Joaquin Farias
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Joaquin Farias | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1973 (age 52–53) Murcia, Spain |
| Citizenship | Canada |
| Occupation | Neuroscientist |
| Known for | Farias Technique |
| Notable work |
|
| 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]
Career
At the age of 21, while training as a professional musician, Farias developed dystonia, which caused involuntary curling of his fingers and affected his ability to play the piano.[1][5] Following his own experience with dystonia as a young musician, he began his research work on dystonia in 1996, which led him to create his own exercises to manage his condition.[1][5][2]
After recovering, Farias created a training program based on princples of neuroplasticity.[1] In 2018, he launched the Dystonia Recovery Online Program, which presents his movement-based exercises and approach for people with dystonia. [2][6] Farias has worked as a coach for musicians, Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and dancers with focal dystonia and other practice-related movement disorders. [3][5][2]
Previously, Farias served as a professor at the Music and Health Research Collaboratory of the University of Toronto and is director of the Neuroplastic Training Institute in Toronto.[2][4]