★★★★★
"Casey has been awesome. She has helped both my son and I get rid of tension headaches and get to the bottom of other health issues."
What's happening
What's often going on
Children and teenagers are not just small adults.
- 01 Growth spurts: bones lengthen faster than muscles keep up, so things ache (often the legs at night)
- 02 Study and screens: long hours hunched at a desk or device load the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- 03 Sport and training: growing bodies under training load pick up niggles in ankles, knees, shoulders, and wrists
- 04 Stress and busy schedules: exams and pressure show up as body tension, headaches, and shallow breathing
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a paediatric consultHow we care for you
Care built around you
We work with the family. Treatment is collaborative, gentle, and explained at the right level for the patient's age. Parents are welcome and (for younger children) usually present. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
- Growth-related changes and how the body is adapting
- Posture and movement patterns
- Sport-specific demands and recovery capacity
- Study and screen habits and their physical impact
- Sleep, hydration, and general recovery factors
01 Settle
Ease daily discomfort
Ease pain or tension that's affecting daily life.
02 Strengthen
Build activity capacity
Build the capacity for the activities they want to do.
03 Sustain
Healthy lasting habits
Simple habits that support healthy development and reduce recurrence.
Your care team
Meet your care team
Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and care.
Jeremias Kerrey
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Casey Liddington
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
Maddie Wright
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Tafi Chinyemba
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jordan Trevarton
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Ella Briggs
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Lorraine Herity
Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Experienced osteopaths you can trust
Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised care plan. We work as one team to help you feel and move better.
- Over 60,000 consultations
- Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
- Registered OCNZ osteopaths
- Same-day appointments often available
What patients say
Real stories from Christchurch patients
There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their care.
★★★★★
"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."
★★★★★
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
★★★★★
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."
What to expect
What to expect at your first visit
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain what will help, and make the next step easy.
30 minutes
Enough time to listen, assess, and explain, without rushing.
Bring
Comfortable clothing you can move in, and any scans or letters that are relevant.
You will leave knowing
What is going on and a simple, tailored plan to take away.
No referral needed
Self-refer and book directly, with no GP letter required.
The questions we'll answer
- What's actually going on?
- Why is it happening now?
- What will actually help?
- What can I do day to day?
- What's the best plan from here?
We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your options before we start.
New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .
Book your visit
Care that fits your life
Tell us what is going on and we will tailor a plan that fits you. Many concerns ease in 1-3 sessions.
- No referral needed
- Gentle, tailored care
- Same-day appointments often available
Frequently asked
FAQs about children & teens care
How young can children see an osteopath?
Babies and toddlers can; school-age children, tweens, and teens are a regular part of our practice. Treatment is age-appropriate at every stage.
Can Osteopathy help growing pains?
Often yes for the muscular and joint contributors. Growing pains have multiple potential causes; we assess thoroughly and work alongside GP input if other concerns surface.
My teen has poor posture, is that worth treating?
Often yes. Posture habits established in the teenage years can carry forward; gentle treatment plus practical strategies (movement breaks, screen positioning, simple strengthening) can help.
Can you help with sport-related injuries in teens?
Yes. We commonly treat teen athletes for training-related niggles and recovery from acute injuries. We'll factor in growth-stage considerations.
Do you screen for scoliosis?
We can screen for spinal curve patterns and refer for proper imaging or specialist input if appropriate. We are not a substitute for orthopaedic specialist assessment when significant scoliosis is suspected.
Will treatment include exercises?
Often yes. Simple strengthening, mobility, and movement habits are commonly central to long-term improvement.
Start today
What can help between visits
Small, safe steps that usually ease day-to-day comfort while you wait for your first appointment.
Movement breaks
Build in a break during study and screen time every 30-45 minutes.
Sleep regularity
Consistent sleep is hugely important for growing bodies and recovery.
Activity variety
A mix of sport, free play, and unstructured movement supports healthy development.
Notice patterns
When does the pain happen, and after what? Track briefly for clarity.
When to get checked
Some signs need medical care
These are uncommon, and we screen for them at every visit. But if any apply, they need medical care rather than Osteopathy.
If any of these apply, contact your GP straight away. In an emergency, call 111.
- Pain that wakes them at night or is not eased by rest
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling generally unwell
- A sudden, severe, or worst-ever headache
- Numbness, weakness, or pins and needles that do not settle
- Pain following a significant fall, knock, or accident
What we help with
Conditions we commonly help with for children & teens
If you come to us for children & teens care, these are the patterns we most often help with. Explore how we approach each.
Back pain
Relief for new and recurring back pain so you can get back to what you enjoy.
Neck pain
Gentle treatment for neck pain and stiffness to help you move freely again.
Knee pain
Whole-body approach to knee pain, looking beyond the joint to find the cause.
Shoulder pain
Assessment and treatment to reduce shoulder pain and restore movement.
Foot & ankle pain
Help for ankle sprains, plantar heel pain, Achilles strain, and foot overuse. Restore stability and confidence on your feet.
Headaches & migraines
Targeted care for tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches in adults and children.
Sports injuries
Get back to your sport faster with hands-on recovery and a clear rehab plan.
Further reading
- Guide 6 min
Growing Pains in Children: When to Worry, How to Help
Growing pains explained: typical age, symptom pattern, the difference from injury, and when Osteopathy is worth considering.
- Guide 6 min
Anxiety in Children: How Breathing Retraining Can Help
Why breathing patterns affect childhood anxiety, what dysfunctional breathing looks like, and how breathing retraining sits alongside mental health care.
- Guide 6 min
Promoting Good Bone Health in Children and Teenagers
Why the years 8-18 are critical for lifelong bone health, what helps and what hinders, and how to spot the signs that need clinical attention. NZ-focused.