Interview with Dr Patrick Yung (Part 1): The Unsung Hero Helping Hong Kong Athletes Overcome Injuries

Last year, the Hong Kong team achieved its best performance ever at the Paris Olympics. The athletes' success is not only due to their hard work but also the support from their coaches, therapists, and the rest of the team. Dr. Yung Shu Hang has been the primary doctor for Hong Kong athletes for many years, helping them overcome injuries and compete.

Dr. Yung Shu Hang: A Multifaceted Sports Medicine Expert

Dr. Yung wears many hats. He is the Head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Sports Medicine and Sciences, and Director of the Jockey Club Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Centre. He also serves as a member of JC Fit City Advisory Committee. As a sports medicine expert, Dr. Yung has been providing regular medical services to elite athletes since 2001. Starting in 2003, he has accompanied the Hong Kong team to various international competitions, taking care of their injuries. Cyclist Lee Wai Sze, fencer Cheung Ka Long, fencer Kong Man Wai, gymnast Shek Wai Hung, and badminton player Tse Ying Suet are all his patients.

Dr. Yung's office features a photo with "Queen of Cow Mountain" Lee Wai Sze

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Cheung Ka Long with Dr. Yung

Hong Kong badminton player Tse Ying Suet's message of gratitude to Dr. Yung

How to Balance Athletes' Recovery and Training?

Dr. Yung, with his extensive experience in treating athletes, admits that balancing their training and rest time is not easy, as elite athletes find it very difficult to rest. "They have a tight training schedule, programs, and competitions. Often, they want to get back to training as soon as possible."

Dr. Yung points out that if an athlete is injured, recovery takes time, and there are no shortcuts. Therefore, when communicating with athletes, he first needs to understand their schedule and know which important competitions are coming up to create a plan that meets their expectations. If the injury prevents the athlete from participating in a competition, Dr. Yung will honestly inform them, "This competition seems too difficult for you!" and suggest they set their sights on the next one.

Dr. Yung Shu Hang is the Director of the Jockey Club Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Centre

Alternate Training: How to Maintain Athletes' Peak Condition After an Injury?

For athletes, an injury means that some training may need to be paused. Dr. Yung says, "Sometimes when athletes can't do technical training, they still hope to maintain their mental state, so we arrange some alternate training."

Alternate training involves doing rehabilitation therapy while also performing exercises that do not affect the injury. For example, a leg-injured athlete who cannot run might cycle instead. If cycling is not possible, swimming or fitness training that does not affect the injury can be chosen.

Dr. Yung notes that the training arrangements might need to be prepared from the first day of the injury. Therefore, elite athletes' physiological and even psychological preparation never really stops. They must maintain their condition using various methods, so that when they recover, they can quickly get back to training and regain their competitive edge.

More interview content:
Interview with Dr. Yung (Part 2): Over 20 Years of Treating Athletes, The Unforgettable Rehabilitation Journey of Gymnast Angel Wong
Interview with Dr. Yung (Part 3): Sports Medicine Expert Loves Sports! Finding Time to Exercise Despite a Busy Schedule