Many viewers of the Summer Olympic Games were wondering the same thing:  What is that black spider-like thing on the shoulder of Beach volleyball player, Kerri Walsh?

The odd-looking cross hatch of markings on her shoulder was a new type of athletic tape called Kinesio.  It is used by physical therapists as a better way to relieve pain and promote healing of injured muscles.

Although the appearance of the Kinesio tape on Ms. Walsh came as a surprise to many viewers, its use is common among physical therapists and athletic trainers who work with pain management issues. Kinesio tape was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese Chiropractor who trained in the United States, and in the early 1970's began working to develop a specialized tape that could aid the body in healing itself.

Doug Fickes, DPT and clinic director of the Harrisburg Office of First Choice Rehab has been using the taping methods for years. "I have been using these taping methods on patients for a few years", he says.  "I find that there are four primary uses for Kineso tape; 1.) The tape is effective for reconditioning the abnormal muscle tension, or strengthening the weakened muscle. 2.) The tape will decrease soft tissue fluid beneath the skin. 3.) Neurological suppression of pain. 4.) Reposition the subluxation joint." He explains that he applies the flexible tape to the skin in various patterns, depending on the injury to support and guide the muscles and joints without limiting the patient's range of motion.

There have been limited studies that suggest support for the tape. In July, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy published a study of 42 people with shoulder injuries. Kinesio tape was applied to one half of the participants. A bogus taping method was used on the other half in which two strips of tape were placed across the arm. Results revealed that participants who received the real therapeutic taping treatment reported immediate improvement in pain. Last year, Research in Sports Medicine published A study from San Jose State University and published last year in Research in Sports Medicine, showed that in 30 healthy test subjects, use of the tape along the lower trunk area appeared to increase the range of motion.

"I have also had success using the Kinesio taping methods on patients with cervicogenic headaches and neck pain," explains Fickes. "In fact, you can often spy taping on my neck, which I have found helps me with headache problems and often eliminates the need for pain medication."