Treatment Table Podcast

Mathew Ah Chow

Your guide to a healthier, happier you.  Hosted by Doctor of Physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow, each week, we bring you expert advice on practical health, energy, and stress management strategies that fit seamlessly into your busy life. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to feel your best, our bite-sized episodes will give you actionable tips to boost your energy, ease tension, and improve your overall well-being.  Tune in for easy-to-follow, expert-guided insights that will help you live a healthier, happier life without sacrificing precious time.

  1. Mini Consult | Should You Eat Before a Workout? The Truth About Fasted Training

    2h ago

    Mini Consult | Should You Eat Before a Workout? The Truth About Fasted Training

    Should you eat before exercise, or is fasted training better for fat loss? In this Mini Consult episode, Mathew answers a listener's question from Shirley about what to eat before a workout and whether a banana, snack, or full meal is the best option. With so much conflicting nutrition advice online, it can be hard to know what's actually worth following. Mathew breaks down the science behind fasted training, fat burning, workout performance, and recovery in a simple, practical way. You'll learn:  Whether fasted training really burns more fat  When a banana is enough before exercise  Why workout intensity matters when deciding what to eat  The best timing for meals before training  Why protein after exercise is essential for recovery  How to fuel morning workouts without feeling sick or sluggish If you've ever wondered what you should eat before the gym, a run, Pilates, HIIT, or strength training session, this episode will help you cut through the confusion and make better decisions for your health and performance. One takeaway: Fuel your body for the workout you want to perform, not just the calories you want to burn. Send your questions for future Mini Consult episodes via Instagram @treatmenttablepodcast or email treatmenttablepodcast@gmail.com. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    13 min
  2. Mini Consult | Waking Up Stiff & Sore Every Morning? The Best Time to Stretch Might Surprise You

    May 31

    Mini Consult | Waking Up Stiff & Sore Every Morning? The Best Time to Stretch Might Surprise You

    Do you wake up feeling stiff, sore, and tight every morning? Most people instinctively bend over and try to touch their toes. But according to physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow, that could be one of the worst things you can do for a cold, stiff body. In this Mini Consult episode, Mathew answers a listener's question from Poppy and explains the difference between dynamic and static stretching, why morning stiffness happens, and how to use movement to feel better throughout the day. You'll learn when stretching helps, when it doesn't, and the simple mistake that could be increasing your risk of back pain and muscle strains.  In This Episode: ✔ Why do you wake up feeling stiff and tight  ✔ The difference between static and dynamic stretching  ✔ Why stretching cold muscles isn't always a good idea  ✔ The best way to loosen up in the morning  ✔ When to use static stretching for flexibility and recovery  ✔ A simple movement routine you can start today One Simple Takeaway Move first. Stretch later. If your body feels stiff in the morning, start with gentle movement to increase blood flow and warm your joints before jumping into long stretches. Your body will thank you for it. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    10 min
  3. Mini Consult | Why Different Injuries Feel Different | Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments & Fascia Explained

    May 24

    Mini Consult | Why Different Injuries Feel Different | Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments & Fascia Explained

    Why does some pain feel tight and achy… while other pain feels sharp, unstable or burning? In this Mini Consult episode of The Treatment Table Podcast, Doctor of Physiotherapy Mathew Ah Chow breaks down the difference between muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia — and explains how each structure can create different types of pain, tightness and injury. You’ll learn: What muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia actually doWhy different injuries create different sensationsCommon examples of muscle, tendon and ligament painWhy tightness isn’t always caused by “tight muscles”When pain is something to monitor vs something to get assessedIf you’ve ever wondered what your body is trying to tell you, this episode will help you better understand pain, movement and injury in simple, practical terms. Follow The Treatment Table Podcast for weekly episodes on movement, pain, recovery and living a healthier, more active life. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    12 min
  4. Mini Consult | How to Turn Fitness Goals Into Lifelong Habits

    May 17

    Mini Consult | How to Turn Fitness Goals Into Lifelong Habits

    Do you keep setting health or fitness goals… only to fall off track once you hit them? In this Mini Consult episode of The Treatment Table Podcast, physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow breaks down one of the biggest mindset mistakes people make with health, fitness, and weight loss. Inspired by a question from long-time client Ngaire, Mathew explores: Why motivation fades after short-term goalsThe hidden problem with relying on weight loss goalsHow athletes often struggle after competition endsThe “arrival fallacy” and why achievement doesn’t create lasting happinessHow to shift from chasing outcomes to building identity-based habitsWhy consistency matters more than perfectionPractical ways to make exercise and health part of your lifestyleMathew also shares his personal experience transitioning from competitive karate into everyday health and movement after retirement from sport. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of: ➡️ Getting motivated ➡️ Going all in ➡️ Burning out ➡️ Starting again …this episode will help you build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with exercise and long-term health. Whether your goal is weight loss, fitness, better energy, or simply staying active as you get older, this conversation will help you stop relying on motivation and start building habits that actually last. Key Takeaways✔ Short-term goals can help you get started, but they rarely sustain long-term health  ✔ Lifestyle habits outperform motivation every time  ✔ Your identity drives your behaviour more than your goals do  ✔ Consistency beats intensity when it comes to long-term results  ✔ Exercise should support your life — not just a temporary outcome 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    10 min
  5. Mini Consult | When Should You Push Through Pain?

    May 10

    Mini Consult | When Should You Push Through Pain?

    Should you push through pain during exercise — or is your body telling you to stop? In this episode of The Treatment Table: Mini Consults, physiotherapist Matthew Ah Chow breaks down how to tell the difference between normal muscle soreness, injury pain, and fatigue that could be warning you to slow down. If you’ve ever wondered: “Is this pain normal?”“Am I injured or just sore?”“Should I train or rest today?”“Why do I feel exhausted even after exercising?”…this episode is for you. Mathew explains: The difference between good pain vs bad painDOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) vs injuryWhen to stop exercising immediatelySigns your nervous system and body need recoveryHow to safely return to movement without making pain worseThese short physiotherapy Q&A episodes are designed to give you practical, evidence-based health and fitness advice to help you move better, recover faster, and stay active long term. 🎙️ Have a question for a future Mini Consult episode? DM us on Instagram: @treatmenttablepodcast Follow The Treatment Table Podcast for weekly episodes on: 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    6 min

  6. May 3

    Why You Keep Falling Off Track (And the 5 Habits That Fix It)

    You start strong. You feel motivated. You go all in… and then life gets busy and suddenly you’re back at square one. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this season finale of The Treatment Table Podcast, I break down the real reason you keep falling off track, and it’s not a lack of discipline or willpower. It’s your system. After 12 episodes with experts across physiotherapy, exercise, nutrition, and mindset, I’ve pulled together the five simple habits that actually help you stay consistent without burnout, guilt, or relying on motivation. Because motivation comes and goes… but the right habits keep you moving forward. In this episode, you’ll learn why motivation is unreliable and what to focus on instead, the biggest mistake people make when trying to stay consistent, and how to use habit stacking to make healthy habits automatic. We also dive into why accountability and access are often the missing pieces, and the simple system you can use to build habits that actually stick long-term. Plus, the fifth habit that ties everything together and has the potential to change everything. Consistency isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things repeatedly. You don’t need to overhaul your life. You need a system that works with your lifestyle, not against it. If you’re a busy professional trying to stay consistent, someone stuck in the cycle of starting and stopping, or just feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if this helped you, share it with someone who’s ready to stop starting over. You can connect with us on Instagram @treatmenttablepodcast for more tips, clips, and practical strategies to help you move better, feel better, and live healthier. Simple steps. Real conversations. Helping you move better, feel better, and live healthier. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    21 min

  7. Apr 26

    The 5-Minute Breathing Tool That Calms Anxiety, Improves Sleep & Boosts Focus

    In this episode, Mathew shares a personal story of how one simple breathing technique completely changed how he handles stress, parenting, and daily pressure, helping him stay calm in moments that would normally lead to frustration and overwhelm.  He’s joined by breathwork instructor Chris Sulfa, who explains:  Why your breathing directly controls your stress response  How breathwork can shift you out of anxiety in minutes  Different types of breathwork (from calming to high-performance)  How to use breathwork in real life (work, parenting, sleep)  Why most people are breathing incorrectly without realising This is not just theory; you’ll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately. What You’ll Learn  The link between breathing and your nervous system  Why you feel “wired but tired”  Simple breathing techniques to calm anxiety fast  How to improve sleep without relying on supplements  How to stay calm under pressure (kids, work, life)  The difference between relaxation vs performance breathwork Who This Is For  Busy parents feeling overwhelmed  Professionals dealing with stress or burnout  Anyone struggling with sleep or overthinking  Active people who want better recovery and focusFind out more:  Align Breathwork InstagramWe’re currently planning Season 2 — let us know who you want on the show. Send us a message on Instagram or email us at treatmenttablepodcast@gmail.com. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    43 min

  8. Apr 19

    From Rehab to Pole Dancing: The Surprising Way to Build Strength & Confidence

    Most people train to get stronger. But very few actually feel more confident, more connected, or more in control of their body. So what’s missing? In this episode of The Treatment Table, I sit down with physiotherapist and pole instructor Doris Davids to explore a completely different approach to movement, one that goes beyond rehab and traditional gym training. From working in neurological rehab to teaching pole dancing, Doris shares how movement can transform not just your strength, but your confidence, body awareness, and mindset. We unpack:  Why getting strong doesn’t always mean feeling confident  The limitations of traditional gym training  How pole dancing builds strength, control, and self-expression  The role of coordination and body awareness in injury prevention  Breaking stigma around movement, confidence, and body image  Training through pregnancy and returning safely post-birth  The power of community in staying consistent This episode will challenge how you think about exercise — and might just change the way you train. 🔑 Key Takeaways Strength alone isn’t enough - coordination and control matter  Confidence is built through capability, not appearance  Movement should feel engaging, not just repetitive  Community is one of the biggest drivers of consistency  The best training is the one that keeps you coming back 🎯 Who This Episode Is For You feel bored or stuck in your current training  You’ve lost motivation or consistency with exercise  You want to feel more confident in your body  You’re dealing with recurring injuries  You’re looking for a more enjoyable way to move 💪 Exercise of the WeekBuild upper body strength and control: Level 1: Bar Rows Focus: Shoulder engagement + control Level 2: Active Dead Hang Focus: Stability + endurance Level 3: Hanging Core Holds (Knees or L-Sit) Focus: Strength + coordination 👉 Keep movements slow, controlled, and intentional. 📲 Connect with DorisInstagram: @InkandSquats Clinic: Body and Movement Collective Pole Classes: Just Pole Fitness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re currently planning Season 2 — let us know who you want on the show. Send us a message on Instagram or email us at treatmenttablepodcast@gmail.com. 🎧 Episode Resources & Links Podcast Sponsor: Active Movement Studio https://activemovement.com.auWatch the exercises from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/treatmenttablepodcast/Podcast Producer Nellie: https://www.instagram.com/producer_nellie/Royalty-Free Music: Kontraa Studio | UKA Music. Pixabay.comSee you next week on the Treatment Table!

    36 min
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About

Your guide to a healthier, happier you.  Hosted by Doctor of Physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow, each week, we bring you expert advice on practical health, energy, and stress management strategies that fit seamlessly into your busy life. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to feel your best, our bite-sized episodes will give you actionable tips to boost your energy, ease tension, and improve your overall well-being.  Tune in for easy-to-follow, expert-guided insights that will help you live a healthier, happier life without sacrificing precious time.

Information

  • Creator
    Mathew Ah Chow
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Treatment Table Podcast
  • Show Website
    Treatment Table Podcast