Black stuff on Kerri Walsh's shoulder?

Question

What is the black stuff (tape/paint) on Olympic Beach Volleyball player, Kerri Walsh's shoulder? Why is it there?

Answer 1

It's called kinesio tape. It is a dynamic taping system that allows for support and protection of a joint, in this case her shoulder and scapula, but also allows for full range of motion during activity. I am a certified kinesio tape practicioner and licensed occupational therapist and can atest that when used properly, the tape has multiple benefits and can decrease pain and inflammation.

Answer 2

u kno how people wear ankle braces to keep there ankles stable in v-ball. the thing on her arm is pretty much the same thing only a shoulder brace. she does a lot of hitting and serving there being  only 2 players on her team so ur arm could start to hurt after awhile so that brace helps.

Answer 3

Its a tape to help her shoulder not hurt after she had surgery on it last year, lol, I thought it was a big chinesse print tattoo at first.  relives pain. Another girl had it in blue also.

Answer 4

Its a tape that enhances blood flow in her shoulder she has had 3 shoulder surgeries and it helps to keep her shoulder loose

Answer 5

Kinesio tape

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing...

Answer 6

Per the announcers, it is Kinesio Tape for elastic support of muscles to allow muscles to relax and keep them from spasming.  She has had shoulder surgery in the past. She wears it to increase blood flow to that area following her shoulder surgery last fall.  

Answer 7

tattoo I think

Answer 8

As is usually the case in instances like this, the most mundane explanation is also 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.

Mystery: solved.

Answer 9

Its tape prescribed by her doctor, Bill Schobert, an orthopod based at Mission Viejo, California