A new technique that is having a positive effect on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Reported 16 Feb 2011
CRory Hafford investigates a new technique that is having a positive effect on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A new osteopathic technique is being used to treat people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Called the Perrin Technique, it is the brainchild of Dr Raymond Perrin, a Manchester-based osteopath who stumbled upon the manipulation while treating one of his patients.
Basically speaking, the technique involves spinal mobilisation, lympathic drainage and craniosacral therapy. Clinical trials have been undertaken in the Universities of Manchester and Salford to verify the efficacy of the technique – and results have been positive.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects thousands of Irish people, who are forced to battle daily with exhaustion, muscle pain, headaches, flu-like symptoms and depression. Throw in poor memory, poor concentration and poor balance and you have an altogether nasty, debilitating, chronic ailment that modern medicine has had very little success with.
Dr Perrin believes that CFS is a physical disorder that leads to a build-up of toxins within the brain and the spine. This runs contrary to the traditional thinking that it was the result of a virus and which led to the condition being known as Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome at one point.
The Perrin technique diagnoses the disorder by identifying definite physical signs and treats it by improving drainage of the toxins from the central nervous system.
“The Perrin technique is an osteopathic approach that manually stimulates the fluid motion around the brain and spinal cord,” says Dr Perrin. “Manipulation of the spine further aids drainage of these toxins out of the cerebrospinal fluid. Massage of the soft tissues in the head, neck, back and chest direct all the toxins out of the lympathic system and into the blood, where they are eventually detoxified in the liver.
“These symptoms should gradually improve and, in time, some patients will become totally symptom-free.
This system is now available in Ireland, courtesy of the Willows Clinic in Glasnevin in Dublin. Speaking to healthnewsireland.com, the chief therapist at the Clinic, Andrew Smith said the treatment is proving very popular with Irish sufferes and the results are extremely positive.
“We are seeing quite a lot of Irish people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In fact, we have 28 people on our books seeking the Perrin Technique approach. One woman was literally carried up to the clinic by her boyfriend a few weeks ago. Yesterday, she walked in by herself and sat upright in the chair – a feat she could not have achieved before she started the therapy,” says Mr Smith.
The Willows Clinic is offering an advanced form of the Perrin Technique. Basically speaking, this involves an holistic approach with weekly appointments for the three main therapies, complemented by blood tests, a home self-massage programme, targeted supplements and optional colonic irrigation.
Andrew Smith is a trained Sports Therapists who, at one point in his career, worked for the Notts County soccer team. He is specially trained and licensed in the Perrin Technique.
· You can contact the Willows Clinic at 01-8569632, or write to them at The Willows Clinic, 38 Oakwood Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
For further information, see ‘ME – It Hasn’t Gone Away’ in the Features Section of healthnewsireland.com