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The Mastering Migraine Approach
What care looks like over time
The typical progression from an intensive start to spreading out visits as you improve.
3 min read · 3 research sources · Based on the Mastering Migraine courses by Dr. Adam Harcourt
Every plan is individualized, but most patients follow a similar path in Dr. Harcourt’s framework.
A typical progression
- Initial examination and a written outline of care.
- Dietary guidelines explained, so you can start reducing nutritional load right away. See The Mastering Migraine Diet.
- Hormone testing set up when appropriate (after confirming whether you are currently taking any hormones).
- An intensive phase of care, often about 2 to 5 weeks at roughly three visits per week, focused on neurological and musculoskeletal therapies.
- Re-evaluation to measure progress with the same tests and questionnaires.
- Continued care at a lower frequency. Hormone results are reviewed and a plan is made, coordinated with your prescriber.
- Another re-evaluation, followed by guidance on exercise, therapies, mindfulness practice and self-care.
- Spreading out care as far as possible without any regression of symptoms. The goal is independence, not lifelong visits.
Why an intensive start?
The nervous system adapts through repetition. Concentrated rehabilitation early on helps build momentum, while the dietary, hormonal and lifestyle changes start lowering the bucket in the background.
Measuring progress
Progress is tracked with headache days, MIDAS, HIT-6 and exam findings, so decisions are based on data rather than guesswork 1,2.
Self-management matters
People who learn self-management skills tend to do better over time 3. Your home exercises, diary and routines are a core part of the plan.
This article is educational and does not replace a personal evaluation. Talk with your clinician before making changes to medications, supplements or diet.
Research cited on this page
- Benz T, Lehmann S, Gantenbein AR, et al. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the German version of the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2018;16(1):42. PubMed 29523138 · DOI
- Rendas-Baum R, Yang M, Varon SF, et al. Validation of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) in patients with chronic migraine. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2014;12:117. PubMed 25080874 · DOI
- Probyn K, Bowers H, Mistry D, et al. Non-pharmacological self-management for people living with migraine or tension-type headache: a systematic review including analysis of intervention components. BMJ Open. 2017;7(8):e016670. PubMed 28801425 · DOI
Mastering Migraine is an educational resource and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Always talk with your own doctor before changing medications, starting supplements, or beginning a new treatment.
