KINESIO TAPE: DOES IT REALLY WORK FOR ATHLETES?

By Jessica Smith

 If the colorful tape used at the Olympics caught your interest, then I am sure you must know about Kinesiotape. The vibrantly colored tape placed near the shoulder and legs by various athletes during their events is a form of therapeutic taping.

While an adhesive tape stuck to your skin hardly seems like an efficient remedy for aches and pains, many people claim that Kinesio tapes work miracles for athletes.

First, what is Kinesio tape?

Therapeutic taping has been in practice for many years now. Recent brands such as Kinesio popularized the culture with clever marketing strategies, which is the reason behind why we get to see athletes sporting these various colorful tapes.

Kinesio tape, made from light, thin and stretchy fabrics are often used by athletes to ease pain and enhance performance. The makers claims the tape reduces the risk of an injury by amplifying proprioception (which means you are more aware of t...