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Joaquin Farias (born 1973) is a Spanish-born Canadian neuroscientist, researcher, and writer specializing in movement therapy for dystonia.[1]
Joaquin Farias | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1973 Murcia, Spain |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Neuroscientist |
| Known for | Farias Technique |
| Notable work |
|
| Website | fariastechnique |
Farias was born in 1973 in Murcia, Spain.[2] He holds master's degrees in neuropsychological rehabilitation, psychosociology, and ergonomics and a doctorate in biomechanics.[3][4][5]
At the age of 21, while training as a professional musician, Farias developed dystonia, leading to involuntary curling of his fingers and impacting his ability to play the piano.[6][7] He began his research work on dystonia in 1996 following his own experience with dystonia as a young musician, which led him to create his own exercises to manage his condition.[8][9][10]
After his recovery from dystonia, Farias developed a training program based on neuroplasticity principles.[11] In 2018, he started the Dystonia Recovery Online Program, aiming to provide wider access to treatment methods.[12][13]
Farias has also worked as a coach for musicians, as well as with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and dancers, focusing on the recovery from focal dystonia and other practice-related disorders.[14][15][16]
Previously, Farias served as a professor at the Music and Health Research Collaboratory of the University of Toronto.[17] He also serves as the director at the Neuroplastic Training Institute in Toronto.[18][19]
Farias is also the author of three books on dystonia: Limitless: Your Movements Can Heal Your Brain, Intertwined: A New Approach to Rehabilitating Dystonias, and Rebellion of the Body: Understanding Musicians' Focal Dystonia.[20][21]
Farias's work hypothesizes a link between dystonia and the insular cortex, which plays a role in controlling motion and emotion.[22] Farias theorizes that repetitive activities might reinforce improper neural pathways, thereby exacerbating the condition.[22]
His method, now known as Farias Technique, involves using movement-based exercises to help retrain brain functions related to motor and sensory processing.[22][23] The core of his treatment approach is centered on relearning and normalizing repressed movements, through specific exercises.[22]
- Intertwined. How to Induce Neuroplasticity (2012)
- Rebellion of the Body: Understanding Musicians' Focal Dystonia (2012)
- Limitless: Your Movements Can Heal Your Brain (2016)
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