★★★★★
"Been seeing Maddie during pregnancy and she has helped me feel good enough to continue working and living with much less pain. Thank you so much!"
What's happening
What's often going on
Pregnancy is a major physical change, not just a growing bump.
- 01 Your posture and centre of gravity shift: new load lands through the low back and pelvis
- 02 Ligaments soften and the pelvis adapts: hips, SI joints, and the pubic symphysis can get irritable
- 03 The rib cage and breathing change: rib tightness and breathlessness as the bump grows
- 04 Sleep gets harder: neck, shoulder, and back tension quietly build up
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a pregnancy consultHow we care for you
Care built around you
We do not just chase the sore spot. We assess how your body is adapting and build a plan that fits your pregnancy and your life. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
- Pelvic mechanics and load tolerance, including SI joint and pubic symphysis irritation patterns
- Lower-back movement and stiffness patterns
- Hip and glute function, which often influences pelvic pain
- Rib-cage mobility and breathing mechanics
- Posture and daily habits that keep flaring symptoms, like sleep setup, lifting, and carrying
01 Relief
Ease the discomfort
Reduce pain, tension, and irritation so daily life feels easier.
02 Support
Move more comfortably
Improve movement and comfort as your body adapts week to week.
03 Maintain
Stay strong and mobile
Reduce flare-ups and keep you feeling as strong and supported as possible.
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.
Tafi Chinyemba
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Casey Liddington
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
Ella Briggs
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jeremias Kerrey
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jordan Trevarton
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Maddie Wright
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.
★★★★★
"Casey helped me hugely whilst I was pregnant, highly recommended!"
★★★★★
"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!"
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 patients notice improvement within a few sessions.
- No referral needed
- Gentle, tailored care
- Same-day appointments often available
Frequently asked
FAQs about pregnancy care
Is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and adapted to your stage of pregnancy. We modify positioning for comfort and always screen carefully before treating.
When can I start Osteopathy during pregnancy?
Anytime, from early pregnancy through to the final weeks. Treatment is adapted to your stage and comfort.
Will treatment harm my baby?
No. Treatment is gentle and pregnancy-appropriate. We avoid positions or techniques that could cause discomfort and prioritise safety throughout.
Can Osteopathy help with pelvic girdle pain (SPD or PSD)?
Often yes. We assess how your pelvis, hips, lower back, and daily loads are interacting, then use gentle care and practical strategies to reduce irritation and improve comfort.
Can you help with sciatica or nerve pain in pregnancy?
In many cases yes. We assess what's driving symptoms and guide you with gentle treatment, positions that help, and a clear plan to settle irritation safely.
Do I need a referral from my midwife or GP?
No, you can book directly. If we feel you need medical input, we'll tell you and guide the next step.
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 positions often
Avoid long static sitting or standing.
Support side-sleeping
Use pillows between your knees and under your bump.
Short, gentle walks
Keep mobility up where it is tolerated.
Slow nasal breathing
Reduce tension through your ribs, neck, and jaw.
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 midwife or maternity team straight away. In an emergency, call 111.
- Vaginal bleeding or any fluid loss
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- A noticeable drop or change in how often your baby moves
- Regular contractions, or your waters breaking
- Severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet
What we help with
Conditions we commonly help with for pregnancy
If you come to us for pregnancy 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.
Hip pain
Identifying contributing factors and restoring movement for lasting recovery.
Sciatica & nerve pain
Effective treatment for shooting leg pain, numbness, and tingling that may be sciatica.
Headaches & migraines
Targeted care for tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches in adults and children.
Hand & wrist pain
Help for tendon strain, carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, thumb and wrist overuse. Restore grip strength and use your hands again.
Foot & ankle pain
Help for ankle sprains, plantar heel pain, Achilles strain, and foot overuse. Restore stability and confidence on your feet.
Neck pain
Gentle treatment for neck pain and stiffness to help you move freely again.
Further reading
- Guide 6 min
Pregnancy Low Back Pain: What's Normal, What Helps, and When to Seek Care
Why low back pain is common in pregnancy, what's actually happening, what helps (and what doesn't), and when osteopathic care is the right call.
- 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.
- Guide 6 min
Why Women Need Strength Training (And Why Most Don't Get Enough)
Why strength training matters specifically for women: bone density, hormonal transitions, fall prevention, body composition, mental health. Practical NZ guide.