★★★★★
"Ive just had an appointment with lovely Ella after a sports injury. She made me feel absolutely at ease, diagnosed my issue and put me on the path to recovery. I would highly recommend her."
What's happening
What's often going on
We treat athletes as a relationship, not a one-off fix.
- 01 Training load outpacing recovery: when load climbs faster than the body adapts, niggles appear
- 02 Repetitive sport-specific demands: the same patterns fatigue particular tendons and joints
- 03 Returning too soon after injury: capacity has not yet caught up to the demand of full training
- 04 A change in surface, footwear, or programme: a sudden shift in how you load tips the balance
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a sports consultHow we care for you
Care built around you
We assess the painful or limiting area, but always in the context of your sport, your training plan, and your goals. The treatment is one part; the rehab progression and load planning are what get you fully back. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
- The injured or limiting area and the wider movement chain
- Sport-specific demands across running, jumping, lifting, throwing, and contact
- Training load, including recent volume, intensity, recovery, and any spikes
- Previous injury history and current capacity
- Mobility, strength, and movement quality across the chain
01 Relief
Settle and protect
Settle pain, restore mobility, and protect the affected area.
02 Rebuild
Build sport-specific capacity
Progressive strengthening and movement quality matched to your sport.
03 Return
Get back to competition
Structured return-to-training and return-to-competition with clear criteria.
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.
Jordan Trevarton
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Maddie Wright
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jeremias Kerrey
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Ella Briggs
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Tafi Chinyemba
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Casey Liddington
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
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 minor issues improve in a few sessions.
- No referral needed
- Gentle, tailored care
- Same-day appointments often available
Frequently asked
FAQs about sports & athletes care
Should I keep training through pain?
It depends on the pain. Some training-modified is better than total rest; some pain genuinely needs reduced load short-term. We'll help you decide what's safe for your situation.
How fast can I get back to my sport?
It depends on the injury. Many minor issues let you keep training modified. More significant injuries need a structured progression. We'll be specific to your case.
Can Osteopathy help with performance, not just injury?
Yes. Mobility, recovery, and movement quality all support performance. Many athletes use periodic care as part of their training plan, not just when something hurts.
Will you give me a return-to-sport plan?
Yes. The most reliable returns combine load progression, sport-specific drills, and clear criteria for each step up. We'll outline what that looks like for your sport.
Can you help with ACC?
Yes. If your injury relates to an accident, we can lodge the ACC45 and manage the claim alongside treatment.
Do you work with my coach or trainer?
When helpful, yes. We're happy to coordinate with coaches, S&C trainers, physios, or other providers so everyone's working from the same plan.
Start today
What can help between visits
Small, safe steps that usually ease day-to-day comfort while you wait for your first appointment.
Modify rather than rest entirely
Cross-train where safe, like swimming, cycling, or upper-body work, to keep your fitness.
Strengthen progressively
Load tolerance is built, not waited for.
Get the recovery basics right
Sleep, hydration, and nutrition matter more under training stress.
Do not push through sharp pain
Dull soreness is one thing; sharp or worsening pain is information.
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 or an after-hours clinic straight away. In an emergency, call 111.
- Being unable to put weight on or use the injured area
- Significant swelling or deformity, or a joint that gives way
- Numbness, weakness, or pins and needles that do not settle
- A head knock followed by confusion, vomiting, or a worsening headache (suspected concussion)
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or fainting with exercise (stop and seek urgent care)
What we help with
Conditions we commonly help with for sports & athletes
If you come to us for sports & athletes care, these are the patterns we most often help with. Explore how we approach each.
Sports injuries
Get back to your sport faster with hands-on recovery and a clear rehab plan.
Knee pain
Whole-body approach to knee pain, looking beyond the joint to find the cause.
Foot & ankle pain
Help for ankle sprains, plantar heel pain, Achilles strain, and foot overuse. Restore stability and confidence on your feet.
Shoulder pain
Assessment and treatment to reduce shoulder pain and restore movement.
Elbow pain
Treatment for tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and overuse. Calm pain, rebuild tendon capacity, prevent recurrence.
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.
Further reading
- Guide 8 min
How Do Injuries Heal? The Phases of Recovery, in Plain English
How musculoskeletal injuries heal: the four phases of repair, why timelines vary, and what helps (or harms) at each stage. A practical framework.
- First aid 6 min
Just Rolled Your Ankle? Here's What to Do
A clear first-day plan for a fresh ankle sprain. POLICE protocol, when to get an X-ray, ACC, and the rehab that prevents re-injury.
- 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.