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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to osteopath and running enthusiast Matt Stewart for a wide-ranging, evidence-informed conversation that begins with tendinopathy—its underlying pathophysiology, why it develops, and what effective treatment actually looks like beyond generic rehabilitation.

From there, the discussion broadens to explore how stress and inactivity influence tissue health, load tolerance, and recovery, affecting not only clinical populations but athletes who may otherwise be training consistently and “doing everything right.” They also unpack the role of the brain in pain perception, including how pain can be up-regulated or dampened, and why this understanding is critical for both injury management and performance.

Throughout the conversation, Matt shares how his interest in ancestral and evolutionary foundations has shaped his clinical approach, offering a framework that bridges modern sports medicine, osteopathy, and real-world movement.

This episode will appeal to clinicians, coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in how the body adapts to load and stress over time.

Links mentioned in website:

Mark Sisson - Archetypal Rest Postures video

Darryl Edwards,

Matt's links 

clinic website https://unityosteopathy.co.nz

Clinic Instagram  @unity_osteo

Running related @running_osteo

Matt Stewart is a highly experienced osteopath with more than 25 years in clinical practice. He holds a Master of Osteopathy from Unitec Institute of Technology and brings a broad, evidence-informed approach to helping clients improve function, manage pain, and move well.

Matt’s work is grounded in the osteopathic principle that the body has an innate capacity to regulate and heal itself when structure and function are supported. His clinical approach integrates cranial osteopathy, myofascial techniques, joint mobilisation and manipulation, tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each client.

He has completed extensive postgraduate training in cranial, fascial, respiratory, and foot and ankle techniques, including advanced study at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in San Diego under Dr Viola Frymann, further training with Dr Robert Fulford in Oregon, and specialist foot and ankle training in California and Australia.

In addition to his clinical work, Matt is an accredited Athletics NZ coach and has a strong interest in working with runners and athletes to support performance, recovery, and injury management. He has competed in events ranging from road races to marathons and ultra-marathons, including three Comrades Ultramarathons in South Africa.

Matt practises in Auckland and lives in St Heliers with his wife Emma and their two children.

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