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Hip pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Hip pain treatment in Christchurch

Hip pain can make every step uncomfortable. Whether it's walking to the car, climbing stairs, sitting through a workday, or rolling over in bed 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 moving comfortably.

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

Common hip pain symptoms

Most people we see with hip 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 hip pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a hip pain consult

What's contributing to your hip pain?

Hip 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 Hip joint arthritis from age- and load-related joint changes
  • 02 Gluteal tendon overload, often felt on the outer side of the hip
  • 03 Hip impingement or labral irritation, especially in active adults
  • 04 Bursitis, where fluid-filled cushions around the hip become irritated
  • 05 Pain referred from the lower back or pelvis
  • 06 Reduced strength in the glutes, core, and hip stabilisers

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

Book a hip pain consult

How we treat it

A clear path to recovery

Most hip 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

  • Hip range of motion, joint sensitivity, and tendon irritability
  • Glute and core strength and control
  • Lower-back and pelvis movement
  • Knee and ankle contribution to hip load
  • Work, training, and lifestyle factors that affect symptoms
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to ease hip pain and restore comfortable movement so daily activities feel manageable again.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Progressive glute, core, and hip-stabiliser strengthening so the area handles walking, stairs, and sport with confidence.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

Load management strategies and habits that lower the risk of your hip pain 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 hip pain

What does an osteopath do for hip pain?

We assess the hip, lower back, pelvis, and knee, then tailor hands-on treatment plus a progressive plan to reduce pain and rebuild capacity.

Can Osteopathy help hip 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.

Should I rest or stay active with hip pain?

Usually stay active within tolerable limits. Total rest often slows recovery. We'll guide you on what's safe.

Do I need a scan?

Not always. We'll discuss imaging if your presentation suggests it would change management.

Why does my hip hurt at night?

Sleeping on the painful side can compress sensitive tendons or bursa. Pillow positioning and reducing daytime irritators usually helps.

Will I get exercises?

Often yes. Glute, core, and hip-stabiliser strengthening is commonly central to long-term improvement.

What you can do at home right now

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

Modify the biggest irritator

Ease off long sitting, stairs, or training spikes for 7-10 days.

Sleep position matters

A pillow between the knees can ease side-lying discomfort.

Walk regularly

Short walks usually help; reduce hills if they flare symptoms.

Strengthen progressively

Simple glute and hip exercises a few times 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.

  • Inability to weight-bear after a fall or injury
  • Severe sudden hip pain with marked swelling, deformity, or fever
  • Rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
  • Severe night pain unrelieved by position change
  • Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling acutely unwell with hip pain

Care tailored to people like you

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