5. Kinesiology Tape
Bright-colored stripes stuck to the body is a trend that splashed onto the world stage during the 2012 London Olympics, but now kinesiology tape is finding its way into the realms of the weekend warriors. Designed to support injured muscles and joints, as well as to encourage blood flow, kines tape functions like a brace or wrap—but lets your muscles move more freely. (For example, a few strips across the lower back are supposed to help ease pain in the sacroiliac joint without any bulky bandages. )But does it live up to the claims? A 2012 review found that, while kinesiology tape may improve strength or range of motion in some injuries, it may not be any better than traditional ways to deal with injured muscles—except, of course, that it’s a tad flashier.
