Kinesio tape (or kinesiology tape) is often used by athletes in hopes to alleviate pain and disabilities from athletic injuries and other physical disorders. Many of the athletes competing in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics were sporting the tape and so the 2016 Summer Olympics is likely to be much the same.
But, what is so special about this tape you may ask? Well, although there is very little evidence to prove that there any real significant benefits in using the tape, studies have shown that is can be successful in providing pain relief for its users. This type of tape was developed back in 1979 by a Japanese chiropractor and as is sold by several companies across the globe. Kinesio say that some of the benefits the tape can provide is its able to alleviate discomfort and facilitate lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin and that it can be applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation and provide support for the muscles.
Another big name that is all for the tape is KT Tape, who are the official kinesiology tape licensee for Team USA. On their website they claim that the tape is applied to provide a lightweight, external support that helps you remain active while recovering from injuries and that is creates neuromuscular feedback that inhibits or facilitates stronger firing of muscles and tendons. Although both sites promote the tape well and give long lists of conditions the tape may be good for, neither supply much research to back this up.
Psychologists may even suggest that it is simply the power of the mind that is making one think the tape is working, even when it is really having a placebo affect. But, whether the tape does have medical healing powers or just masks the pain for a while, may be down to the individual, but with enough athletes wearing it during the Olympics, there must be some good in it, surely.
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