The solution to injured athletes
All athletes and Olympians fear injuries taking them out of the game they love. However, there is now a solution that many 2012 Olympians have been using: Kinesio tape. You are likely to have seen one of your favorite Olympians with Kinesio tape wrapped around his or her quadriceps, shoulders and abs. Well, this flashy tape is not just a way for athletes to receive attention; Kinesio tape truly helps athletes with their injuries and helps Olympians continue on with their journey to winning a gold medal.
When injured, Kinesio tape, a soft and stretchy cotton tape, supports injured muscles, increases range of motion and decreases muscle pain.
Kinesio tape was designed by Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor and acupuncturist, who stated that athletes need something with “a texture and elasticity very close to living human tissue.”
After the company donated Kinesio tape to physical therapists to use on athletes in the 2008 Olympics, the online sales of Kinesio tape tripled. Today, not only Olympians, but all athletes ranging from high school athletes to professional athletes swear by Kinesio tape. A 2008 study showed improved range of motion and less pain when Kinesio tape was applied as directed in college-aged patients with rotator cuff tendonitis.
Kinesio tape may not be the solution in the long run, but it is sure a great way for athletes to prolong their athletic career.
