Does athletic tape really work? Here's what experts say

The benefits of kinesiology tape, the colorful tape stretched across the limbs of seemingly every athlete these days, may be more in the mind than in the muscles

The benefits of kinesiology tape, the colorful tape stretched across the limbs of seemingly every athlete these days, may be more in the mind than in the muscles.

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In a new, large analysis, published Tuesday in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, Chinese researchers reviewed more than 100 studies involving 15,812 participants who used kinesiology tape therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis, osteoporosis and back and neck pain.

Kinesiology tape, also called KT tape, is a flexible, adhesive cotton tape frequently seen attached to athletes’ joints, limbs or major muscle areas. It’s promoted as a treatment for and protection against sports injuries, to stabilize joints and manage pain. Tennis champion Serena Williams has worn it on her cheek and Olympic athletes, especially women's volleyball players, use it all over.