Lin's family of bone injuries, whose ancestor is Lin Danian (1837-1913), is in Panyu township, Cangshan district, Fuzhou, Southeast China's Fujian province. Lin learned Shaolin Kung Fu and orthopedics from an old monk in his hometown. After years of continuous learning and practice, he became a famous orthopedic doctor in Fuzhou.

Lin imparted his knowledge to his descendants, notably his grandson Lin Rugao, who excelled in the field. Lin Rugao diligently expanded upon the family's orthopedic practices, healing numerous patients over decades, including General Luo Ruiqing, Wang Zhen, Wan Li, Ye Fei and other senior Chinese leaders, which made him famous in Beijing.

Lin's traditional Chinese medicine orthopedics has unique features involving diagnosis, alleviation, treatment, physical therapy and internal and external medication related to various bone diseases. His academic thought and clinical experience are mainly reflected in his unique diagnostic methods, manual realignment techniques, and comprehensive treatment approaches.

In accordance with late Premier Zhou Enlai's instructions on "sorting out Lin Rugao's medical experience, leaving it to future generations and serving the people", the Fujian Provincial Department of Health successively sent people to sort out Lin Rugao's orthopedic landscape.

In 1977, more than 80 academic papers were published, including Lin Rugao's prescriptions, thirty-six methods of practicing martial arts, Lin Rugao's dressing method for bone injuries, and selected materials for bone injuries.