Kinesio Tape was developed more than 30 years ago. It became popular after Carrie Walsh, Olympic volleyball player, wore it in the Summer Olympics of 2008 . Now you see it everywhere! Kinesio tape is a non-restrictive taping method used to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overuse tired muscles and speed healing. The tape can be used prophylactically or as a support to an injured part of the body. One of the ways that Kinesio Tape works is by creating more space between the dermis and the muscle. The space created is believed to relieve pressure in the area between the muscle and the dermis, creating more room for lymph flow. Which in turn removes inflammation more quickly. It is strategically placed on top of the skin, and is effective for 3 to 5 days before it needs to be replaced. You can shower or swim with it. It doesn’t contain latex which is great for those with latex allergies. When properly applied, you don’t even know the tape is there. It is placed on slightly stretched skin from one end of the muscle to the other, with varying amounts of stretched to the tape. Depending on how the tape is applied it can both inhibit and elicit muscle contraction.