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. 6d ago

    Mini Consult | My Shoulder Keeps Clicking, Should I Stop Exercising?

    My Shoulder Keeps Clicking — Should I Stop Exercising? That clicking, popping or cracking in your shoulder can be seriously off-putting — especially when it suddenly appears during exercise. But does a noisy shoulder actually mean something is damaged? And should you stop training until it goes away? In this final Mini Consult before we gear up for Season 2 of The Treatment Table, Mat answers Emma’s question: “My shoulder keeps clicking. Should I stop using it when I exercise?” We break down: Why shoulders and other joints click, crack and popThe difference between joint pressure and a tendon “flicking”Why clicking without pain is often less concerning than you thinkThe warning signs that should prompt you to get your shoulder assessedWhy weakness, swelling and loss of movement matter more than noise aloneHow muscle tightness, shoulder positioning and the rotator cuff can contributeWhy completely stopping exercise may actually make things worseHow to modify your training and gradually build your load back upThe big takeaway: If your shoulder is clicking but you have no pain, no significant weakness and normal movement, you generally don’t need to stop using it. Keep moving, modify your load if needed and build back up gradually. If the clicking is accompanied by pain, weakness, instability, swelling or a noticeable loss of movement, that’s when it’s worth getting assessed by your physio. This is our final Mini Consult before we take a short break as we prepare for Season 2 of The Treatment Table — with a new co-host, a new format and video coming to the podcast. Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming guest interviews and the launch of Season 2! 🎧 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!

    Mini Consult | My Shoulder Keeps Clicking, Should I Stop Exercising?

  2. Aug 2

    Mini Consult | Can You Pass the 20-Second Balance Test? What It Reveals About Your Health

    Can you stand on one leg with your eyes closed for 20 seconds? It sounds easy... until you actually try it. After assessing hundreds of people at a community health event, one test stood out above every other mobility, strength and posture assessment. Most people couldn't do it, and what it revealed about their body was far more important than they realised. In this Mini Consult, Mathew Ah Chow explains why balance isn't just about avoiding falls. It's a window into your nervous system, joint control, muscle function, reaction speed and even your long-term health. You'll learn:  Why so many people struggle with balance today  What proprioception is and why it matters  The link between poor balance and sporting injuries like ACL tears  How balance changes as we age and why it's one of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing  Simple exercises you can start today to improve your balance in under a minute Whether you're an athlete wanting to reduce injury risk or simply want to stay active as you get older, this episode gives you one practical test and one simple habit that could benefit you for years to come. Takeaway: If you can't balance on one leg with your eyes closed for 20 seconds, don't panic but start training it. A few seconds of balance work each day could improve your movement, reduce injury risk and help you stay stronger for longer. 🎧 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!

    Mini Consult | Can You Pass the 20-Second Balance Test? What It Reveals About Your Health

  3. Jul 26

    Mini Consult | Why Stress Shows Up in Your Body (And Why You Feel So Tight)

    Have you ever felt tight through your chest, sore around your ribs, struggled to take a deep breath, or carried constant tension through your neck and shoulders, even though nothing appears to be physically wrong? In this Mini Consult, Doctor of Physiotherapy Mathew Ah Chow explores one of the most overlooked connections in health: the relationship between your mind and your body. Using real patient stories from the treatment room, Mathew explains why stress doesn't just affect your thoughts; it can change the way you breathe, move and experience pain. You'll learn how your nervous system influences muscle tension, why unresolved stress can become physical symptoms, and simple strategies to help your body switch out of "survival mode". If you've ever wondered whether stress could be contributing to your pain, tightness or fatigue, this episode will help you better understand what your body might be trying to tell you. In this episode:  Why stress commonly causes chest, rib and neck tightness  How your nervous system influences pain and muscle tension  The surprising connection between past experiences and physical symptoms  What zebras can teach us about recovering from stress  Simple breathing and movement strategies to calm your nervous system  Why your brain and body should never be treated as separate systems Key Takeaway Your body isn't working against you, it's communicating with you. Learning to recognise the physical signs of stress early can help you reduce pain, improve recovery and build greater resilience. Listen now and discover how reconnecting your brain and body could be one of the most powerful things you do for your health. 🎧 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!

    Mini Consult | Why Stress Shows Up in Your Body (And Why You Feel So Tight)

  4. Jul 19

    Mini Consult | Should You Train When You're Sick? The Above-the-Neck Rule

    Should you train when you're sick? Can you exercise with a cold, or should you rest? It's one of the most common questions we get during winter, and the answer isn't always straightforward. In this Mini Consult, Dr Mathew Ah Chow explains the simple Above-the-Neck Rule, a practical guideline used to help determine when it's generally safe to exercise and when your body needs complete rest. You'll also learn how illness affects your immune system, why returning to training too quickly can increase your injury risk, and what you can do to recover faster and get back to doing what you love. In this episode you'll learn: The Above-the-Neck Rule for exercising when you're sick.When it's generally safe to train with a cold.The symptoms that mean you should avoid exercise completely.How to return to exercise safely after illness.Why sleep is one of the most powerful tools for recovery and immune health.How regular exercise supports your immune system.Why marathon runners and endurance athletes are more susceptible to illness after major events.The truth behind the myth that cold weather causes colds.Key Takeaway If your symptoms are above the neck, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion or a mild sore throat, light to moderate exercise may be appropriate if you otherwise feel well. If your symptoms are below the neck, including fever, chest congestion, shortness of breath, vomiting or diarrhoea, it's time to stop training, prioritise recovery and let your immune system do its job. Knowing when to rest is just as important as knowing when to train. Have a question you'd like answered on a future Mini Consult? Email us at treatmenttablepodcast@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram @treatmenttablepodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who could benefit from 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!

    Mini Consult | Should You Train When You're Sick? The Above-the-Neck Rule

  5. Jul 12

    Mini Consult | Why Most Fitness Advice Isn't Meant for You

    Today's question comes from Mike, who asks whether the endless stream of fitness advice from social media, elite athletes and AI is actually helping the average person—or making things more confusing. With more information than ever at our fingertips, it's easy to fall into the trap of copying advanced training methods designed for professional athletes, without building the foundations first. In this episode, Physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow explains why context matters, how to filter the overwhelming amount of advice online, and the right way to use AI as a tool to support your health rather than derail it. You'll learn why the best exercise isn't always the most impressive one, why timing is everything when progressing your training, and the three foundations that should always come before chasing the latest performance hacks. In this episode:  Why elite athlete training doesn't always apply to everyday people  The hidden danger of copying exercises from Instagram and YouTube  Why "more advanced" doesn't mean "better"  How to progress your training safely without getting injured  The difference between foundations and optimisation  How to ask AI better questions to receive more personalised advice  The three non-negotiable pillars of long-term health and performance Key Takeaway The algorithm will always show you what's exciting. Your body will always reward the fundamentals. Before worrying about supplements, advanced exercises or AI-generated training plans, make sure you're consistently:  Moving well  Eating well  Sleeping well Master these first, then optimise. If you've got a question you'd like answered on a future Mini Consult episode, send us a DM on Instagram @treatmenttablepodcast or email thetreatmenttablepodcast@gmail.com. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode. 🎧 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!

    Mini Consult | Why Most Fitness Advice Isn't Meant for You

  6. Jul 5

    Mini Consult | Should You Do Cardio After Weights? The Truth About Combining Strength & Cardio

    Should you do cardio after lifting weights, or are you undoing all your hard work? It's one of the most common questions in the gym—and one of the biggest fitness myths that continues to circulate. In this Mini Consult, Physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow explains why the answer isn't as simple as "always separate them". Whether you're training for a marathon, chasing a PB in Hyrox, building strength, or simply trying to stay healthy, the key is understanding how to match your training to your goal. You'll also learn how athletes should approach strength training before competition, why complete rest isn't always the best strategy, and how to maximise results without increasing your injury risk. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why the old "never mix cardio and weights" advice came from bodybuilding.  Whether cardio after weights reduces muscle growth.  The best order for strength and cardio depends on your goals.  How Hyrox athletes successfully combine strength and endurance.  Programming tips for runners versus strength athletes.  How everyday people should structure gym sessions for maximum results.  Should you lift weights on game day?  How to prepare your body in the days leading up to competition. Key takeaway: Don't organise your training around myths. Organise it around your goal. Focus your best energy on the quality that matters most to you, then use the rest of your session to build everything else. If you've ever wondered whether you're training the "right" way, this episode will help you train smarter, not just harder.  🎧 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!

    Mini Consult | Should You Do Cardio After Weights? The Truth About Combining Strength & Cardio

  7. Jun 27

    Mini Consult | "I've Been Told My Shoulder Is Degenerating..." Here's What That Really Means

    You've been told you have "shoulder degeneration"... now what? Those words can feel like a life sentence. Many people leave a scan believing their shoulder is wearing out, exercise will make it worse, and surgery is inevitable. But that's often not the full story. In this Mini Consult, Doctor of Physiotherapist Mathew Ah Chow explains what shoulder degeneration actually means, why MRI findings don't always explain pain, and how the right exercise programme can dramatically improve strength, movement and confidence, even when your scan shows arthritis or wear and tear. You'll learn: • What "degeneration" actually means  • Why scans often create unnecessary fear  • Why movement is medicine for shoulder pain  • The simple shoulder analogy that changes everything  • How one client avoided shoulder replacement surgery  • The exercises that matter most If you've ever been told your shoulder is "bone on bone", "wearing out", or "degenerating", this episode is for you. Remember: your scan tells a story but it doesn't tell your future. Enjoying the Podcast? Follow, rate and review the podcast to help more people live healthier, happier lives. 📩 Got a question for a future Mini Consult?  Send us a DM 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!

    Mini Consult | "I've Been Told My Shoulder Is Degenerating..." Here's What That Really Means

  8. Jun 21

    Mini Consult | Is Sitting The New Smoking? The Truth About Your Desk Job

    In this Mini Consult episode, Doctor of Physiotherapy, Matthew Ah Chow tackles one of the most common health claims of the modern era and explains what the research really tells us about prolonged sitting. Whether you work from a desk, spend hours in meetings, commute long distances, or find yourself glued to a screen for most of the day, this episode explores why movement throughout the day may be just as important as your workout routine. Mathew shares:  Why sitting and smoking aren't directly comparable  The surprising impact prolonged sitting can have on your body  Why one hour at the gym can't completely offset a sedentary day  The concept of "incidental movement" and why it matters  Practical strategies to break up long periods of sitting  How small movement habits can improve your health, focus and longevity If you've ever wondered whether your desk job is affecting your health, this episode is for you. Key Takeaway You don't need to exercise more. You may need to move more. Small movement breaks throughout the day can have a powerful impact on your long-term health and wellbeing.  Enjoying the Podcast? Follow, rate and review the podcast to help more people live healthier, happier lives. 📩 Got a question for a future Mini Consult?  Send us a DM 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!

    Mini Consult | Is Sitting The New Smoking? The Truth About Your Desk Job
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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
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Treatment Table Podcast
  • Show Website
    Treatment Table Podcast