For trade pain that builds through a heavy week and stops you doing your work properly. Hands-on care plus smart short-term modifications, so you can keep working while we sort the pattern. ACC handled in-house if it's an injury.
If this feels like you
The accumulation pattern of trade work has a recognisable signature. Most tradies we see describe two or more of the concerns on the right.
Two or more of these your normal? That's the pattern we keep tradies out of. Book a focused series and we'll sort the load that's driving it.
What's happening
The classic pattern is a niggle that flares during heavy weeks and partially settles during quieter ones, until it stops settling.
The clearer we are on what's driving things, the sooner we can help you move and feel better.
Book a tradie consultHow we care for you
We assess the painful area, but also the daily load that's driving it. The treatment is one part; the work-side adjustments and progressive strengthening are what make the difference long-term. The plan is tailored to you: settle things down, build the support you need, and keep you moving comfortably.
What we assess
Settle pain and restore mobility so work feels manageable.
Strength and capacity for the actual demands of your role.
Load strategy, recovery habits, and capacity that reduces flare-ups.
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.
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
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.
What patients say
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.
"Being a plumber is a fairly physical job and the body requires a bit of TLC from time to time to stay in great shape, so we can keep crawling under that leaky cylinder or the kitchen sink without too much hassle. Thanks to the team (Jordan in particular) for doing that for us. Highly recommend this local team of osteopaths!"
"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
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain what will help, and make the next step easy.
Enough time to listen, assess, and explain, without rushing.
Comfortable clothing you can move in, and any scans or letters that are relevant.
What is going on and a simple, tailored plan to take away.
Self-refer and book directly, with no GP letter required.
The questions we'll answer
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
Tell us what is going on and we will tailor a plan that fits you. Most tradies do well with a focused series during flare-ups.
Frequently asked
Start today
Small, safe steps that usually ease day-to-day comfort while you wait for your first appointment.
Keep loads close, use legs and hips, avoid twisting under load.
During repetitive tasks, even 60 seconds of changed position helps.
Sleep, hydration, and gentle movement on rest days matter more than they sound.
Replace what's worn; small upgrades reduce repetitive strain.
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, and lodge an ACC claim for a work injury straight away. In an emergency, call 111.
What we help with
If you come to us for tradies & manual workers care, these are the patterns we most often help with. Explore how we approach each.
Relief for new and recurring back pain so you can get back to what you enjoy.
Whole-body approach to knee pain, looking beyond the joint to find the cause.
Assessment and treatment to reduce shoulder pain and restore movement.
Treatment for tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and overuse. Calm pain, rebuild tendon capacity, prevent recurrence.
Help for tendon strain, carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, thumb and wrist overuse. Restore grip strength and use your hands again.
Identifying contributing factors and restoring movement for lasting recovery.
Help for ankle sprains, plantar heel pain, Achilles strain, and foot overuse. Restore stability and confidence on your feet.
Help with desk, driving, and trade-related strain. Recover from accidents, manage repetitive load, and stay productive at work.
Effective treatment for shooting leg pain, numbness, and tingling that may be sciatica.
A practical, evidence-based guide to back pain. The common causes, the exercises that consistently help, and the treatments worth doing (and skipping).
How musculoskeletal injuries heal: the four phases of repair, why timelines vary, and what helps (or harms) at each stage. A practical framework.
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.
