Olympians are sporting kinesio tape at the London 2012 sporting events in various shapes, sizes and colors. Otherwise known as kinesiology tape, it reduces pain by increasing blood flow and encouraging lymphatic drainage. It’s also intended to help the muscle work correctly after an injury. Dr. Aaron Mares, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at UPMC Sports Medicine and associate team physician for the University of Pittsburgh football team states,
It’s cotton tape that has some sort of adhesive that mimics elasticity of the skin,”
If it is an example of the placebo effect who cares, as long as it gives the athlete a competitive edge.
It was developed 30 years ago by Kenso Kase of Japan.
Nothing surprises me in this day and age of sports medicine.
Chiropractors, Kinesiology Tape and the Olympics – A Colorful Combination Click Here
Sidewalks Chalk 
There is a psychological effect to any sport. There have been stranger rituals performed, especially with professional baseball players.
I thought maybe it was a fashion statement @ London.
I wonder if it really works or is in all in the mind! 🙂