The First-level Short Specialisation degree in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy prepares physiotherapists to assess patients, plan and perform physiotherapy treatments, including manual therapy techniques and therapeutic workouts, in line with the quality standards of the “International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists” (IFOMPT) and the “Gruppo Terapia Manuale e Fisioterapia Muscoloscheletrica” (GTM). 

The purpose of the course is, through a bio-psycho-social approach, to harmonize the knowledge of scientific literature with functional diagnosis procedures, clinical thinking, identification of personalized therapeutic goals, effective treatment selection and result verification, concerning neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.

The First-level Short Specialisation degree in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy provides specific training on:

  • Preparatory subjects for manual therapy;
  • Manual therapy methods and methodology;
  • Manual therapy techniques concerning the upper quadrant, lower quadrant, spine and temporomandibular joints; 
  • Research methodology.

The course will include workshops where students can simulate manual therapy techniques and clinical traineeship. Moreover, students will be guided in the production and presentation of a project work (dissertation) that will be discussed during the final exam. Apart from the final exam, the two-year course includes one/two written tests on basic subjects and two written and practical exams on manual therapy.

The First-level Short Specialisation degree in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is addressed to physiotherapy healthcare professionals, and provides them specialist skills on manual therapy. 

The requirements for access are:

  • University Diploma in: Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy
  • Healthcare professionals (L. 1/2002, art. 10, para. 1) – Physiotherapist

After the course, students can find work as free practitioners in professional practices, as physiotherapists in rehabilitation units of the National Healthcare Service, and in sports associations.

The First-level Short Specialisation degree in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy provides specific training on the following modules and topics:

Human anatomy

  • Human anatomy
  • Peripheral nervous system
  • Anatomy of fascia

Human physiology

Nervous system physiology

Orthopaedics and traumatology

Neurology

Biomechanics and kinesiology

General physiopathology

Clinical psychology

Rheumatology

Pharmacology

Professional Behaviour

  • Patient and physiotherapist emotional behaviour

Research methodology in rehabilitation

Manual Therapy general methodology

  • Manual Therapy general methodology 
  • Therapeutic exercise and pain management
  • Neurodinamic principles

Manual Therapy of upper quadrant 

  • Shoulder MT
  • Elbow MT part 1 (ATT.NE: si cita una “part 1” ma non trovo la “part 2”)
  • Wrist and hand MT

Manual Therapy of lower quadrant

  • Hip MT part 1
  • Hip MT part 2
  • Knee MT
  • Ankle and foot MT

Manual therapy of vertebral column

  • Manual therapy of spine
  • Cervical spine MT part 1
  • Cervical spine MT part 2
  • Thoracic spine MT part 1
  • Thoracic spine MT part 2
  • Lumbar spine MT

Manual therapy of TMJ

The First-level Short Specialisation degree  in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy entails that part of the course – especially those related to basic subjects – will be provided remotely, while manual therapy lessons will be main provided in person.

Also, it will include internationalization-related subjects, in order to provide participants with communicative and linguistic competences that will allow them to practice their profession internationally, such as reading international magazines, and taking part in course and updates at international level. 

The course includes clinical traineeship and tutor-guided activities, arranged between the two year period and supervised by expert tutors. Finally, it will include one or two anatomic dissection workshops.

The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2023/24 will be published on the Italian page of this First-level Short Specialisation degree according to the timing provided in the Call.

Information

Health, environment and territory
30/10/2025
70%
24
30
€ 4.102,50
€ 2.726,50
Find the admission titles in the selection notice 24/25.

FAQ

All editions last two years, and being in Autumn. The related call is presented a few months earlier, every other year.

A First-level Short Specialisation degree edition lasts two academic years. On average, it begins in December of the first academic year (e.g. December 2023) and ends at the end of the following academic year (e.g. September 2025).

In-person seminars are mainly held on weekends, once a month.

Exams are held annually. At the end of each academic year, 2 written exams (1 on basic subjects, 1 on speciality subjects) and a hands-on test will be held. At the end of the course, students must write and present a final dissertation.

After passing all exams, completing the traineeship and discussing the dissertation, students are awarded a First-level Short Specialisation degree, the OMPT international title (issued by the GTM), and the qualification of physiotherapist specialized in musculoskeletal disorders.