Jadon Kittlesen is walking again.
Jadon Kittlesen is walking again.
Jadon came down with COVID in August 2023 shortly after a bout with mono. He felt better for a few weeks – and then suddenly he was too weak to walk. “I pushed hard to try to get better, riding a stationary indoor bike every day to point of collapse,” Jadon says. “I was really pushing because I wanted to get better and be out there, and it was just too much.”
Two months later Jadon was hospitalized, unable to move and wracked with muscle spasms and pain. He was 21.
Eventually Jadon was diagnosed with Long COVID. He went home in a wheelchair. He had to quit college.
Physical therapy helped a little. But Chronic Fatigue Syndrome limited how long he could work at it and sapped his energy.
Then Jadon’s uncle John saw a news story about the Perrin Technique, massage that drains cerebrospinal fluid that’s been infected by virus into the lymphatic system to be detoxified by the liver. Flushing out the toxins helps the central nervous system recover, so the hypothalamus and the sympathetic nervous system can function well again.
Jadons’ mom Deb tracked it down, and was referred to occupational therapist Lisa Neitge, OTR/l, CLT at NH+C’s Rehabilitation Services in Northfield, who is certified in Perrin Technique.
“I was skeptical at first,” says Jadon, who started treatment with Lisa in May 2024. “When I started with Lisa I was in a wheelchair and could barely sit up in a chair for much time at all.”
Within six months, he was about 50% better, Deb says. His brain fog improved; over time, it got easier to read, and to find the right words when he talked. After about 14 months of treatment, Jadon traded his wheelchair for a cane.
“I didn’t feel like I turned a corner until I started Perrin, along with PT,” Jadon says. “Since working with Lisa, I have had more hope.”
With the Perrin Technique, an occupational therapist gently moves and stretches the body to help improve how fluids flow around the brain and spine. This can help reduce fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Many people feel more comfortable and lighter after treatment. Therapists also can guide patients in daily self-massage, postural exercises, pacing strategies, and use of adaptive equipment to gently increase strength and circulation over time.
“What Lisa is doing has made a world of difference when nothing else was helping much,” Deb adds. “That first year, Jadon’s spirits were really low. He’s much better now. It’s been a long process.” It helps to have therapy so close to their Faribault home.
More than two years later, Jadon is now taking college classes online, one or two at a time – public speaking, English 101, geography. “Stuff is tougher for me now, so I’m glad to be taking a 101-level class after 200 and 300 levels” before he got sick.
“Lisa is also teaching me how to pace myself, how to push but not push too hard. I think I’ve struck a good balance now,” Jadon says.
“It’s been a long journey, we really are so thankful for what Lisa is doing for him,” Deb adds. “It’s the only thing that has helped along the way.”
“At this point, Lisa is a really good friend,” Jadon says. “She’s great at her job.”
Lisa is certified in the Perrin technique, and cares for patients who travel from Le Sueur, Owatonna, and the south Metro for this specialized treatment. Lisa works with specialist providers for Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalopathy to coordinate care for these patients.
Jadon’s advice for those with chronic conditions: “If you’re struggling with something for a long time, there are things you can try, like Perrin technique. Keep an open mind. That has helped me tremendously, much more than I expected.”
Deb’s advice: “Keep trying whatever you need to get your person better. I’m more traditional like, go to the doctor, but it seemed like the doctors didn’t know what to do, so we looked at other treatments out there.”
Because every step forward . . . counts.