WWE News: John Cena's black elbow tape explained

The WWE website explains that the black tape John Cena wore on his surgically repaired elbow on Monday is known as Kinesio Tape. "It basically does two or three main things," Chris Arrigo of Advanced Rehabilitation told WWE. "It helps reduce pain … eliminate swelling under the skin and helps support the muscles and joints for improved, pain-free movement. The tape lifts the skin to promote the flow of lymphatic fluid, which helps reduce associated swelling." Read more on the story at WWE.com/shows/raw/2012-10-08/john-cena-kinesio-tape-26058796.

Powell's POV: The recovery method is also used by other athletes and has become very common. The story notes that soccer great David Beckham is among the athletes, along with various Olympians.