Kerri Walsh and Kinesio Tape

Karri Walsh and Misty May are a women’s beach volleyball team. They are competing at the Beijing Olympics and there has been some speculation about what is on Karri Walsh’s right shoulder. It looks like some sort of odd, black design.

What is on Ms Walsh’s shoulder may be black kinesio tape. It is a tape that gives an injured or repaired joint some support. It is touted as promoting circulation:

“Kinesio Tape has 140% elasticity matching that of the skin, giving non-restricted support that allows muscles to perform a full range of motion, easily and comfortably.

A durable 3 to 4 day wearing period avoids the hassle of applying and removing traditional sports tapes every few hours. It also gives lasting support and pain relief.”

link: Kinesio Tape

While athletes in other sports may use this product, it may be easier to make the tape less obvious under a uniform. Playing beach volleyball, in a two piece pseudo swimwear outfit, it is difficult to hide much.

Catherine