"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."
What's behind it
What's contributing to your knee pain?
Knee 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 Irritation around the kneecap from repetitive loading or poor tracking
- 02 Tendon overload from running, jumping, or sudden increases in activity
- 03 Meniscus or ligament strain from twisting, sport, or a load spike
- 04 Joint changes from osteoarthritis, especially with stairs and hills
- 05 Weakness in the hips and glutes that shifts excess load onto the knee
- 06 How your foot and ankle mechanics affect the way your knee tracks
The sooner you understand what is driving your knee pain, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a knee pain consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most knee 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
- Knee mobility, joint sensitivity, and irritability patterns
- Hip and glute strength and control (a major influence on knee load)
- Ankle and foot mechanics that affect knee tracking
- Walking, running, and squatting mechanics
- Training, work, and footwear factors
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to ease irritation, reduce sensitivity, and restore comfortable movement around the knee.
Restore movement and strength
Progressive strengthening for the quads, glutes, and hip stabilisers so your knee can handle daily load and activity again.
Reduce future flare-ups
A practical loading strategy and movement habits to lower the chance of your knee pain returning.
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 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
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 recovery.
"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."
"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."
What to expect
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.
The questions we'll answer
- 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.
Frequently asked
FAQs about knee pain
What does an osteopath do for knee pain?
Should I rest or keep moving with knee pain?
Do I need a scan?
Can Osteopathy help arthritis-related knee pain?
Why does my knee hurt going down stairs?
Will I get exercises?
Start today
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 stairs, hills, jumping, or kneeling tasks for 7-10 days.
Stay active in a different way
Cycling, swimming, or upper-body work keeps you moving.
Strengthen progressively
Simple quad and glute exercises a few times a week.
Footwear check
Worn shoes can shift load, so replace them if overdue.
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.
- Inability to weight-bear after an injury
- Sudden severe swelling or visible deformity
- Severe redness or heat with fever (possible infection)
- Marked weakness or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
- History of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or feeling acutely unwell with knee pain
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Knee pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Tradies & manual workers
Hands-on care for tradies and manual workers. Help with back, knee, shoulder, and wrist strain so you can keep working without recurring flare-ups.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Seniors
Helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent. Gentle Osteopathy for arthritis, balance, post-surgery recovery, and confident movement.
Related conditions
Further reading
- Guide 6 min
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Is Surgery Required?
When ACL surgery is the right call, when conservative care fits, and how the decision is actually made. Honest clinical guide for ACL injuries in NZ.
- Guide 4 min
Osteopathic Treatment for Skiing Injuries: Support, Prevention, and Recovery
Common skiing injuries, how to prepare your body for the season, and how osteopathic care supports both prevention and recovery for NZ skiers.
- Guide 4 min
How Osteopathy Can Help Cyclists
Common cycling-related musculoskeletal patterns, how bike fit and training load contribute, and how Osteopathy supports cyclists at all levels.











