Last summer, I wrote a column on Kinesiology tape and the benefits active people get from using it. This summer has started out with the usual bumps, bruises, stains and sprains that comes with living in such an active community. I have had a number of people and friends ask me about that tape "stuff" I wrote about and if it could help them with various injuries, aches or pains.

Since there is a renewed interest in Kinesiology tape it seems like a good time to revisit it. I was introduced to Kinesiology tape a few years ago and it has made a huge difference for me with both injuries and supporting my fitness activities. I am frequently taped and people often ask me why the heck do I have strips of tape on me?

Let's see if I can help answer a few basic questions about Kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape as we know it was first developed in 1973 by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase. By 1979, he had fully designed his taping methods. By 1988, the tape was being used by the Japanese Olympic team and a handful of elite professional athletes.

What makes Kinesiology tape different from traditional athletic tape is its make up which consists of cotton fibers with elastic strands woven tightly throughout to give it stretch and constant tension without the need to wrap like normal sports tape.

There are so many different applications for the tape with regard to connective tissue, skeletal or muscle support along with its ability to increase your blood flow and lymphatic drainage makes it some pretty amazing stuff.

I was pretty surprised that carefully placing Kinesiology tape would make a huge difference in supporting, protecting and helping me heal my injuries. It did take me a while to understand all the various methods of taping for the best benefits, but once you understand it, it becomes very easy to apply.

When the tape is properly applied, you don't really notice you have it on. The other great aspect of the tape is, if applied correctly, it will last for a few days before you may need to reapply the tape.

The taping technique is based around the idea that if your body has added support with little restriction to blood flow or movement, your muscular system can stabilize and heal itself bio-mechanically. From a sport injury aspect, Kinesiology tape gives just enough needed support, but still leaves you with a pretty full range of muscle function after an injury or extreme muscle fatigue.

A key part to the tape's ability to help heal and support is the fact that it lifts the skin to create a small space between the muscle and dermis layers. This space takes the pressure off the injury and swelling that allows space for proper drainage that helps reduce inflammation. Since Kinesiology tape does not wrap tightly when applied and restrict circulation like traditional sports tape, it gives your body the ability to better manage temperature around the injury which can lead to faster recovery time.

Kinesiology tape can be used on most areas of your body. It is very useful for ankle sprains, ankle support, plantar fasciitis, full knee support, rotator cuff, Achilles tendonitis and even lower back support. Kinesiology tape is also used to manage other areas like headaches, carpal tunnel and arthritis, but I would recommend a health professional apply the tape for these areas.

Kinesiology tape has been so effective across such a broad spectrum of health issues, that over the past 15 years or so, more and more orthopedists, chiropractors, physical therapists and other medical professionals have made the tape a big part of their treatment plan.

With so many athletes and medical professionals having very positive results from using Kinesiology tape, it is no surprise that all types of folks have started using it on a daily basis. There are a couple of points to consider before you jump into using Kinesiology tape. First and foremost, if you have injuries, check with your physician before you start taping up. The second thing is if you're going to use Kinesiology tape to support weak ankles for example, you will need a thorough understanding of proper taping methods. You can get some very good guidance on how to tape from YouTube videos or Kinesiology tape websites there are also some great books on Kinesiology taping.

My final point is be sure you get the real thing. In the world of Kinesiology tape there are many impostors purporting to be elastic therapeutic tape similar to Kinesiology tape. The real tape sticks better, can be worn longer and offers the correct support and tension needed to work correctly. Once you start using Kinesiology tape you will love the support and lack of discomfort it has when you wear it.

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.