"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 sports injury?
A sports injury is rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to it, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
- 01 A sudden incident such as a fall, collision, twist, or awkward landing
- 02 A spike in training load or returning to sport after time off
- 03 Tendon overload from repeated high-intensity effort over time
- 04 A muscle strain or tear in a high-demand area like your hamstring or calf
- 05 A joint sprain leaving the area unstable or prone to re-injury
- 06 An old injury that never fully healed, now recurring under load
The sooner you understand what is driving your sports injury, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a sports injury consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most sports injuries can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to your injury, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
What we assess
- The injured area: range of motion, strength, joint and tissue irritability
- The wider chain (e.g., for a knee injury we also screen hip and ankle)
- Training load history and the spike or incident that preceded the injury
- Sport-specific movement demands (running, jumping, throwing, lifting)
- Previous injury history and current capacity
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and restore movement in the injured area.
Restore movement and strength
Progressive strengthening and movement work matched to your sport's specific demands.
Reduce future flare-ups
A graduated return-to-sport plan and load strategy to reduce the risk of re-injury when you're back competing.
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 sports injuries
What does an osteopath do for sports injuries?
How soon can I get back to my sport?
Should I rest a sports injury completely?
Can you help with ACC?
Do I need a scan?
Will I get a return-to-sport plan?
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
Reduce the aggravators short-term
Ease off what flares it, but don't shut down your training entirely.
Keep moving in unaffected areas
Cross-training preserves fitness while the injury settles.
Strengthen progressively
Load tolerance is built, not waited for.
Pay attention to recovery
Sleep, hydration, and nutrition matter more under training stress.
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 or use the limb after injury
- Visible deformity, suspected fracture, or significant rapid swelling
- Marked or worsening neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness)
- Severe head impact with loss of consciousness, persistent dizziness, or confusion (concussion screening required)
- Severe redness or heat with fever (possible infection in a wound)
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Sports injuries 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.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Further reading
- Guide 8 min
How Do Injuries Heal? The Phases of Recovery, in Plain English
How musculoskeletal injuries heal: the four phases of repair, why timelines vary, and what helps (or harms) at each stage. A practical framework.
- Guide 8 min
Healing Process FAQs: The Questions Patients Actually Ask After a Musculoskeletal Injury
Common questions on the recovery process: how long, when to push, what's normal, why progress isn't linear, and what slows healing down. Plain-English answers.
- First aid 6 min
Just Rolled Your Ankle? Here's What to Do
A clear first-day plan for a fresh ankle sprain. POLICE protocol, when to get an X-ray, ACC, and the rehab that prevents re-injury.











