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Elbow pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Elbow pain treatment in Christchurch

Elbow pain can affect every grip and lift. Whether it's gripping tools, lifting at the gym, typing through a long day, or a backhand that's flared things up, we'll help you understand what's causing your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you get back to using your arm with confidence.

ACC handled in-house No referral needed Same-day appointments often available

Common elbow pain symptoms

Most people we see with elbow pain experience two or more of the symptoms below. If they sound familiar, a thorough assessment can help identify what's causing them and the best path to recovery.

The sooner you understand what's causing your elbow pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book an elbow pain consult

What's contributing to your elbow pain?

Elbow pain is rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.

  • 01 Outer-elbow tendon overload (tennis elbow) from gripping, lifting, tools, or gym work
  • 02 Inner-elbow tendon overload (golfer's elbow) from pulling, gripping, or repetitive wrist use
  • 03 Repetitive work strain in tradies, mechanics, hairdressers, painters, and office workers
  • 04 Sudden load spikes in gym work, climbing, racquet sports, or throwing
  • 05 Poor load sharing from the shoulder or neck shifting extra strain into the elbow
  • 06 Previous injury leaving the tendon reactive if capacity has not been rebuilt

The sooner you understand what is driving your elbow pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book an elbow pain consult

How we treat it

A clear path to recovery

Most elbow pain can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.

What we assess

  • Elbow tendon irritation patterns (which movements provoke it)
  • Grip strength, forearm strength and endurance, and wrist mechanics
  • Shoulder stability and neck contribution (especially if symptoms travel)
  • Work and sport technique and load spikes (tools, keyboard and mouse setup, gym programming)
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to calm elbow and forearm irritation so you can move without flaring it.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

A progressive tendon-loading plan that rebuilds grip strength and forearm capacity over time.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

Load management and technique advice so the elbow can handle your work and training long term.

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 rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.

Experienced osteopaths you can trust

Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Over 60,000 consultations
  • Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
  • Registered OCNZ osteopaths
  • ACC accredited
  • Same-day appointments often available

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 recovery.

★★★★★
"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."

Brian and Linda Cousins

★★★★★
"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!"

Stewart Wilson

★★★★★
"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."

Mel Stopford

★★★★★
"Highly recommend. I have been seeing Lorraine at BHO for multiple years now including visits for both of my children as newborns. So handy to now have a second location on Colombo street! Beautiful, clean clinic and the staff are friendly as always. Overall a great experience and well worth it in my opinion."

Georgia Black

What to expect at your first appointment

Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.

30 minutes

Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.

Bring

Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.

You will leave knowing

A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.

No referral needed

Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.

  • What's causing my pain?
  • Why did it happen?
  • Why isn't it getting better?
  • Is anything else contributing?
  • What's the best path to recovery?

We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.

New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .

Book your visit

Ready to get back to the life you love?

We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.

FAQs about elbow pain

What does an osteopath do for elbow pain?

We assess the elbow and the chain around it (wrist, shoulder, neck), then tailor hands-on care plus a progressive loading plan to rebuild tendon capacity and reduce recurrence.

Is tennis elbow only caused by tennis?

No. It's commonly caused by repetitive gripping and lifting. Tools, gym work, parenting, and office strain can all contribute.

How long does tendon pain take to settle?

It varies. Some cases improve quickly; others take longer, especially if the tendon has been reactive for months. Consistent, gradual strengthening is usually the key.

Can elbow pain cause tingling in the hand?

Sometimes. Nerve irritation can be involved, or symptoms can be referred from the neck or shoulder. We assess this at your first visit.

Do I need scans for elbow pain?

Not everyone does. If symptoms aren't improving as expected, or signs suggest a more complex issue, imaging may be considered.

Will I get exercises?

Often yes. Rehab is usually essential for tendon-related elbow pain and for long-term improvement.

What you can do at home right now

Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.

Reduce the irritators for 7-10 days

Heavy gripping, high-volume pulling, and repetitive wrist loading if it flares symptoms.

Use "relative rest" not total rest

Keep pain-free movement and light activity going.

Spread your gripping load

Alternate hands, tools, and tasks where possible.

Start simple strengthening

Low load and high consistency is often better than smashing it once a week.

When to seek urgent care

Some signs need same-day attention

These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.

Call us now 0800 67 77 00

If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.

  • Elbow pain after significant trauma (fall or direct blow), especially with obvious deformity
  • Inability to move or straighten the elbow normally
  • Rapidly increasing swelling after injury
  • Severe redness or heat around the joint with fever (possible infection)
  • Marked numbness or weakness in the hand, or rapidly worsening nerve symptoms

Care tailored to people like you

Elbow pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.