Karis Way

Random thoughts from Eagan, Minn.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Another mystery solved

The mystery of the black stuff on Kerri Walsh's shoulder

By Chris Chase

What is that black stuff is on Kerri Walsh's shoulder?

If you've watched any beach volleyball so far during the Olympics, you've surely noticed it. Spread across American star Walsh's right shoulder is a distinct black marking that sort of looks like a cross between a tribal tattoo and a Rorschach test. So what is it?

As is usually the case in instances like this, the most mundane explanation is the correct one. The black markings on Walsh's shoulder are a sort of medical tape. Specifically, it's called kinesio tape, a special elastic material designed to support muscles while offering an unimpeded range of motion. Walsh had shoulder surgery last fall to remove bone chips, bone spurs and scar tissue that had built up over a lifetime of setting and spiking. The tape, and taping method, help stabilize the shoulder during the match and aids in circulation.

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