What Is That Tape At The Olympics?

What was that black marking on Beach Volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh’s shoulder in Beijing? It is called Kinesio Tape which is an elastic taping used in chiropractic, rehabilitation and sports medicine. Developed 25 years ago by Japanese Chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase, it is now getting recognition and is used by top athletes such as Lance Armstrong and David Beckam in addition to Walsh. Kinesio Tape works by giving support like a flexible brace. It helps improve healing, activate weak muscles with neurological awareness or proprioception, corrects joint function, and improves circulation. Kerri Walsh had a recent rotator cuff surgery.


In Lance Armstrong’s book Every Second Counts, he refers to Kinesio Tape as Something better than any laser, wrap, or electric massager…The Tape…and (it) seemed to have magical powers.


How Does Kinesio Tape Work?


When properly applied, the tape is barely noticeable. The practitioner places it on slightly stretched skin from one end of the muscle to the other, with varying amounts of stretch to the tape.


The tape gives free range of motion and allows the body’s own muscular system to heal itself biomechanically. Application of Kinesio Tape encourages muscles to function as they would if they didn't need the tape.


Our Doctors and Therapists have used Kinesio Tape for many years to help their patients.