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

    3d ago

    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!

    14 min
  2. Mini Consult | Is Sitting The New Smoking? The Truth About Your Desk Job

    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!

    14 min
  3. Why You're Always Tired: The Hidden Link Between Sleep, Pain & Recovery

    Jun 14

    Why You're Always Tired: The Hidden Link Between Sleep, Pain & Recovery

    Sleep is one of the most important pillars of health, yet it's often the most neglected. In this special bonus episode of The Treatment Table, Mathew is joined by sleep physiotherapist Peter Allen from Melbourne Brain and Spine Group and SD Labs, alongside co-host and Women's Health Physiotherapist Dimi Tanyous, to explore the powerful connection between sleep, pain, recovery and long-term health. If you wake up feeling stiff, sore, exhausted, struggle with chronic pain, or feel like you're doing everything right but still not recovering, this episode is for you. We discuss: • Why poor sleep can increase your risk of developing chronic pain • The surprising relationship between sleep, inflammation and recovery • Common sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnoea • Why waking up tired isn't normal • How sleep quality impacts athletic performance and injury recovery • The role of sleep posture, mattresses and sleep environment • Practical strategies to improve your sleep starting tonight • The "three-legged stool" of health: movement, nutrition and sleep Whether you're an athlete looking to recover better, someone living with persistent pain, or simply wanting more energy and better health, this episode will change the way you think about sleep. Resources & Links Learn more about SD Labs: https://sdlabs.com.au Follow SD Labs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdlabsau Learn more about Melbourne Brain & Spine Group: https://melbournebrainandspine.com.au As a listener of The Treatment Table Podcast, you'll receive 20% off your first appointment at Active Movement Studio. Book online at: https://activemovement.com.au Use code: TREATMENTTABLE20 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from a better night's sleep. 🎧 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!

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

    Jun 7

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Treatment Table Podcast
  • Show Website
    Treatment Table Podcast