There are many benefits to sports massage therapy — just ask Kyle Beckerman, captain of the ReAL Salt Lake Major League Soccer team. The midfielder and regular on the U.S. National Team, who in 2009 became the youngest player in Major League Soccer history to appear in 200 games, swears by massage as part of his training regime. He also happens to be one of many satisfied Matrix Spa & Massage clients.

Athletes of every level who play all kinds of sports use sports massage. The sports massage techniques are tailored to the client’s particular sport, as different sports stress different areas of the body and different muscle groups from repetitive and often strenuous movements. Sports massage can be used in various ways, from preparation before playing the sport, during the event to maximize performance, or afterwards as a means of reducing recovery time and preventing injury. There are many benefits to sports massage, including but not limited to enhancing flexibility, preventing or reducing fatigue, improving endurance, and preparing the body and mind for optimal achievement. The sports massage techniques are also used to speed up healing time when an athlete has injured or strained a muscle.

4 Athletes Who Use Sports Massage

 

Kobe Bryant

Sports massage is used by many professional athletes, one of whom is Kobe Bryant, basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant has won five NBA championships with the Lakers, has been named to the All-Star Team fifteen times, often leads the league in scoring, and is the youngest player ever to reach 30,000 points. Much of his success can be attributed to his meticulous training regime, which includes regular massages, both during and in between games. He actually persuaded the Lakers to hire his longtime physical therapist, Judy Seto, so he could receive treatment at all hours of the day.

Michael Phelps

Many world-class athletes use sports massage to stay at the top of their game. Michael Phelps is arguably the best swimmer in the world, having won twenty- two Olympic medals in his three appearances at the Summer Olympics, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time. Perhaps his practice of getting two massages a day during the height of his training, which he reportedly did during the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, has something to do with his success as a swimmer.

Dara torres

Another Olympic swimmer, Dara Torres, had two massage therapists on standby during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, just in case her regular masseuse was somehow unavailable. It is hard to question the training practices of a woman who has won twelve Olympic medals (four gold, four silver, and four bronze), is one of three women with the most Olympic medals in swimming, and has won medals in all of the five Olympic Games in which she has competed.

Kerri Walsh-Jennings

Kerri Walsh-Jennings is yet another Olympic athlete who uses massage to her benefit. Walsh-Jennings, along with teammate Misty May-Treanor, has won gold in beach volleyball in three consecutive Summer Olympic Games, in 2004, 2008, and 2012. She once said, “I am a big believer in massage to help get circulation to injured areas.” Whatever it is she is doing, it seems to be working.

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Matrix Spa & Massage Customer Reviews

Our appts were on time, the therapists were knowledgeable & polite, & the facility was clean & tidy with a peaceful atmosphere.
Aaron Sutton
Aaron Sutton
14:09 26 Feb 23
This place was great!
Cristal Balcazar
Cristal Balcazar
20:12 21 Feb 23
First time going to a spa it's is one of the Best massage I've ever had! The staff is really friendly. Great service!
Jessica G.
Jessica G.
12:57 04 Feb 23
My husband took me here for my birthday and it was beyond amazing and so relaxing!
Meagan Graham
Meagan Graham
00:44 31 Jan 23
I have been coming to Matrix Spa & Massage for about 5 years now and can always get in quickly. I made an appointment yesterday because I woke up with an extremely sore neck from sleeping wrong which resulted in a massive migraine (that I often suffer from) and I left feeling clear headed and amazing! Frederick Salt provided one of the best massages I have ever received. He took the time to listen to my needs and put real attention and care into his practice. He has a ton of experience in massage therapy and I would recommend him to anyone needing a great massage that’s well worth the money.
Erika Pehrson
Erika Pehrson
17:45 19 Jan 23
This place is interesting and my therapist was definitely unique. He only massaged my upper body and told me to breathe into my collar bone and other instructions that I didn't quite know how to follow. My elbow was sore for a day or two after. I do think he was genuinely trying to help, but I would have liked more explanation of what was the rationale behind the movements and instructions. I also would have preferred to have received some work on the legs, but again 60 minutes sometimes isn't enough time I guess. Other members of group liked there experience more and described there massages very positively. The offer to return gratis by the owners in their comments below is a nice sentiment and a testament to how they care for their business. (Unfortunately I was visiting from out of town so cannot do so but again appreciate it)
Stephen Becker
Stephen Becker
11:47 25 Oct 22
Donna May rocked my world - the best massage I've gotten in salt lake so far and I've tried a few different spas at this point. The level of pressure, the intuition, the obvious mastery of her craft - cannot recommend her enough. She is a neck wizard.
Natalia Baykova
Natalia Baykova
13:41 26 Sep 22
Best Massage I have ever had. Donna May provided a relaxing and therapeutic massage. She always had the perfect amount of pressure and seemed to tailor the massage just to me. I will book with Donna May as often as I can. She is also such a kind person.
Kendrick Woolstenhulme
Kendrick Woolstenhulme
00:34 26 Sep 22
Well worth it!My wife and I were needing time to unwind and relax, I bought the Emerald Package, it was well worth the money! The amount of time and detail the staff took us was amazing. We left feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the world again. We are going to be coming back. The spa downstairs was amazing, what a way to finish off the night after a massage. Thank you for making our night!
C C
C C
15:57 22 Jul 22
There are so many good things to say about this place. The biggest shout out to Donna May who gave me the best deep tissue massage I’ve ever had in my life. Repeat: the BEST deep tissue massage I’ve ever had IN MY LIFE. The price was $95 for an hour.Other pros: they got me in on a Sunday.The facility is very clean.They have optional spa upgrades (see photos).Cons: They have this required form where you have to fill out medical information. I don’t like providing my medical information and it wasn’t necessary for this type of appointment.The booking process could be simpler but it’s not a make or break.Overall, I had a nice time and look forward to booking with Donna May in the future.
Quaceé Dorby
Quaceé Dorby
08:20 19 Jul 22
Donna, Jackie and Juiletta were amazing!!! Loved all of it worth every penny!!!!
Nique Mower
Nique Mower
23:31 16 Jul 22
Able to get appointments quickly, wonderful massages and the whole hydrotherapy downstairs was amazing
Christina R.
Christina R.
20:34 03 Jul 22
I want to say thank my Matrix Team family is running the business and thank you to all our customers that trust our services !!
Julieta Hernandez
Julieta Hernandez
19:46 29 Jun 22
My mom and I did the mother and daughter package and overall it was a really awesome experience! The place was under construction but they were able to accommodate our needs, the only downside is I never even knew our massage therapists names and I am kinda bummed about not being able to utilize the hot tub or sauna but I guess that means I’ll just have to come back another time! (:
Kamerra H
Kamerra H
15:48 23 May 22
I had the best deep tissue massage of my life there, Richard is the best therapist! I highly recommend him for sore muscles and back problems.
Viktoriya Semeykina
Viktoriya Semeykina
03:08 30 Apr 22
I love this place, I recommend this place to everyone
masterartist04
masterartist04
00:14 29 Apr 22
Excellent massage for myself and my husband. It was my first massage and it was a pleasant experience
S Havens
S Havens
20:58 24 Apr 22
Richard gave an amazing massage!
Mandy Britt
Mandy Britt
03:15 02 Apr 22
Here at Matrix massage, Rachel was extremely skilled and attentive to my lower back issues. Fantastic massage, just the right pressure and incredible...
Richard S.
Richard S.
14:55 14 Feb 22
I have been here 3 times now and have done packages and massages. Always a good experience.
Emma Slikker
Emma Slikker
14:22 01 Feb 22
A delicious sanctuary. I felt the worries of the week being worked out of my body. Richard was my “ Sensei” masseuse educating me on muscle connections and guidance on how to release tension. This is now my spiritual hideaway once a month.
Dolores Medina
Dolores Medina
19:38 12 Dec 21
A little pricey, but always a great job. Definitely worth it.
Janet Cook
Janet Cook
16:52 09 Nov 21
FrIendly staff, great massage
Mouse kowitts
Mouse kowitts
03:40 04 Oct 21
Had a massage with Donna the other day. I learned a lot, mainly that I should do it mote often. Donna took me on an excellent journey to the land of Awesomesauce.
John S
John S
00:29 06 Sep 21
I just had the best massage I've ever had from Rachel K. She really helped fix a lot of the abuse I've done to my body through a heavily active lifestyle. Thank you!!
Seth Walsh
Seth Walsh
23:48 03 Sep 21
Amazing therapists. I love their hydro circuit. sauna has helped my pain in so many ways. If you're going to come here and get a massage definitely book a...
Donna May L.
Donna May L.
14:40 03 Sep 21
My first time visiting Matrix and I somehow booked the wrong service, but I'm not even mad about it! (I booked Thai massage online but when I got there,...
Kelly C.
Kelly C.
15:58 07 Aug 21
Excellent care and customer service. Donna May and Rachel were awesome! Highly recommend.
Mike Black
Mike Black
01:31 26 Jul 21
Had my first massage here yesterday and was super impressed overall. I booked in with Donna, she did a great job and really worked into my problem areas. She was professional and friendly. Have already booked in for a follow up session.
Emma vB
Emma vB
16:51 08 Jul 21
This spa was amazing! A group of us went there this past Friday for a Bachelorette Party! This is the only spa in SLC that has any packages or deals for a...
Brynn P.
Brynn P.
11:09 13 Aug 18