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Workplace injuries, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Workplace injury treatment in Christchurch

A workplace injury can affect your work and your income. Whether it's a strain from lifting, pain that builds over a shift, a repetitive-strain problem, or an injury keeping you off work, we'll help you understand what's causing it, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you get back to work safely. We handle your ACC claim in-house.

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

Common workplace injury symptoms

Most people we see with a workplace injury 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 workplace injury, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a workplace injury consult

What's contributing to your workplace injury?

A workplace 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 Repetitive movements like lifting, scanning, packing, reaching, or tool use
  • 02 Sustained postures from desk work, driving, or standing on hard floors
  • 03 Poor workstation or vehicle setup affecting your neck, back, or arms
  • 04 Load spikes from busy periods, overtime, or returning after time off
  • 05 Weak links in your core, hips, shoulders, or grip that change how load is shared
  • 06 Restricted mobility in your hips, upper back, or shoulders altering movement patterns

The sooner you understand what is driving your workplace injury, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a workplace injury consult

How we treat it

A clear path to recovery

Most workplace 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 painful area, plus the movement chain around it
  • Your job tasks: lifting patterns, posture, repetitive movements, tools, driving, sitting and standing
  • Strength, mobility, and load tolerance relevant to your role
  • Lifestyle factors that affect recovery (sleep, stress, training, workload outside work)
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore mobility so your daily tasks become manageable again.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Targeted rehab to rebuild the strength and control your role demands and reduce the load your injury has to handle.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

Practical guidance on workload, movement habits, and load management so you can return to work safely and stay there.

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 workplace injuries

What does an osteopath do for workplace injuries?

We assess the painful area and the movement and posture patterns your work demands, then combine hands-on treatment with rehab and practical work modifications.

Can you help if I can't take time off work?

Often yes. We focus on smart modifications so you can keep moving and working while symptoms settle.

Can you help with ACC?

If your injury relates to an accident, we can often help with ACC registration and ongoing management as part of your care.

Will you give me exercises?

Often yes. Rehab is usually important for building resilience so the same workload stops triggering the same pain.

Do I need scans?

Not always. If your presentation suggests imaging would be useful, we'll discuss options and help coordinate referrals where appropriate.

What's the biggest mistake people make with workplace pain?

Either pushing through without changing anything, or stopping all movement entirely. The best results usually come from targeted modifications plus a progressive strengthening plan.

What you can do at home right now

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

Take micro-breaks

Spend 1-2 minutes every 30-60 minutes to move and reset your posture.

Reduce the biggest irritator for 7-10 days

Identify the one task or position that spikes symptoms and modify it where possible.

Lift smarter, not harder

Keep loads close, use your legs and hips, and avoid repeated twisting under load.

Cover the recovery basics

Prioritise sleep for a week and stay gently active, because walking is underrated.

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.

  • A significant accident at work with sudden severe pain or inability to use the limb normally
  • Rapid swelling, visible deformity, or suspected fracture or dislocation
  • Marked or worsening weakness, numbness, or neurological symptoms
  • Severe redness or heat around a joint with fever or feeling acutely unwell (possible infection)

Care tailored to people like you

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