A large number of emails and phone calls are coming into our office asking what in the world is the black stuff on Kerri Walsh’s shoulder.  Walsh, the popular, primetime volleyball star during NBC’s Olympic coverage is sporting an odd shape configuration of black tape.  The next day talk around water coolers across the country include guesses and theories about not only what is the black design, but what does it do.

It is not a tattoo nor a secret weapon available only to high level Olympic athletes.  It is Kinesio tape and was developed in the 1970’s in Japan by Dr. Kenso Kase. Dr. Kase was intrigued with kinesiology and conservative ways of treating traumatized soft tissue. Through tape and technique developments, Dr. Kase accomplished his goal:  To have patients experience immediate improvement after one visit.

We were one of two original companies to introduce Kinesio tape to the United States market.  Traditionally, therapists were very comfortable using Leukotape and Coverroll with a technique called McConnel taping.   Through inservices, seminars and word of mouth, our customers learned that Kinesiotaping is a better method to assist and restrict the movement of the human body.

Walsh had rotator cuff surgery on her shoulder and the tape is helping to assist her ROM as well as protect the surgery.  It was interesting to hear the NBC commentators discuss the totally placebo effects of the tape, but those using it know it offers much more.  Kinesio tape comes in the now famous black along with blue, pink and beige. If you are patient looking to purchase Kinesio, feel free to go to our patient only website, www.helpforhome.com. Healthcare professionals may use www.Advantagemedical.com.