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

- MASSOTHERAPY
1. Manual massage: neurophysiological principles and effects, mechanisms of action, indications, and contraindications. Theoretical framework and practical illustration of massage techniques: effleurage, rubbing, kneading, friction, percussion, and vibration. These phases will be illustrated for various body regions.
2. Manual lymphatic drainage according to the Vodder method.
Theory and physiological basis of manual lymphatic drainage,
notes to the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system,
indications and contraindications of lymphatic drainage.
3. Connective Tissue Massage
Neurophysiological bases of connective tissue massage according to Dicke, dermatome subdivision
Indications and contraindications for connective tissue massage
4. Soft tissue treatment techniques: muscle techniques (PIR, CRAC, Strain Counterstrain, Pressure-release)
5. Massage therapy for scars


-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

Theoretical and practical lessons with a hands-on approach to the indicated massage techniques. The techniques will initially be illustrated by the professor and then performed by the students in pairs under supervision.

Assessment methods

Oral and practical exam: Students must demonstrate their understanding of the neurophysiological principles of massage techniques, their indications, and their contraindications. They will then be assessed for their acquisition of the basic knowledge of physical therapies, focusing on their biological effects and therapeutic indications. They will also be asked to identify the appropriate physical therapy based on specific clinical conditions. Finally, they will be assessed for the execution of 2-3 practical techniques from those illustrated.
Proof of specific language proficiency, effective body ergonomics during the practical exam, and patient positioning will be part of the assessment.
Textbooks or notes will not be available during the exam.
The final grade is the average of the two exams (oral and practical) and will be expressed out of 30.

Teaching tools

Slides, PC, pratical massage techniques sessions

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Venturini