★★★★★
"Casey is amazing, so happy to have been seen by her. She was great with my elderly Mom."
What's happening
What's often going on
Staying mobile, comfortable, and independent matters at every stage of life.
- 01 Joints and tissues change with age: cartilage, discs, and muscles stiffen, so movement can feel harder
- 02 Moving less than before: when we move less, strength and balance fade and stiffness sets in faster
- 03 Arthritis and wear patterns: long-standing joint changes flare with cold, load, or inactivity
- 04 Recovering from surgery or a fall: the body needs gentle, progressive loading to rebuild confidence
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a senior consultHow we care for you
Care built around you
We assess gently and patiently. Treatment is adapted to your situation, your medical history, and your goals. We work alongside GPs, surgeons, and other specialists when helpful. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
- Joint mobility, pain patterns, and irritability
- Strength, balance, and movement quality
- Walking confidence and any falls history
- General health context (medications, cardiovascular health, bone density concerns)
- The activities you want to keep doing or return to
01 Relief
Ease the pain
Settle pain so daily activities feel manageable.
02 Mobility
Reduce the stiffness
Improve joint movement and reduce stiffness over time.
03 Independence
Stay confident and independent
Simple strengthening and balance habits that support confident, independent living.
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.
Ella Briggs
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Maddie Wright
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jordan Trevarton
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Tafi Chinyemba
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Casey Liddington
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
Jeremias Kerrey
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. Some concerns ease with a focused short series.
- No referral needed
- Gentle, tailored care
- Same-day appointments often available
Frequently asked
FAQs about seniors care
Is Osteopathy safe for older adults?
Yes. Treatment is gentle and adapted to your situation, including bone health, balance, and any other medical considerations. We'll modify everything for comfort and safety.
Can Osteopathy help arthritis?
Often yes. Treatment can ease symptoms, improve mobility, and pair with strengthening to keep you active. We coordinate with surgical care if and when it's appropriate.
Can you help after a hip or knee replacement?
Often yes for the surrounding tissues and movement patterns. We work alongside your surgeon and physiotherapist's plans, not in place of them.
Will treatment help with balance or fall prevention?
Often yes. We assess movement and stability and can guide simple strengthening and mobility work that supports balance. For significant fall risk, we may also refer for falls-prevention specialist input.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. Many older patients are referred informally by family, friends, or their GP.
What if I'm on medications or have other conditions?
That's fine. Tell us at the first appointment. Treatment is adapted to your medical situation and we coordinate with your GP or specialists if needed.
Start today
What can help between visits
Small, safe steps that usually ease day-to-day comfort while you wait for your first appointment.
Move regularly
Short walks, gentle stretches, and simple chair-based exercises.
Strength matters at every age
Even small, consistent strength work supports independence and falls prevention.
Use good footwear
Supportive, well-fitting shoes reduce fall risk and joint strain.
Notice changes
Any new pain, weakness, or balance changes are worth mentioning at your visits.
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 following a fall or significant accident
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling generally unwell
- Severe night pain that is not eased by rest or a change of position
- New numbness or weakness in the limbs, or any loss of bladder or bowel control
- A sudden severe headache, or new problems with speech, vision, or balance
What we help with
Conditions we commonly help with for seniors
If you come to us for seniors 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.
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.
Neck pain
Gentle treatment for neck pain and stiffness to help you move freely again.
Foot & ankle pain
Help for ankle sprains, plantar heel pain, Achilles strain, and foot overuse. Restore stability and confidence on your feet.
Hand & wrist pain
Help for tendon strain, carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, thumb and wrist overuse. Restore grip strength and use your hands again.
Headaches & migraines
Targeted care for tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches in adults and children.
Further reading
- Guide 5 min
Benefits of Exercising in the Ageing Population
Why regular exercise is one of the highest-leverage interventions in older adults, what kinds matter most, and how to start safely. Practical NZ-focused guide.
- Guide 5 min
What Is Core Strength and How Do I Maintain It?
What core strength actually is (not just abs), why it matters for back, hip, and shoulder function, and a practical maintenance programme that fits real life.
- 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.