Hong Kong's sports medicine expertise lifts athletes to new heights

HK's leading role

Over the past 30 to 40 years, Hong Kong has been a leader in sports medicine in Asia, excelling in clinical practice, education and research, Yung said.

In 1984, the first sports injuries clinic in Hong Kong was established at Prince of Wales Hospital, which was also the first in the city to promote the development of arthroscopic surgery. The Sports Medicine and Sports Science Association of Hong Kong, established in 1988, aims to promote and advance the practice, education and research of medicine and science related to sports and exercise.

Chan Kai-ming, a professor emeritus of orthopedics and traumatology at Chinese University of Hong Kong, was elected as the first Asian president of the International Federation of Sports Medicine in 2002.

Hong Kong rehabilitation therapist Lui Yi-nok was included on the national team of therapists taking care of Chinese athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lui was the only such professional from Hong Kong on the team.

Lui said she was grateful for the trust shown in her and was honored to support China's top gymnasts in their quest for glory.

In 2022, she joined the national gymnastics team as the rehab therapist for Chinese gymnast Liu Yang, who was recovering from knee surgery and ongoing waist and shoulder injuries after his victory in the men's rings at the Tokyo Olympics. On Aug 4, 2024, Liu successfully defended his title at Paris' Bercy Arena, earning the Chinese team's first gold medal at the Paris Games.

However, Lui's role as a sports therapist goes beyond treating an athlete's injuries and monitoring their physical condition. Her techniques include massage, equipment therapy and muscle taping, while closely interacting with athletes to adjust their training plans, improve performance and ease discomfort.

Since graduating from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong in 2016, Lui has specialized in sports rehabilitation and has worked with the Hong Kong Rugby Union and the Guangdong Gymnastics Team.

Yung said collaboration enables athletes to receive more tailored and superior treatment services.

Louie, from Education University of Hong Kong, encourages students from other countries and regions to pursue sports medicine degrees in the city for exchanges and learning opportunities.

He said Chinese University of Hong Kong's master of science in sports medicine and health science program, which began in 2004 and has been running for 20 years, is a good start.

The program mainly attracts family doctors, therapists, sports coaches, physical education teachers and individuals interested in sports, Louie said. Annual enrollment is approximately 60 to 70 students.