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Knee pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Knee pain treatment in Christchurch

Knee pain can affect every step you take. Whether it's climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, or getting back to running, 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 with confidence.

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

Common knee pain symptoms

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

Book a knee pain consult

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 consult

How 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
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to ease irritation, reduce sensitivity, and restore comfortable movement around the knee.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Progressive strengthening for the quads, glutes, and hip stabilisers so your knee can handle daily load and activity again.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

A practical loading strategy and movement habits to lower the chance of your knee 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 knee pain

What does an osteopath do for knee pain?

We assess the knee and the chain around it (hip, ankle, back), then tailor hands-on treatment plus a progressive plan to reduce pain and rebuild capacity.

Should I rest or keep moving with knee pain?

Usually keep moving within tolerable limits. Total rest tends to slow recovery. We'll guide you on what's safe based on your assessment.

Do I need a scan?

Not always. Most knee pain responds without imaging initially. If symptoms suggest a meniscus, ligament, or other structural issue that may change management, we'll discuss options.

Can Osteopathy help arthritis-related knee pain?

Often yes. Treatment can ease symptoms, improve mobility, and pair with strengthening to keep you active and confident.

Why does my knee hurt going down stairs?

Stairs load the kneecap and quad-tendon area heavily. Patellofemoral pain is a common pattern; we assess and tailor a plan for it.

Will I get exercises?

Often yes. Quad, glute, and hip strengthening is commonly central to knee-pain recovery.

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.

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 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

Care tailored to people like you

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