Seeing a large number of Olympians wearing the so-called coloured injury-healing Kinesio Tex tape, researchers at the University of Bedfordshire decided to examine the same and thus claim that the promises related to its benefits are false, a recent report uncovers.

Published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physiotherapy, the report has shed light on the fact the tape is actually a rehab tool and not a rehab itself. Though, Dr. Kenzo Kase, the developer of the tape, still denies the same.

The Japanese chiropractor had introduced the strong elasticated tape 30 years back, ensuring that the same imitates the advantages provided by manual therapy like massage. It also recued pain to huge extent as well as cut soreness in patients, he had discovered. And though, the tape was initially only used by Sumo wrestlers, it dominated the other technique when people at the Beijing Olympics received rolls as donations.

However, some 4,000 Brits have now also learned the technique of applying the colourful tape. It is but being suggested by the researchers that one should reduce its use as well as learn to use if still wants. Actually, 'Kinesio tape may be of some assistance to clinicians in improving pain-free active range of movement immediately after tape application for patients with shoulder pain', said the team.