Blast from the past!

Here's a few old photos I found earlier.  The top one is Munster's U-18 team from 1990. (Back row left to right) Ruth Byrne, President of the Munster Branch, Denis Heffernan, Rob Leahy, Carl Williams, Jonathon Barriscale, Kevin Goggin, Greg Morris - team captain.
Front row: Louise O Meara(i think), Rosemary Barry, Julie O Mahony, Judy O Brien, Deirdre O Meara(or Louise??)

This one is from a Munster vs Ulster friendly in Ulster, not sure what club, in 1995.  Struggling for all the names here.  Here's who I have Stephen Leeman,  Shane Groeger, Mark Magrath, Louise Carmody, Martin Cusack, Dermot Power, Roy Wilson, Aine White, Catherine Curran, Amanda Coburn, Deirdre Collins, Noreen Ryan.  Would love some help on the last few.

Federer to play Hewitt in 'revolutionary' new format or is it that new?

There are some changes being mentioned here that will 'Revolutionize' the game of tennis but two of these variations were tested some years back.  I remember playing, a Winter League event I think, about 18 years ago where we used the no advantage and no service lets rule.  There is for an against both options but I hope it is not being thought of as a replacement for the traditional game as we know it.  If that is the case then history goes out the window, just my opinion.

Here's what is being proposed!

Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will clash in a new shortened, faster form of the game ahead of the Australian Open that organisers Tuesday said they hope will revolutionise tennis.

In a world first, the 17-time Grand Slam champion will play his long-time Australian rival in a Sydney exhibition to showcase the new concept developed by Tennis Australia.

They will face off in a best-of-five sets match on January 12 that will feature four rule variations -- no advantage scoring, no service lets, tiebreakers at three games all and sets of first-to-four games. 

It is expected to last about half as a long as a normal five-setter.

The format has been piloted at clubs across Australia and is being billed as the Twenty20 of tennis, a reference to the fast and furious form of cricket that has proved a huge hit.

Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said he was delighted Federer was involved in promoting a new way of playing the game.

"The new format is a game changer and is set to revolutionise the game of tennis, particularly at club and social levels," he said.

"Time today is precious and this new fast format is perfect for any player who wants to fit their tennis matches into a busy lifestyle.

"To have Roger and Lleyton, our own great Australian champion, showcase the format for the first time is not only special for Sydney and Australia, but for the sport around the world."

Federer, fresh from helping Switzerland win the Davis Cup, said he was honoured to be involved.

"I can't wait to come to the beautiful city of Sydney for this very special match against my old friend and rival, Lleyton Hewitt," he said.

Great friends off the court, Federer and Hewitt have one of the most enduring rivalries in tennis. The pair, both aged 33, have faced each other 27 times since 1999, with Federer winning 18 of them.

Their last four matches have been split, with Hewitt winning their most recent encounter at the Brisbane International final in January.

"Playing Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge for both of us and a lot of fun," said Hewitt.

"It's a fantastic innovation for tennis, and one that I hope will take off.

Old Photos Request

Here's a photo sent onto me from Dick McCarthy.  We reckon it was at a Kevin O Brien Trophy match in Sunday's Well during the 70's.
That would have being some doubles match.
Picture includes (from left to right): Franks Furney, Ronnie Daunt, Kieran Madden and Frank O Donoghue.

I would love to start a gallery of photos from Cork tennis events so if you hvae any or know of anyone who has some please get in touch, thanks.

Tennis Elbow and how to treat it - Michael Greaney

Tennis Elbow Pain 

By the term itself you would think this is a condition that affects only Tennis players but it can also affect anybody male or female.  The condition affects the outside of the elbow.

Many a person who has been diagnosed with Tennis Elbow were surprised because they never played Tennis. It is called Tennis Elbow because it is a very common condition among Tennis players. The condition is also called Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) (Repetitive means overused) or Lateral Epicondylitis. Lateral means the outside, epi means upon, condyle refers to that part of the bone, &  aitis. means inflammation.

Every muscle has an origin & an insertion.  The origin is on the bone itself, the insertion is via a tendon that crosses the joint & joins into the other bone.  When the muscle contracts (shortens), the insertion moves towards the origin.

Example of the Elbow:

The muscles collectively called the wrist extensor muscles originate at the elbow & cross the wrist via tendons on the dorsal aspect (the outside) & extends the wrist.  This movement is known as the backhand stroke whilst playing Tennis.

When these muscles tire, we are inclined to continue playing on or working on & minor micro tears occur exactly at the point where the muscle originates at the elbow.  The body s cells lay down new tissue growth to try & repair the damage called scar tissue but we continue to use the injured muscle whilst it is trying to repair itself (heal) & cause further tears therefore it never gets time to heal properly & continual repetitive use causes the muscle to inflame at the bone or origin known as Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow.

The symptoms can be varied but weakness at the elbow e.g lifting a kettle or using the backhand movement is very common therefore loss of power on that movement.  Painters & Plasterers along with Tennis players suffer frequently with Tennis Elbow.  It was very common one time for Electricians to suffer this condition due to the tightening of screws with screwdrivers on a daily basis but not as common now due to the use of battery or electrically operated screwdrivers.  Other symptoms are radiating pain that spreads into the forearm with pain & tenderness at the elbow, worse on activity like lifting & grasping objects

                                                              The Treatment

A detailed case history is taken along with various physical tests to determine the diagnosis and cause of the condition

The treatment at my Clinic is first to encourage you to rest from the activity that causes the pain.

Ultrasound:

In the acute (early) stage we treat using ultrasound which has many benefits.  It works via ultrasound waves that penetrate through the tissue.  The ultrasound waves speed up the rate of odema (swelling) therefore it resolves quicker by increasing the number of blood capillaries around the damaged tissue, this results in an increase in blood flow and the removal of debri and carrying the vitamins & minerals to the damaged tissue. It also increases collagen secretion, that’s the white protein that lays down new tissue growth by up to 30%. The ultrasound waves cause a vibration which helps break down the old scar tissue that has not healed properly so that new scar tissue can form.

Laser:

The Laser treatment is used which is excellent in reducing swelling & pain & improves the condition immediately thus allowing you to reduce the dependency on medication.  Low intensity Laser Therapy is an advanced system used for treating & accelerating recovery from a wide range of soft tissue injuries like Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendonitis, Shin Splints, Bursitis, Plantar Fascialitis, Rotator Cuff Strains etc.  I will write more on these conditions later.

Massage of the muscles is carried out once the inflammation and pain have eased this work helps to loosen the muscle fibres and break down the scar tissue and drain off any lactic acid build up.

Electric faradic stimulation

Faradic pads are placed on the muscle, this is similar to a tens machine, this method is used to passively contract and relax the muscle on its own without any active effort by you,  this regains full range of movement to those muscles.

Rehabilitation:

The final part of the treatment is preparing you to return to your work or sport, therefore stretching & strengthening exercises are given so that you regain the full range of movement and power and to act as a preventative.  If the condition was caused through playing Tennis then we suggest you speak with your Tennis Coach who will check the type of racket you are using, is  the width of the racked correct for your hand size & the technique you are using & also the type of ball in use.

The recovery time for Tennis Elbow can vary depending on how long it was before you sought treatment but my findings at my Clinic is an average of three to four weeks.

Conclusion:

There is no need to be suffering from any condition that is treatable & curable & preventing you from working or playing the sport you love, so call me.

This article was written by Michael Greaney for the Cork Tennis Blog.

R.I.P Michael and Valerie.