39151 - Massage and Physical Therapy (BO)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student gains the knowledge and ability to understand and apply the principles of physical therapy and manual massage, through a precise knowledge of therapeutic indications and contraindications.

Course contents

-MASSAGE THERAPY

1.Manual Massage

• Identify the biological and neurophysiological foundations of the effects of massage and primary physical therapies on various tissues (cutaneous, muscular, fascial, and vascular).

• Accurately recognize the therapeutic indications, absolute and relative contraindications, and safety precautions for each intervention, ensuring patient safety.

• Correctly apply core manual techniques (effleurage/stroking, friction, petrissage/kneading, tapotement/percussion, and vibration), appropriately calibrating body mechanics, direction, rhythm, and pressure of the therapeutic stroke.

• Assess tissue characteristics through palpation (trophism, tone, elasticity, extensibility) to guide the selection of manual or physical treatments.

2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) according to the Vodder Method

• Theory and physiological principles of manual lymphatic drainage.

• Overview of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system.

• Indications and contraindications of lymphatic drainage.

3. Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Muscle-specific techniques: Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR), Contract-Relax Antagonist Contract (CRAC), Strain-Counterstrain, and Pressure-Release.

4. Massage Therapy for Scar Tissue Management


-PHYSICAL THERAPY

THERMOTHERAPY

• Superficial Thermotherapy
• Infrared Rays
• Deep Thermotherapy
• Shortwave Diathermy, Microwave Diathermy
• Cryotherapy

ELECTROTHERAPY
Physics of electrical waves, biological and therapeutic effects, excitomotor and analgesic action, principles of muscle treatment according to possible pathological conditions

Direct Currents, Iontophoresis, Galvanization
Variable, Unidirectional, Alternating Currents, TENS, Diadynamic Currents, and Interferentials

MAGNETIC THERAPY
Physics of electromagnetic fields, biological and molecular effects, therapeutic indications and contraindications

LASER THERAPY
Physics of laser beam emission, existing types of laser therapy, laser-tissue interaction, biological and therapeutic effects, therapeutic indications and contraindications

TECART THERAPY
Physical principle of the capacitor, biological effects, mechanism of action, difference between capacitive and resistive modes, therapeutic indications and contraindications

ULTRASOUND THERAPY
Physics of ultrasound waves, technical principles underlying emission, biological effects on body tissues, administration strategies, therapeutic indications and contraindications

SHOCK WAVE THERAPY
Physics underlying shock wave emission, biological effects, difference between focal and radial shock waves, therapeutic indications and contraindications.

Readings/Bibliography

Zati A., Valent A.; Terapia fisica. Nuove tecnologie in Medicina Riabilitativa, Edizioni Minerva Medica, Torino 2006

Il linfodrenaggio manuale secondo il metodo Vodder. Denisa Giardini. BCM Editrice

Teaching methods

The module is delivered through highly integrated laboratory sessions, alternating theoretical lectures with hands-on practical workshops.

The manual skill acquisition process relies on the following methodology:

• Guided Demonstration: The instructor demonstrates the manual techniques, detailing the anatomical and physiological rationale, body mechanics, correct therapist posture, and expected tissue responses.

• Pair-based Practice (Peer-learning): Working in alternating pairs, students experience the technique both as the practitioner (to develop coordination and pressure modulation) and as the model/patient (to develop receptive sensitivity and empathy toward the treatment).

• Supervised Practice and Real-time Feedback: During hands-on sessions, the instructor actively supervises the students, providing immediate feedback to refine manual skills and foster early clinical reasoning.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of an integrated oral and practical exam designed to verify the achievement of the learning outcomes. The use of textbooks, personal notes, or electronic devices is strictly prohibited during the examination.

The exam is divided into two sequential parts:

1. Theoretical Assessment (Oral): Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the neurophysiological, biological, and hemodynamic principles underlying massage therapy and physical modalities. The exam will assess the student's ability to correctly identify indications, absolute/relative contraindications, and to select the most appropriate physical therapy based on specific clinical scenarios.

2. Practical Assessment: Students will be required to perform 2 or 3 manual techniques selected from those demonstrated during the laboratory workshops.

Assessment Criteria: The final evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

• Scientific accuracy and command of discipline-specific terminology.

• Clinical reasoning capacity in guiding therapeutic interventions.

• Technical accuracy and efficacy of the manual strokes.

• Adherence to the principles of ergonomics and proper body mechanics by the therapist.

• Safety and appropriateness in patient positioning and management.

Grading Policy: The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale (0-30) and is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the theoretical and practical scores. To pass the examination, students must achieve a passing grade (at least 18/30) in both sections.

 

GRADING SCALE

The final grade is awarded based on the following criteria, integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills:

• 18-19 / 30: Preparation limited to a very small number of topics covered in the course (e.g., partial knowledge of massage techniques or physical modalities parameters). Clinical reasoning and the ability to identify indications/contraindications emerge only with the instructor's guidance. Basic manual skills with minor uncertainties in body mechanics and patient positioning. Expression is in generally correct language.

• 20-24 / 30: Preparation on a limited number of topics. Autonomous analysis is demonstrated only on purely executive tasks (e.g., correct sequential execution of manual strokes or standard setting of electromedical parameters). Therapist ergonomics and patient management are correct but rigid. Expression is in correct language with appropriate terminology.

• 25-29 / 30: Preparation on a broad range of course topics. Ability to make autonomous choices and clinical critical analysis, selecting the most appropriate manual or physical treatment based on specific clinical scenarios, while demonstrating good palpation skills. Command of discipline-specific terminology and fluid, safe body mechanics.

• 30-30L / 30: Comprehensive and exhaustive preparation on all course topics. Strong ability to make autonomous, critical choices and clinical connections (e.g., integrating massage therapy with soft tissue techniques and physical modalities). Full command of specific terminology, excellent manual and palpation skills, flawless ergonomics, and an advanced capacity for clinical reasoning and self-reflection.

POLICY ON THE USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EXAMINATIONS

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool to support individual study through supplementary learning, summaries, and self-assessment paths.

Regarding learning assessment and examinations:

• On-site exams: Since this is an integrated oral and practical exam conducted in person, the use of any technological tools or generative AI systems during the tests is strictly prohibited.

• Off-site/Take-home assignments: In the event of any take-home assignments or written reports (e.g., clinical case templates, treatment plans, or theoretical papers), the use of AI is strictly prohibited. These assignments will be validated following a thorough analysis of the submitted coursework. The instructor reserves the right to conduct an oral interview to verify the student's authorship and understanding of the submitted material.

Teaching tools

To facilitate both theoretical and practical learning, the course utilizes a variety of resources, divided into digital platforms and laboratory equipment:

1. Digital and Multimedia Resources:

• University "Virtuale" Platform: Used to share lecture slides, supplementary scientific articles (guidelines and EBM evidence), and physical therapy equipment datasheets.

• Video Tutorials and Video Demonstrations: Instructional videos of manual techniques (effleurage, petrissage, lymphatic drainage, etc.) created by the instructor or sourced from accredited scientific channels, designed for self-study and home practice.

• 3D Anatomy Software: Use of interactive 3-dimensional digital anatomical models projected in class for reviewing muscular, fascial, and lymphatic pathways.

2. Laboratory Equipment and Materials:

• Adjustable treatment tables for hands-on practice.

• Three-dimensional anatomical models (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and lymphatic systems).

• Clinical simulation consumables: Therapeutic massage oils and creams, disposable table sheets, bolsters/pillows for patient positioning, and hand/surface sanitizers.

Students with learning disabilities (DSA) or temporary/permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible to arrange appropriate compensatory measures. The request must be submitted to the instructor in advance (at least 15 days before the exam date), who will assess the appropriateness of the proposed measures in relation to the course's learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Venturini