Dr. Joaquin Farias

 

Dr. Joaquin Farias is a renowned expert in the treatment of dystonia, utilizing movement-induced neuroplasticity to aid recovery.

With a doctorate in biomechanics, Dr. Farias also holds advanced degrees in neuropsychological rehabilitation, psychosociology, and ergonomics.

His philosophy is grounded in the belief that every rehabilitation journey is unique, just as no two people are identical. He stresses that life is ever-changing, and thus, rehabilitation processes must be personalized.

Dr. Farias advocates for the humanization of science and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches. He recognizes that patients exist in an interconnected world, one that cannot be compartmentalized into isolated clinical categories.

He emphasizes that patients are more than just clinical cases—they are individuals with rich, multifaceted lives. When healthcare reduces a person to mere medical history, crucial aspects of their identity and experience are often neglected.

Dr. Farias’ personal commitment is to ensure that each patient receives the most effective and minimally invasive treatment possible.

Since 1996, he has empowered thousands of individuals to regain their quality of life after suffering from the challenges of dystonia.

In 2018, he expanded his mission to reach a broader audience. With the help of a dedicated team, he developed the Dystonia Recovery Online Program, designed to provide accessible support to those in need. More details about this initiative can be found here.

Dr. Farias has provided coaching and rehabilitation to musicians from renowned labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, Philips, and EMI, as well as to Olympic athletes, Paralympians, and leading dancers, guiding them through recovery from focal dystonia and other performance-related conditions.

He serves as the director of the Neuroplastic Training Institute in Toronto and holds a seasonal lecturing position at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Farias is also a published author, having written 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.

He has presented his research and methodologies at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Medical School, McGill University, University of Toronto’s Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Tokyo University, Toronto Western Hospital, Universidad La Sapienza di Roma, and the European Union.

In addition, Dr. Farias has been invited to speak on health in music performance at Berklee College of Music, the State University of New York, the Norwegian Academy of Music, the Helsinki Conservatory, the Barenboim-Said Foundation, and numerous prestigious orchestras and institutions across Europe, including the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

His innovative work has been featured on platforms such as TEDx, Discover Magazine, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, El Mundo, La Repubblica, and Runner’s World Magazine.

Alongside his medical and research accomplishments, Dr. Farias holds four bachelor’s degrees in music, specializing in piano, flute, chamber music, and music theory, as well as an advanced diploma in countertenor vocal performance.

For over 30 years, Dr. Farias has honed his expertise in mind-body medicine, developing a deep understanding of relaxation techniques. He is a dedicated practitioner of traditional Japanese martial arts, yoga, meditation, medical qigong, and shiatsu.

Upcoming Dr. Farias’ lectures:

Neuroplasticidad y Neurorrehabilitación de distonías primarias, un enfoque alternativo y complementario. Hospital in the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona. Marzo 7, 2024. España

Using technology to overcome the mystery of primary dystonia. Activity and Rehabilitation. Movement and Cognition. International Conference. Charles University. Prague. 13-15 September 2024. Czech Republic

Neuroriabilitazione e neuroplasticità: Trattamenti basati sul movimento per le distonie primarie. Rome Rehabilitation Conference. Rome. 8-9 Novembre 2024. Italia