Our Clinical Approach
The Melbourne Migraine Protocol
A structured, evidence-based system for identifying and treating the root causes of migraine — developed from over 400 scientific studies and independent research involving 6,000 people with migraine.
Developed by Dr Damian Poustie, Osteopath and co-author of Solving the Migraine Puzzle
6,000+
400+
4.9★
6–12
About the Protocol
Treating the Root Cause, Not Masking the Symptoms
Most migraine treatments focus on managing the pain when it arrives. The Melbourne Migraine Protocol takes a different approach — it starts by identifying what is driving your migraines in the first place.
Every person’s migraine has a unique combination of drivers. Some are structural, such as dysfunction in the upper cervical spine. Others are physiological, including hormonal patterns, gut health, nervous system sensitivity, sleep and stress. The Protocol is designed to map your specific combination and address it systematically.
The result is a clear, personalised roadmap — not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
The neck is a contributing factor in over 75% of migraine cases. Most standard assessments don’t examine it in enough detail. The Melbourne Migraine Protocol does — and it’s one of the reasons outcomes are consistently better than standard care.
Our Clinical Approach
How the Protocol Works
Three interconnected steps, each designed to identify and address a different layer of what drives your migraines.
01
Upper Neck Assessment
The C1, C2, and C3 nerves of the cervical spine are assessed in detail — an area that contributes to migraine in over 75% of cases but is rarely examined thoroughly in standard assessments.
- Detailed assessment of cervical spine function
- C1, C2 and C3 nerve pathway evaluation
- Identification of mechanical contributors to symptoms
- Hands-on osteopathic or physiotherapy assessment
02
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your Unique Migraine Profile, a customised plan is developed that targets the specific combination of root causes driving your symptoms — not a standard protocol applied to everyone.
- Development of your Unique Migraine Profile
- Targeted treatment addressing identified drivers
- Clear, structured roadmap for the coming weeks
- Measurable goals set from the first consultation
03
Holistic Health Assessment
Migraines are rarely caused by one thing. This step examines the full picture — the physiological and lifestyle factors that are often overlooked in standard clinical assessments.
- Diet and nutritional contributing factors
- Gut health and nervous system sensitivity
- Hormonal balance and menstrual patterns
- Sleep quality, stress levels and lifestyle habits
Getting Started
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Three ways to begin — starting with a free assessment to identify your contributing factors.
FREE
Online Migraine Assessment
Complete a free online assessment to identify your contributing factors and receive a personalised report.
FREE
15-Minute Phone Consultation
Speak with a member of our team to check eligibility and find out if the Protocol is the right fit for your symptoms.
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive first appointment to complete the three-step assessment and determine the full Protocol treatment plan.
Results
What Patients Can Expect
The Melbourne Migraine Protocol is not a quick fix. It is a structured, systematic process designed to produce meaningful, lasting reduction in migraine frequency and severity.
Most patients begin to see measurable improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of starting the Protocol. The timeline depends on the complexity of the presentation and how many contributing factors are involved.
Over 6,000 patients have been treated using the Protocol across Melbourne Headache Solutions clinics in Brunswick, Fitzroy North and Thornbury.
Start the Protocol
Ready to Find Out What's Driving Your Migraines?
Begin with a free 15-minute call, a free online assessment, or book your initial consultation directly. All three are valid starting points for the Protocol.