Improving the Physicality: Medical Gymnastics, Massage and Electrotherapy in the Treatment and Health Improvement of Adolescents in St. Petersburg in the Second Half of the 19th – Early 20th Centuries

The article, based on a wide range of sources presented by office documents of various organizations, medical manuals, instructions and advertising essays, as well as journalistic works, characterizes the latest physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment and rehabilitation of adolescents in the capital of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. . The study uses previously unknown archival sources from archival repositories - the Russian State Historical Archive and the Central State Historical Archive of St. Petersburg. During the analysis of medical literature and records management materials of medical organizations, it was possible to characterize health-saving methods of treating adolescents. Health-saving organizations in St. Petersburg at the turn of the 19th and early 20th centuries were widespread and developed advanced practices for adolescents - medical gymnastics, massage, electrotherapy. To organize medical care for the population in the city, enthusiastic doctors organized training for massage and gymnastics, and the promotion of electrotherapy. A striking example is the school of massage and gymnastics E.N. Zalesova. Medical treatment methods were included in home hygiene, treatment devices were actively promoted in the press and went on sale. Hydrotherapy and massage establishments and private masseuses have become an integral part of the daily life of adults and children in the capital city. Attention is drawn to the gradual acceptance by the medical community and active use, mainly in private medical institutions, of medical gymnastics, massage and electrotherapy in St. Petersburg. At the same time, it is concluded that age-related characteristics are poorly taken into account when applying the latest treatment methods, especially at home.