"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 shoulder pain?
Shoulder 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 Rotator-cuff irritation or tears: overload, repetitive overhead work, or sport
- 02 Frozen shoulder: progressive stiffness that develops, often without a clear injury
- 03 Subacromial impingement: tendon and bursa irritation under the shoulder roof
- 04 AC joint pain: from contact sports, falls, or sustained load
- 05 Neck contribution: nerve irritation or referred pain travelling from the neck
- 06 Posture and load spikes: desk work, lifting demands, or sudden activity increases
The sooner you understand what is driving your shoulder pain, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a shoulder pain consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most shoulder 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
- Shoulder range of motion, joint sensitivity, and tendon irritation patterns
- Rotator-cuff strength and shoulder-blade control
- Neck and upper-back mobility (frequent contributors)
- Rib and breathing-pattern influence on shoulder mechanics
- Work, sport, and daily-task demands
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to reduce irritation, ease pain, and restore comfortable range of movement.
Restore movement and strength
Progressive rotator-cuff and shoulder-blade strengthening to rebuild capacity and confidence.
Reduce future flare-ups
Load management, movement habits, and a clear plan to reduce the chance of your shoulder 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 shoulder pain
What does an osteopath do for shoulder pain?
How do I know if I have a rotator-cuff injury?
Can Osteopathy help frozen shoulder?
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Do I need a scan for shoulder pain?
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.
Mind your sleep position
Avoid lying directly on the painful side; a pillow under the arm can help.
Reduce overhead irritators
Short-term modifications to overhead reaching and lifting can settle symptoms.
Keep gentle movement going
Pendular swings and pain-free range help avoid stiffness.
Notice your patterns
Log what eases and flares symptoms to guide your plan.
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.
- Severe shoulder pain after significant trauma, with deformity or inability to move
- Sudden marked weakness or rapidly worsening numbness in the arm
- Severe redness or heat with fever (possible infection)
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or arm pain not clearly mechanical (cardiac or referred causes)
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Shoulder pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
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.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Postnatal
Recovery support for new mothers. Help with back, pelvic, neck and shoulder strain from feeding, lifting, and the new physical demands of parenthood.
Seniors
Helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent. Gentle Osteopathy for arthritis, balance, post-surgery recovery, and confident movement.
Further reading
- 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 5 min
Improve Your Golf With Osteopathy
How musculoskeletal restrictions affect the golf swing, which body patterns matter most, and how Osteopathy supports both injury management and performance.
- Guide 6 min
Choosing the Right Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
How pillow height, firmness, and sleeping position affect neck pain and morning stiffness. Practical pillow-buying guide plus our pillow-fitting service.











