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Hand & wrist pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Hand and wrist pain treatment in Christchurch

Hand and wrist pain can affect the things you do all day. Whether it's gripping, typing, lifting, opening jars, or pins and needles at night, 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 hands comfortably.

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

Common hand and wrist pain symptoms

Most people we see with hand and wrist 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 hand and wrist pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a hand and wrist pain consult

What's contributing to your hand and wrist pain?

Hand and wrist 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 Tendon overuse from repetitive gripping, typing, lifting, or trades work
  • 02 Thumb-side tendon irritation, often worse with pinching, lifting a baby, or texting
  • 03 Carpal-tunnel-type nerve irritation causing numbness and tingling, often worse at night
  • 04 Ulnar nerve irritation causing tingling into the ring and little fingers
  • 05 Wrist sprain or ligament strain after a fall or awkward twist
  • 06 Neck or shoulder contribution where nerve referral mimics hand symptoms

The sooner you understand what is driving your hand and wrist pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a hand and wrist pain consult

How we treat it

A clear path to recovery

Most hand and wrist 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

  • Wrist and hand range of motion, strength, grip patterns, and irritability
  • Tendon loading patterns (which movements or tasks flare symptoms)
  • Nerve screening (median, ulnar, radial) and neck contribution where relevant
  • Forearm and elbow mobility and muscle tension
  • Work, sport, and daily-task demands (tools, keyboard and mouse setup, gym movements)
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to reduce irritation and restore comfortable movement in your hand and wrist.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Progressive exercises to rebuild grip strength, tendon capacity, and normal hand function.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

Load management strategies and technique adjustments to reduce the chance of your symptoms returning.

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 hand & wrist pain

What does an osteopath do for hand and wrist pain?

We assess the wrist and hand, and also the forearm, elbow, shoulder, and neck that can contribute. Treatment may include hands-on care, education, and a progressive rehab plan.

Can Osteopathy help carpal-tunnel-type symptoms?

Often yes. We'll assess nerve irritation patterns and contributing factors like wrist or forearm tension and posture habits, then tailor treatment and home strategies accordingly.

Why does my hand go numb at night?

Night symptoms can be linked to nerve compression positions, tendon irritation, or neck and upper-limb contribution. We'll help identify what's most likely in your case.

Do I need scans for wrist pain?

Not everyone does. If your symptoms, trauma history, or clinical signs suggest imaging would be useful, we can discuss options and help coordinate referrals where appropriate.

Should I rest it completely?

Usually not. Relative rest (reducing irritators) combined with gentle movement and a gradual strengthening plan is often more effective than total rest.

Will I get exercises?

Often yes. Hand and wrist recovery commonly involves rebuilding tendon capacity and grip strength progressively.

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, repetitive pinching, and high-volume wrist flexion or extension if it flares symptoms.

Take micro-breaks

Short breaks every 30-45 minutes if you are on tools or a keyboard all day.

Keep a neutral wrist position

Avoid long periods bent forward or backward, especially when sleeping or typing.

Gentle range of motion daily

Small, pain-free movement is often better than total rest.

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.

  • Pain after a fall or trauma with significant swelling, deformity, or suspected fracture
  • Inability to move the wrist, thumb, or fingers normally
  • Rapidly increasing numbness or weakness, or marked loss of grip strength
  • Severe redness or heat around the joint with fever (possible infection)
  • Sudden severe pain with a visibly deformed joint

Care tailored to people like you

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