What is the Tape all the Olympians are wearing?

Click Here To Visit the Olympic Wraps and Tape Online Store

Is it a fashion statement? Or is it something even better?

What is that colored tape all the Olympians have on?

All the Athletes from every country are wearing it in random places? 

But why?

Its called Kinesio Tape.

A Runners Foot Taped  To
Speed Recovery.

Kinesio Taping has been around for 25 years, but this unique therapeutic taping technique really made its debut in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Kerri Walsh won ther Gold Medal in Beach Volleyball with her right shoulder covered in the stuff.  This elastic tape (called Tex Tape) comes in 4 colors (blue, pink/red, black, and beige).

A Volleyball Player Tapes
Her Serving Arm.

While your injury or underlying problem may need further evaluation and treatment by a Chiropractor or another Healthcare professional, Kinesio Tape may be just what you need to speed up healing or to allow you to compete in a critical sporting event.  Although this tape is not intended for long term use (it acts as a temporary support system for an underlying problem), it can be worn for up to 3 days after its application - even in and out of the shower.

 Kinesio Tape has 3 main purposes:

1. Providing stability to joints.

2. Supporting the function of muscles. 

3. Encouraging the flow of fluids under the skin.   

Kinesio taping involves taping over and around effected muscles to assist/give support to the injured muscle. This allows the patient to participate in physical activities with functional assistance. Additionally, tape can be applied to prevent over contraction of a muscle. This method is often utilized during the acute stages of rehabilitation to prevent overuse and facilitate lymph flow to prevent painful swelling.

Can I use it without a Doctor?

Yes!

You can always attempt to get it from a medical supply store for a pretty penny($19 - $49), or you can find it online for a much better price. I have located the best prices online for you, and the variety of colors.
Starting at around $5

 A Pre-Cut Strips ready for immediate application.
Kinesio Pre-Cut - Knee Application - Single Pack
$4.99 - $5.99

 Kinesio pre-cut tape provides fast and effective pain relief and support for muscle aches and injuries. Kinesio is designed to directly target the fascia (skin layers) and muscle tissue to treat the cause of muscle inflammation and pain. Kinesio pre-cut tape is hypoallergenic, nonrestrictive, has a water resistant coating and is easy to apply. It can be worn for 24 hours a day and provide relief for up to 3 days.

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16 Foot Rolls

If you would rather create your own fancy designs much like the Olympians have, this would be your next option.
Available in many colors starting at about $10 each

Pink-3B Kinesiology Tape 16' Length x 2" Width
 $9.95







Blue-3B Kinesiology Tape, 16' Length x 2" Width
$9.95

Beige - 3B Kinesiology Tape, 16' Length x 2" Width
$9.95









Black - 3B Kinesiology Tape, 16' Length x 2" Width
$9.95
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How do I apply this?

• 1. Plan on wearing the tape for days at a time to get the full benefit of the procedure. Look for Kinesio athletic stretchable tape that is also waterproof to be able to wear it in the shower and through sweaty workout sessions. The tape should be very thin and made of breathable cotton.
  
   2 Apply the tape to extended arms to sooth shoulder muscles. With the arm extended 90 degrees straight out, gently tap the tape to the top of the shoulder and guide it the length of the arm to just above the elbow. Leave the arm extended while patting down the tape to release the medical adhesive.
  
   3. Cut the Kinesio tape into a Y-strip for sore or tender neck muscles. Invert the Y so that the edge can sit in the center of the back of the neck. Extend each piece down across the shoulder blades. Make sure the neck is extended forward when pressing the tape into place.
  
  4. Extend the leg before applying Kinesio tape to lower extremities. Locate the area that hurts and apply a rounded piece of tape over the spot. Take two straight pieces of tape and extend them up and down from the center of the tape at least six inches. If the tape is going over a knee, cut a hole out of the tape for the kneecap to be able to bend.
  
  5. Utilize an X strip of Kinesio tape for arm muscles. Extend the arm with the palm of the hand facing up. Place the ends of the X on the pads of the hand and run the tape up over the inside of the wrist. Press down on the other ends of the X so that each side of the arm is tape