Kinesiology Tape (Kinesio Tape): The biggest story of the Olympics that doesn't rhyme with "ichael elps"

If you're anything like the other 252,000 households in the United States you've undoubtedly watched at least some of the Olympic Games in Beijing. What's more, if you're male, then there's also a good chance that you've caught some women's beach volleyball. Along with the skimpy bikinis, you might have noticed the crazy, colored tape (which aren't tattoos, by the way) plastered all over these tanned and toned bodies (I know I have). This tape that these world class athletes trust their dreams to is called "Kinesio Tape".

Who: Anyone who suffers from tired muscles, is looking to recover more quickly, or needs to address biomechanical problems. Trivia: Kinesiology is the study of human movement.

What: Kinesio Tape is a waterproof stretch tape. Due to its heat-activated adhesive, Kinesio Tape can be left on the skin for days at a time, without losing its effectiveness or causing irritation.

Where: The most popular locations for this taping technique have been on the shoulders and knees, but can be applied to just about any body part. In some instances, the tape will be stretched out, while other times the tape will be less taut.

When: This product, Kinesio Tape, has been around for over a quarter century and was developed by a Japanese-born, chiropractor here in the United States.

Why: The theory behind both the tape and taping technique is that by supporting (and not limiting the movement of) the muscles, the body is better able to heal itself. The tape, when applied to the skin, actually lifts the outermost layer, promoting greater circulation of the lymph (drainage) system.

Now I know what you're thinking: It's just tape-there's no way that some stickum and cloth can do all those things. If that's the case, you might want to check with Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams, David Beckam, and oh, Kerri Walsh.

Go Team USA!