What is Osteopathy?
As Osteopaths, we look closely at your body’s structure in order to diagnose and treat strains. Over our five years of full time university training, followed by years in practice, we develop a special sense of palpation to feel tensions, pain and strains with great sensitivity and accuracy. In this way, postural strains and even acute injuries can be treated very gently and effectively.
We are trained in differential diagnosis, and work with bones, ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood and nerve supply to fully use the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Our seven different treatment approaches encompass thousands of techniques. These allow us to create very specific treatments that we continually adapt as your health improves.
At City Osteopaths, we have practitioners with clinical focus in orthodontics, fertility, pregnancy, babies and children. We are trained to provide treatment and exercises for any age and from sedentary workers to sports people. We work alongside doctors, specialists and ACC.
These common issues may be helped by osteopathic medicine:
We are trained in differential diagnosis, and work with bones, ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood and nerve supply to fully use the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Our seven different treatment approaches encompass thousands of techniques. These allow us to create very specific treatments that we continually adapt as your health improves.
At City Osteopaths, we have practitioners with clinical focus in orthodontics, fertility, pregnancy, babies and children. We are trained to provide treatment and exercises for any age and from sedentary workers to sports people. We work alongside doctors, specialists and ACC.
These common issues may be helped by osteopathic medicine:
- back and neck pain, any joint pain, sciatica
- head injury, headaches, migraines and TMJ (Jaw)
- sports or work injuries, such as OOS
- post surgery, stress, insomnia
- digestion and bowel problems
- women's health
- unsettled babies
The Basic Osteopathic Principles are:
- The body contains within itself a self-regulatory and self-healing system to combat disease processes
- The person is a unit in which structure, function, mind and spirit are interrelated
- Adequate function of the body's systems depends upon an unimpeded blood and nerve supply
We have Osteopaths who are very skilled in gentle (cranial or biodynamic) osteopathy and osteopaths who are very skilled in structural (more physical) techniques including gentle manipulation. Please let our reception staff know if you have a preference so they can help you book in with the right practitioner for you.
All about Osteopathy video
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All our osteopaths are ACC Treatment Providers and registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand
Our City Osteopaths Team

Sebastian Tucker Senior Osteopath. B.A.(Hons), B.Sc. (Hons) Ost. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Sebastian graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. in 2006. Before coming to New Zealand in 2011 to join City Osteopaths, he worked in Liverpool and London advancing his cranial, visceral and pediatric osteopathy skills. He has completed courses in advanced osteopathic technique including Biodynamics phases. He has assisted in teaching Paediatric care to post graduate osteopaths. Prior to studying Osteopathy he graduated with a degree in Theology.
Sebastian has spent time in Kenya treating orphaned children in the city and women and children of the Pokot tribe in the desert region. He enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions from babies to the elderly. He has particular skill in treating shoulder injuries and providing pre- and post-natal care for mothers and newborns.
With over fourteen years in full time Osteopathic practice, Sebastian has developed a gentle approach, easing back the layers of problems and compensations in his patients in order to reach and change the root cause of their condition whether that originates from stressors in the physical, mental or emotional.
See Sebastian for:
Sebastian graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. in 2006. Before coming to New Zealand in 2011 to join City Osteopaths, he worked in Liverpool and London advancing his cranial, visceral and pediatric osteopathy skills. He has completed courses in advanced osteopathic technique including Biodynamics phases. He has assisted in teaching Paediatric care to post graduate osteopaths. Prior to studying Osteopathy he graduated with a degree in Theology.
Sebastian has spent time in Kenya treating orphaned children in the city and women and children of the Pokot tribe in the desert region. He enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions from babies to the elderly. He has particular skill in treating shoulder injuries and providing pre- and post-natal care for mothers and newborns.
With over fourteen years in full time Osteopathic practice, Sebastian has developed a gentle approach, easing back the layers of problems and compensations in his patients in order to reach and change the root cause of their condition whether that originates from stressors in the physical, mental or emotional.
See Sebastian for:
- Shoulder injuries, including elbow and wrist
- Pregnancy, babies and children
- Headaches, neck pain, migraines
- Chronic stress

Aydan Hajiyeva Honours Diploma in General Medicine, DO M.Ost. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Aydan has completed an Integrated Master’s Degree course at the European School of Osteopathy (UK) including a year at the Russian Academy of Osteopathic Medicine.
Having previously completed six years medical doctor training, she really appreciates the holistic nature of the osteopathic approach. She has been exposed to a variety of treatment approaches at university, including classical, cranial and visceral osteopathy and has also undertaken a number of postgraduate seminars, notably the Biodynamics of Osteopathy and various courses on the osteopathic perspective and treatment in pregnancy and paediatric osteopathy (including retained primitive reflexes integration).
Aydan regards osteopathy as a philosophy allowing her to create a positive change in a patient, by facilitating the expression of the inherent wisdom of the body.
How does Osteopathy treat pain and Injury? - An article written by Aydan
Osteopathic treatment Before and During pregnancy - An article written by Aydan
Circadian Rhythm. why when matters - An extensive two part article written by Aydan
See Aydan for:
Aydan has completed an Integrated Master’s Degree course at the European School of Osteopathy (UK) including a year at the Russian Academy of Osteopathic Medicine.
Having previously completed six years medical doctor training, she really appreciates the holistic nature of the osteopathic approach. She has been exposed to a variety of treatment approaches at university, including classical, cranial and visceral osteopathy and has also undertaken a number of postgraduate seminars, notably the Biodynamics of Osteopathy and various courses on the osteopathic perspective and treatment in pregnancy and paediatric osteopathy (including retained primitive reflexes integration).
Aydan regards osteopathy as a philosophy allowing her to create a positive change in a patient, by facilitating the expression of the inherent wisdom of the body.
How does Osteopathy treat pain and Injury? - An article written by Aydan
Osteopathic treatment Before and During pregnancy - An article written by Aydan
Circadian Rhythm. why when matters - An extensive two part article written by Aydan
See Aydan for:
- Fertility issues, pregnancy and post-labour recovery
- Acute or chronic pain anywhere in the body
- Babies and children
- Retained primitive reflexes
- Acute or chronic stress

Lara Sanders M.Ost., B.App.Sc.(Human Biol.), Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Lara completed her five-year osteopathic training in Auckland, graduating with a Master of Osteopathy and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology.
She is particularly interested and experienced in treating spinal problems, headaches, sport and workplace injuries and pregnancy issues. She uses a gentle, mainly structural and biomechanical approach to treat her patients.
Lara has a Pilates teaching qualification, and often uses targeted exercises alongside hands-on treatment to tailor her treatment and advice to fit the unique needs of each person. She enjoys working with her patients to find ways to prevent problems from reoccurring.
Lara enjoys an active outdoors lifestyle, especially camping and cycling, and can often be found pottering in her backyard alongside her young sons, Jim and Ted.
Back Pain, leg pain, sciatic pain help - An article written by Lara
Ten interesting facts about your amazing spine - An article written by Lara
An osteopathic perspective of your spine and how your posture can be affected by osteoporosis - An article written by Lara
A sprained ankle - An article written by Lara
See Lara for:
Lara completed her five-year osteopathic training in Auckland, graduating with a Master of Osteopathy and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology.
She is particularly interested and experienced in treating spinal problems, headaches, sport and workplace injuries and pregnancy issues. She uses a gentle, mainly structural and biomechanical approach to treat her patients.
Lara has a Pilates teaching qualification, and often uses targeted exercises alongside hands-on treatment to tailor her treatment and advice to fit the unique needs of each person. She enjoys working with her patients to find ways to prevent problems from reoccurring.
Lara enjoys an active outdoors lifestyle, especially camping and cycling, and can often be found pottering in her backyard alongside her young sons, Jim and Ted.
Back Pain, leg pain, sciatic pain help - An article written by Lara
Ten interesting facts about your amazing spine - An article written by Lara
An osteopathic perspective of your spine and how your posture can be affected by osteoporosis - An article written by Lara
A sprained ankle - An article written by Lara
See Lara for:
- Back pain, neck pain and headaches
- Sports injuries and exercise advice
- Occupational overuse and workplace injuries
- Pregnancy pain

Rhianna Smith DO M.Ost. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Rhianna was awarded her 1st Class Honours Masters Degree at the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. After working as an osteopath in Kent in the U.K. for some years, she has decided to settle in Wellington.
Rhianna enjoys the holistic nature of Osteopathy and therefore likes to use a variety of treatment approaches tailored to each individual patient. She firmly believes in the body’s natural ability to heal itself and enjoys working with each patient to help them be pain free. As well as the treatment of injuries, Rhianna is also passionate about preventative care and helping patients reach their everyday or health and fitness goals.
She has experience in working with patients post surgery, including joint replacement and fractures and uses this rehabilitative knowledge to prescribe specific and appropriate exercises for her patients.
Rhianna enjoys a healthy, active outdoors lifestyle with a passion for nutrition and good plant based food. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, pilates, hiking and various water sports.
Want to know what can cause headaches? - An article written by Rhianna
Why should I stretch? - An article on why and how to stretch, written by Rhianna
Are you experiencing jaw pain, neck pain or headaches? - An article on TMJ dysfunction, written by Rhianna
See Rhianna for:
Rhianna was awarded her 1st Class Honours Masters Degree at the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. After working as an osteopath in Kent in the U.K. for some years, she has decided to settle in Wellington.
Rhianna enjoys the holistic nature of Osteopathy and therefore likes to use a variety of treatment approaches tailored to each individual patient. She firmly believes in the body’s natural ability to heal itself and enjoys working with each patient to help them be pain free. As well as the treatment of injuries, Rhianna is also passionate about preventative care and helping patients reach their everyday or health and fitness goals.
She has experience in working with patients post surgery, including joint replacement and fractures and uses this rehabilitative knowledge to prescribe specific and appropriate exercises for her patients.
Rhianna enjoys a healthy, active outdoors lifestyle with a passion for nutrition and good plant based food. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, pilates, hiking and various water sports.
Want to know what can cause headaches? - An article written by Rhianna
Why should I stretch? - An article on why and how to stretch, written by Rhianna
Are you experiencing jaw pain, neck pain or headaches? - An article on TMJ dysfunction, written by Rhianna
See Rhianna for:
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Joint manipulations
- Exercise prescription
- Workplace postural advice
- Stress management

Melanie Young B.A., B.App.Sc. (Clin.Sc.), B. Osteo.Sc. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Melanie graduated with high distinction in her clinical exams from the 5 year double degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Melbourne’s RMIT University in 1997. She has been the Director of City Osteopaths since 2000.
She has done extensive post graduate Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation study in the areas of paediatrics, pregnancy, trauma and the face.
Since 2002, Melanie has completed the Biodynamics of Osteopathy Phases 1-9.
Melanie has over 40 years experience in dance, Tai Chi and Pilates. She draws on these foundations, combining them with gentle treatment approaches, including functional, cranial & biodynamic osteopathy, to effectively treat a wide range of ages and conditions.
She is married with two children and has a clinical focus in providing osteopathy for pregnancy, preparation for labour, babies and children. Melanie also has a passion for working with people undergoing Orthodontics and enjoys treating the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and other mechanical issues of the cranium such as concussion, sinus, tongue problems or ear infections. She loves to help patients fully recover from traumatic injury and move freely again pain-free.
Written by Melanie:
What to do for Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury. - An article written by Melanie
Concussion Treatment for Children using Osteopathic Treatment and Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - A case study written by Melanie
Hyperbaric and Osteopathic treatment for a concussed seven year old child - A case study written by Melanie
Childhood Scoliosis Treatment - A case study written by Melanie
Gentle Osteopathic Treatment of Breastfeeding Difficulties and Tongue Tie - An article written by Melanie
Osteopathic Treatment of Pregnancy and Birth - An article written by Melanie
Successful treatment of severe reflux and oral aversion in an 8 month old premature baby A case study written by Melanie
Osteopathic treatment of hip pain in a child A case study written by Melanie
How to keep mobile and supple as you get older. - An article written by Melanie
When can a soother be a good thing for a baby? - An article written by Melanie
PTSD and Osteopathic Treatment - A research based article written by Melanie
See Melanie for:
Melanie graduated with high distinction in her clinical exams from the 5 year double degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Melbourne’s RMIT University in 1997. She has been the Director of City Osteopaths since 2000.
She has done extensive post graduate Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation study in the areas of paediatrics, pregnancy, trauma and the face.
Since 2002, Melanie has completed the Biodynamics of Osteopathy Phases 1-9.
Melanie has over 40 years experience in dance, Tai Chi and Pilates. She draws on these foundations, combining them with gentle treatment approaches, including functional, cranial & biodynamic osteopathy, to effectively treat a wide range of ages and conditions.
She is married with two children and has a clinical focus in providing osteopathy for pregnancy, preparation for labour, babies and children. Melanie also has a passion for working with people undergoing Orthodontics and enjoys treating the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and other mechanical issues of the cranium such as concussion, sinus, tongue problems or ear infections. She loves to help patients fully recover from traumatic injury and move freely again pain-free.
Written by Melanie:
What to do for Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury. - An article written by Melanie
Concussion Treatment for Children using Osteopathic Treatment and Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - A case study written by Melanie
Hyperbaric and Osteopathic treatment for a concussed seven year old child - A case study written by Melanie
Childhood Scoliosis Treatment - A case study written by Melanie
Gentle Osteopathic Treatment of Breastfeeding Difficulties and Tongue Tie - An article written by Melanie
Osteopathic Treatment of Pregnancy and Birth - An article written by Melanie
Successful treatment of severe reflux and oral aversion in an 8 month old premature baby A case study written by Melanie
Osteopathic treatment of hip pain in a child A case study written by Melanie
How to keep mobile and supple as you get older. - An article written by Melanie
When can a soother be a good thing for a baby? - An article written by Melanie
PTSD and Osteopathic Treatment - A research based article written by Melanie
See Melanie for:
- Face, sinus, tongue, jaw and ear issues
- Fertility, pregnancy, babies and children
- Scoliosis in all ages
- Past major physical trauma including concussion
Testimonials.
All New Zealand Registered Osteopaths, as of October 2016, are forbidden to put patient testimonials on their websites. Therefore we have removed a large number of fully verifiable patient testimonials which gave specific details as to what had helped and why. We feel this is a shame, however this is now the law and we are no longer able to provide this information to you.
Most of our referrals are word of mouth so we would really appreciate it that if you are happy with our treatment and your results, please pass the word on to your family, colleagues and friends so we can continue to help a wider circle of people. Thanks.
Also, instead of testimonials we now have the clinical research supporting Osteopathy link here.
All New Zealand Registered Osteopaths, as of October 2016, are forbidden to put patient testimonials on their websites. Therefore we have removed a large number of fully verifiable patient testimonials which gave specific details as to what had helped and why. We feel this is a shame, however this is now the law and we are no longer able to provide this information to you.
Most of our referrals are word of mouth so we would really appreciate it that if you are happy with our treatment and your results, please pass the word on to your family, colleagues and friends so we can continue to help a wider circle of people. Thanks.
Also, instead of testimonials we now have the clinical research supporting Osteopathy link here.