"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."
What's happening
What's often going on
We treat postnatal patients as a recovery process, not a quick fix.
- 01 Recovering from birth: the body is rebuilding after nine months of change and the birth itself
- 02 Feeding and carrying postures: hours looking down and lifting load the neck, shoulders, wrists, and upper back
- 03 Core and pelvic-floor recovery: abdominal separation and pelvic-floor changes take time and the right loading
- 04 Broken sleep and little recovery time: tissues stay sensitive when rest is scarce, so things feel stuck on
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a postnatal consultHow we care for you
Care built around you
We assess the whole picture: the painful areas, the daily loading patterns from feeding and lifting, your sleep and recovery capacity, and what you actually want to get back to. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
- Lower back, pelvis, and hip recovery patterns
- Upper back, neck, and shoulders (the feeding-and-looking-down chain)
- Wrist and thumb load (lifting, feeding positioning)
- Abdominal recovery and gentle return-to-core-loading readiness
- Sleep, energy, and recovery capacity (because they shape what's reasonable)
Ease the discomfort
Ease pain, tension, and irritation so daily care of your baby feels easier.
Support your healing
Support your body's healing through positioning, movement, and tailored treatment.
Return to strength
Gradual progression back to strength and capacity for the activities you want to return to.
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.
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’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."
"I have been going to Better Health Osteopathy for just on three years. Lorraine, my osteopath, is amazing. She is extremely professional and caring. She has helped me greatly. She listens and explains all the treatment she is going to give me. I have no hesitation in recommending Lorraine and Better Health Osteopathy to anyone who needs treatment. The whole team are welcoming and friendly."
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. It varies with your recovery and your goals.
- No referral needed
- Gentle, tailored care
- Same-day appointments often available
Frequently asked
FAQs about postnatal care
How soon after birth can I start Osteopathy?
Can Osteopathy help with feeding-related pain?
What about pelvic floor and core recovery?
Can I bring my baby to the appointment?
Do I need a referral from my midwife or GP?
Will treatment include exercises?
Start today
What can help between visits
Small, safe steps that usually ease day-to-day comfort while you wait for your first appointment.
Change feeding positions
Vary your positions through the day to avoid sustained loading on one area.
Use pillows generously
Support your back, neck, and arms during feeds.
Short walks when you can
Gentle movement helps recovery more than total rest.
Lift with intention
Keep loads close, use your legs, and avoid twisted lifting from car seats.
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 midwife, Plunket nurse, or GP straight away. In an emergency, call 111.
- Heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding, or passing large clots
- Fever or chills, or a wound that is hot, swollen, or leaking
- Severe or persistent headache, or changes in your vision
- Pain, redness, or swelling in one calf
- Low mood, anxiety, or distressing thoughts (please reach out early, you are not alone)
What we help with
Conditions we commonly help with for postnatal
If you come to us for postnatal 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.
Hand & wrist pain
Help for tendon strain, carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, thumb and wrist overuse. Restore grip strength and use your hands again.
Shoulder pain
Assessment and treatment to reduce shoulder pain and restore movement.
Hip pain
Identifying contributing factors and restoring movement for lasting recovery.
Headaches & migraines
Targeted care for tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches in adults and children.
Further reading
- Guide 6 min
Mummy Thumb (De Quervain's): What Helps New Parents
Why thumb and wrist pain peaks postnatally, what the lifting load is doing, and how to settle De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
- Guide 6 min
Breastfeeding Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help Mum and Baby
Latch difficulty, jaw tension, neck strain, and feeding-related pain. How osteopathic care supports both mum and baby through breastfeeding challenges.
- Guide 6 min
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Pregnancy and Childbirth
What pelvic floor dysfunction actually is, why pregnancy and childbirth strain it, when to seek pelvic floor physio, and how osteopathic care fits alongside.









