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Joaquin Farias | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1973 (age 51–52) Murcia, Spain |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Neuroscientist |
| Known for | Farias Technique |
| Notable work |
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| Website | fariastechnique |
Joaquin Farias (born 1973) is a Spanish-born Canadian neuroscientist, researcher, and writer specializing in movement therapy for dystonia. [1]
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] [2] [4]
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. [1] [5] 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. [1] [5] [2]
After his recovery from dystonia, Farias developed a training program based on neuroplasticity principles. [1] In 2018, he started the Dystonia Recovery Online Program, aiming to provide wider access to treatment methods. [2] [6]
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. [3] [5] [2]
Previously, Farias served as a professor at the Music and Health Research Collaboratory of the University of Toronto. [4] He also serves as the director at the Neuroplastic Training Institute in Toronto. [2] [4]
Farias's work hypothesizes a link between dystonia and the insular cortex, which plays a role in controlling motion and emotion. [5] Farias theorizes that repetitive activities might reinforce improper neural pathways, thereby exacerbating the condition. [5]
His method, which he calls the Farias Technique, [7] involves using movement-based exercises to help retrain brain functions related to motor and sensory processing. [5] The core of his treatment approach is centered on relearning and normalizing repressed movements, through specific exercises. [5]
