Program Overview

MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM

Overview

The course presents the main basic techniques of massage, segmental and global mobilization performed by the physiotherapist during his rehabilitation activity.

Aims and Content

Aims and Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student must have acquired the following skills:

• Correctly perform the basic massage techniques
• Know the effects and contraindications of massage therapy
• Correctly organize the massage therapy session, taking into account the diagnostic indications and problems of the pathology in progress
• Know and acquire the main modalities of kinesitherapy and its physiological effects at the joint, muscular, neurophysiological, cardio-respiratory, and psychological levels

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Simulations
• Theoretical-practical exercises for a total of 20 hours (2 CFU)
• Students will also have the opportunity to attend workshops and educational spaces to implement both massage therapy and kinesitherapy techniques and become operators and subjects themselves

Syllabus/Content

• Historical notes and general information on massage therapy
• Operating procedures relating to the environment, the duration of the session, the behavior of the operator
• The examination and evaluation of the tissues (properties and problems)
• The fundamental maneuvers and physiological effects of massage
• Indications and contraindications to massage therapy
• Kinesiotherapy: definition, biological effects, indications, and contraindications
• Passive mobilization, passive exercise; effects and purposes
• Postural hygiene, simple and specific analytical mobilization, self-mobilization, and instrumental mobilization, forced passive mobilization
• Active mobilization - active exercise; effects and purposes
• Types of contraction: isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic movement and plyometric exercise
• Methods of recovery of range of motion and muscle strengthening: techniques and rules of application
• Muscle stretching techniques (Stretching)

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Clay-pounds -allen -clinical fundamentals of piccin new library 2018 massage therapy
• Kisner Colby - Therapeutic Exercise - Fundamentals and Techniques
• Material provided by the teacher

Teachers and Exam Board

Teachers

• Susanna Accogli
• Andrea Bianchi

Exam Board

• Greta Nunziati (President)
• Andrea Bianchi
• Laura Bonzano
• Letizia De Marchi
• Francesca Farina
• Andrea Fusco
• Daniela Garaventa
• Francesca Invrea
• Valentina Penazzi
• Susanna Accogli (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

Lessons

Lessons Start

Lessons will take place in the second semester of the 1st year

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available on the university's portal.

Exams

Exam Description

The exam is oral. The grade will be mediated with the evaluations obtained in the other disciplines of the I.C. Exam sessions will be available from the summer session (June, July, and September).

Assessment Methods

• It includes at least 2 questions asked by the teachers in charge of teaching
• It will be aimed at evaluating an appropriate knowledge of the topics covered in the module
• Students with SLD or with other regularly certified special educational needs will be able to agree with the teacher the written or oral modality, by contacting the teachers at least 10 days before the exam
• They can also take advantage of 30% additional time

Exam Schedule

• 27/01/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 26/02/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 19/06/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 03/07/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 20/07/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 07/09/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale
• 21/09/2026, 09:00, GENOVA, Orale

Further Information

In the case of a student with a certified SLD, it is necessary to contact the Referent Professor of the DISABILITY and SLD Commission for DINOGMI. The Integrated Course is preparatory to the first year internship exam.