Kinesio Tex Tape

A buddy of mine has been struggling with Achilles tendonitis, and I noticed at Regionals that he had this single strip of tape running down his calf and into his cleat. Reportedly, this was helpful. I just learned tonight that this wasn't any ordinary old athletic tape, but was instead Kinesio Tex tape. Sounds pretty nifty:

KINESIO TEX® TAPE is a very thin (about the same thickness as skin), porous cotton fabric with a medical grade acrylic adhesive. A special method of adhesive application and porous nature of the fabric allows the skin to breathe and showering cleans part of the skin under the TAPE. The TAPE is designed for a 30 to 40% longitudinal only stretch and when applied lifts the skin and provides support for surrounding soft tissue.

This TAPE is LATEX FREE and NON-MEDICATED.

KINESIO TEX(r) TAPE was designed to be worn for multiple days ( 3 to 4 ); and an hour after application it will withstand athletic activity and showering without coming off. [snip]

Theoretically, KINESIO TEX® TAPE will lift the skin to increase the space between the skin and muscle. This reduced localized pressure help promote circulation, lymphatic drainage and lessens the irritation on the subcutaneous neural pain receptors. As an end result, the Kinesio Taping Technique reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasm; and subsequently promotes the body's natural healing processes. Additionally, the built-in stretch of the TAPE supports fatigued, weakened and/or strained muscles.

There are books and videos for learning techniques for using this magical tape. Who knew?