TCM or Western medicine for sports injuries? Why this Hong Kong athlete chose both

For Hong Kong-based fencer Janelle Leung Ya-lei, the choice of treatment for her sports injuries was straightforward – she combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medicine. Leung, who recently helped Hong Kong medal in the women’s foil team event at the 2026 Asian Games, had to deal with a partial tear to her ankle ligament just days before a major competition.

Unable to access her usual medical team, she turned to TCM knowledge she had been studying at Baptist University. Each night after training, Leung focused on a few acupuncture points to stimulate her ankle, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling and pain. This treatment proved highly effective, enabling her to continue training and compete at a high level.

In Hong Kong, where diverse athletic pursuits abound, athletes often contemplate whether to rely on Chinese or Western medicine, or to integrate both. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Dr Cheung Yung observes a wide range of injuries among the city's active population, from sprained ankles and calf muscle tears to knee issues caused by abrupt movements on hard courts.

Cheung categorizes injuries into two types: those resulting from accidents or sudden overuse, and those caused by repeated motions. He employs a classical Chinese medicine approach, combining observation, listening, questioning, and physical examination (palpation) to diagnose the issue. He also considers factors such as metal allergies, blood-thinning medication, and blood disorders that might make acupuncture unsuitable.

Dr Hon Sze-sze, a senior lecturer in sports management at Baptist University, explains that many athletes initially seek help from Western medicine doctors for referrals to physiotherapy or imaging tests. While cultural familiarity and insurance requirements can influence this decision, the best integrated care involves multiple practitioners working together with the same goals and recovery plan.