What is Kinesio Tape?

It is beginning to be more and more common that we see athletes wearing some unique looking tape that can be used in weird looking designs. It was very prominent in the Olympics when athletes were using different colors all over their body, but the trend continues and is getting more attention now that Chicago Bulls star guard Derrick Rose has been wearing the tape.

What is the tape Rose and many other athletes have been wearing?

It’s called Kinesio Tape.

Kinesio tape was invented by by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase.

The tape is expected to help reduce pain pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, improve range of motion and help with rehab.

Here is a more detailed look at what the tape is believed to do:

"Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body’s own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name “Kinesio”. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders."

Of course, there are still plenty of skeptics and those who don’t think there is any real benefit to wearing the tape.

We are still learning more about kinesio tape as it becomes more prominent in the sports world, so there will be plenty of tests and more research as time goes on. Until then, it is really just a mental crutch that allows athletes to feel better about their injuries.

If kinesio taping can really benefit people the way that it is meant to, it will only be a matter of time until you see it used for every injury on the playing surface.