The Mind and Fitness Podcast 374 - Revisiting That Episode on Intensity, with Tanner Murtagh
Jun 12, 2025
Tanner Murtagh, a Canada-based psychotherapist specializing in pain management, dives into the intense relationship between emotional health and chronic pain. He shares personal journeys of transformation from pain to purpose, emphasizing the importance of integrating play into our lives for better well-being. Murtagh discusses the unique challenges of high achievers in mind-body healing, advocating for compassion and emotional processing. He also highlights the unexpected community dynamics within therapeutic practices and the joy found in unconventional activities like one-wheeled riding.
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Tanner's Chronic Pain Journey
- Tanner Murtagh's chronic pain began intensively during his early 20s with knee pain that spread to shoulders, back, and hips.
- He was very active and intense in training, which coincided with academic stress and intense perfectionism.
Pain as Preoccupation
- Neuroplastic pain often becomes a preoccupation, not just a pain issue, intensifying with focused attention.
- The less you think about the pain and more you engage with emotions and life enjoyment, the more pain lessens.
Prioritize Play and Fun
- Prioritize play and fun to reduce the brain's sense of danger contributing to pain.
- Incorporate enjoyable activities regularly even during recovery to support mental health and pain relief.
