The research trials

Dr Raymond Perrin DO, PhD has been involved in the treatment of patients with CFS/ME since 1989 and has spent the past eighteen years researching into this debilitating disorder. He has published three scientific papers and a book on this subject. The treatment developed by Dr Perrin, The Perrin TechniqueTM aims to improve lymphatic drainage, in order to facilitate the removal of metabolites and toxins from the peripheral tissues and the cranium, and to restore sympathetic function.

Dr Perrin has conducted two studies of the efficacy of osteopathic treatment for symptoms associated with M.E. The first trial was carried out over a two year period at Salford University and Hope Hospital, together with bio-engineer Prof. Jack Edwards and health psychologist Dr. Pat Hartley. This study examined the change in the symptoms following a year of treatment, using self-report questionnaires and muscle testing. It demonstrated that the treatment techniques did help reduce symptoms and restored patients to a much better quality of life.

In 2005 Raymond Perrin completed further research at Salford University’s Dept. of Biological Sciences into the treatment of CFS/ME, together with neuro-biologist Dr. Vic Pentreath. This study repeated the first study and also examined the possible mechanisms underlying the improvement. Central lymph scans were carried out showing a possible trend of enlargement in CFS/ME sufferers.  The research findings point to a possible reduction of lymphatic drainage of the central nervous system, which leads to a build up of toxins in the brain and spinal cord. This results in the irritation of the sympathetic nervous system that leads to many of the symptoms experienced by the CFS/ME sufferer. These symptoms include physical fatigue, reduction in concentration, disturbed sleep, problems with short term memory, difficulty reading, brain fog, nausea, sinusitis, head, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain, numbness, pins & needles, anxiety, photophobia, sensitivity to noise, dyspnoea, chest pain and palpitations. Further symptoms of physical fatigue and pain appear to be due to a build-up of lymph in the muscles.

Dr Perrin is planning further research to compare the results of his diagnostic method with those of the standard NHS work-up.

REFERENCES

Perrin RN (1993) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a review from the biomechanical perspective. British Osteopathic Journal; 11

Perrin RN (2007) The Perrin Technique: How to beat CFS/ME. Hammersmith Press, London.
Perrin RN (2007) Lymphatic Drainage of the Neuraxis in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Hypothetical Model for the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 107(06), 218-224

Perrin RN, Edwards J and Hartley P (1998) An evaluation of the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on symptoms associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. A preliminary report.  Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology , 22(1), 1-13