Kinesio Tape: 2008 Olympics

Check out this article seen on http://www.nbcolympics.com/

What's with that tape athletes are using?
By Karyn Greer
Posted Saturday, August 16, 2008 8:11 AM ET

ATLANTA -- Some 11Alive viewers have e-mailed, asking about the tape athletes like Olympic beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh have been seen wearing.

Walsh's shoulder has been taped with what is called Kineso tape.

"This would be the kind of tape I would do for somebody, let's say, that's having tennis elbow," said physical therapist Michelle Miller.

A Japanese chiropractor developed Kineso tape in the 1970s, and it was seen widely at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

"Something you use to assist the exercise -- the stretching. You know, all the rehab that we do. This helps us to get to a place where they're not hurting," Miller said. "In the hands of a skilled chiropractor, or a physical therapist, it's a healing tape. Cyclist Lance Armstrong calls it a miracle tape -- and it does come in other colors: pink, blue and black."

It lifts the skin around the muscles and bones, breaking up adhesions and letting blood flow through the injured area.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh headline the group of teams playing in Day 6 action of the Olympic beach volleyball tournament.

"It allows for function. It allows for decreased joint pain," said Miller. "I mean it works for some people and it doesn't work for others. I've put it on patients and they've felt an immediate difference. I've put it on patients and they haven't felt a single thing."

Thirty-one-year old Carrie Brady is a triathalete -- used to injuries. She said she likes the way the Kineso tape feels.

"It's loose enough that it's not limiting at all," Brady said. "Just kind of reminds you to just be careful with it too. So I think it's just a good presence to have. But it also gives you kinda some warmth. So you remember that the muscles are kind of still there and getting tightened. But it doesn't limit any of the motion."