body and contributing to fatigue and pain.

Appointments are hands-on and include gentle lymphatic and soft tissue work to the chest, breast, neck, back and head, alongside cranial techniques and gentle spinal mobilisations. Sessions are calm and structured, and most people find them comfortable and relaxing.

No - treatment is gentle. Some patients feel subtle changes during or after treatment, such as increased warmth, fatigue, temporary symptom shifts or a greater sense of relaxation as their body adapts.

Everyone s different and everyone’s recovery timeline is different. Typically patients begin with weekly appointments before reducing the frequency as their lymphatics become more resilient and their symptoms gradually improve. Factors such as how long you’ve been unwell, your symptom profile, stress levels and lifestyle influences can all affect progress.

Yes. Alongside treatment we recommend a simple home-based lymphatic self-care routine, pacing guidance and gentle movement to reduce flare-ups and help maintain progress between sessions. These can be tailored to your individual energy levels and sensitivities.

Since the discovery of the neuro-lymphatic (or glymphatic) system in 2017 - something Dr Perrin had been proposing since the late 1980s - there has been growing scientific interest in the role these systems play in a range of health conditions. Research is now exploring links not only with chronic fatigue and post-viral illnesses, but also with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The Perrin Technique has been the focus of research and clinical trials involving ME/CFS, Long COVID and related post-viral fatigue syndromes, examining both its diagnostic framework and treatment approach. Findings so far have been encouraging, and research continues to evolve as our understanding of lymphatic and glymphatic function expands.

The technique may be suitable for adults or teenagers with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, post-viral symptoms or persistent autonomic challenges. At The Village Osteopaths, we assess each patient individually to determine whether this approach is likely to support their recovery goals.