PETALING JAYA: There’s no denying the capabilities of local specialists, but there’s also no harm in seeking the best possible treatment abroad.
That’s the view of 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist Goh Liu Ying, who believes shuttler Ng Tze Yong could gain valuable insights and experience by undergoing rehabilitation overseas, something she went through herself in 2017.
Tze Yong is currently awaiting surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the Malaysia Masters two weeks ago.
Liu Ying, who battled serious injuries to both knees and a shoulder in 2017, was sent to Halle, Germany, by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for treatment.
Reflecting on her six-week stint there, Liu Ying said she received high-quality care and was exposed to new rehabilitation techniques that played a key role in her recovery.
“I found their technology to be more advanced, especially in terms of recovery methods,” said Liu Ying when contacted.
“While I was there, I learnt new things, techniques and approaches to rehab that I had never seen in Malaysia.”
More importantly, she hopes her experience serves as a reminder to Tze Yong that a serious injury doesn’t have to signal the end of a career.
"I’m living proof that you can bounce back. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible."
Liu Ying also echoed the advice of badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who had earlier urged Tze Yong to consider seeking top-notch medical care abroad to safeguard his career.
However, she cautioned that not every hospital is equipped with sports medicine expertise, and advised careful planning before making a decision.
"Not all hospitals offer specialised care for athletes. He should take time to research and choose a facility that has proven experience in treating sports injuries.
"In my case, I was in Germany for about a month and a half, and it wasn’t easy. For most of the time, I was alone. Only in the first few days did I have a physiotherapist with me. After that, I had to manage on my own until I returned to Malaysia."
That, she said, was when mental strength became crucial.
"You need to ask yourself why you’re going through this surgery. It’s because you want to get back on court. So you must stick to the rehab plan and carry it out properly and with full commitment.
"If you look at it from a different perspective, it can be a refreshing change, while others are feeling the pressure of competitions, you get to focus solely on your recovery."
