[The rise of remedial gymnastics [heilgymnastiek]

In this article the introduction and further development of remedial gymnastics in the Netherlands from 1840 until about 1900 is described. In the second half of the 19th century there was an increasing interest for the application of remedial gymnastics as a form of conservative medical treatment. Contrary to what one would expect, it were not physicians but mostly physical education teachers who dedicated themselves to this kind of treatment. The activities of these so-called 'heilgymnasten' gradually gained recognition from the public and the physicians. The lack of a proper training school, research facilities and a forum for exchanging experiences forced the 'heilgymnasten' to raise the level of their skills and knowledge by themselves. During the eighties, a period in which the process of differentiation and specialization in the field of medicin increased, conflicts between members of the medical profession and 'heilgymnastern' occurred more frequently. Some of the latter decided to form an organization that would look after their interests and would enable them to increase the professional level of the 'heilgymnasten'. On September 1st 1889 the 'Society for practising remedial gymnastics in the Netherlands' [Genootschap ter beoefening van de Heilgymnastiek in Nederland] was founded. The main aims of its members were to establish a state exam, a public training school as well as to ensure proper legislation for this new profession. The founding of the Socieity lifted the controversy between physicians and 'heilgymnasten' from the level of a dispute between individuals to that of a battle over the domain between professional organizations. What was at stake was the autonomy in the field of remedial gymnastics. This confrontation lasted until the Second World War. In 1942 the Dutch 'heilgymnasten' got the legal status for their profession that they had wanted so desperately.