The Best Type of Massage for Runners

Why Massage Is Good For Runners

Running is a huge sport in the US, and runners are constantly looking for ways to improve their speed, distance and recovery time. The act of running causes contractions in the leg and arm muscles and the tissue that connects them (the “fascia”). These contractions are the impetus for the running, but they also can lead to shortened, tight muscles, loss of joint range of motion and decreased circulation in the muscles and surrounding fascia and related tissues. Injuries caused by running (and other repetitive activities) are known as “Repetitive Strain Injuries”.

What Is Muscle Injury?

Adhesions and scars within muscles and fascia tissue are caused by pulls or large tears in the tissue; accumulations of small tears (leaving scar tissue), and/or hypoxia – oxygen deprivation. The adhesions and scars limit the movement of the muscle, which can shorten even more. Nerves and tendons can be affected, often creating pain, tingling and loss of motion.

The Best Type of Massage for Runners:

Massage therapy is a great tool to counteract the negative effects (repetitive strain injuries) from running, as well as prevent future injuries and improve overall flexibility.

Before You Run – Prepare to Win:

  • Swedish Massage (“Effleurage”) for Runners

Best used before big competitions, Swedish Massage prepares the muscles for their next big effort.   Its long, soft kneading strokes, combines with light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. The massage is combined with movement of the joints. It relieves tension without damaging the muscles. It is used to energize, relax and build restful confidence for the race and is an excellent massage to relieve tension and encourage recovery after a big event.

After You Run: Repair Injuries:

  • Trigger Point Therapy for Runners

Trigger point therapy targets muscle knots and areas of referred pain. Therapists target individual knots or areas of referred pain and use deep pressure to help loosen the adhesions within those tissues. Trigger point therapy is especially effective in the treatment of 1 Iliotibial  (IT) band tightness (the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin), calf strains, and hamstring injuries.

  • Active Release Technique for Runners

This patented massage technique uses the movement of the muscle itself to relieve muscle adhesions and scar tissue build-up. The technique involves placing pressure on spots over the affected (painful) areas of the muscles, then moving the muscle around that pressure point. It is especially effective for hamstring injuries, plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

  • Deep Tissue Massage for Runners

Most runners are familiar with ‘deep tissue’ massage. Distinct from ‘deep pressure’ massage (which targets upper layers of the muscle), deep tissue massage is aimed at the deepest layers of muscles and fascia. It is often quite intense due to the deliberate, heavy pressure aspect of the massage activity. Deep tissue massages typically focus on specific problem areas and work the entire muscle (different from trigger therapy). Because runners often have many tight spots and interconnected issues, deep tissue massage is often the therapy of choice during hard training sessions. It is not uncommon for deep tissue massage recipients to report slight soreness or headache after the therapy, which is temporary.

Other Forms of Massage and Therapeutic Treatments for Runners:

  • Hot Stone Therapy for Runners

Using heated basalt stones, this gentle massage allows a lighter touch to penetrate the muscles more deeply, without causing any discomfort.

  • Pedicures for Runners

A runner’s feet bear the brunt of the exercise. Tendons, arches and toes can be painful from the constant thumping. Heels can be callused and rough from friction and moisture. A massaging pedicure can relieve the pain within the foot, as well as alleviate or eliminate the calluses.

  • Reflexology for Runners

The study of Reflexology suggests that the health of the body can be read in the foot; maintaining a healthy foot can benefit the whole body, especially the runners’ body.

Matrix Spa & Massage Customer Reviews

Yowza! I just had one of the best deep tissue massages I've ever had. Rachel was super personable and very expressive/willing to share her knowledge with me during my visit. I even got some stretching tips and I will be back just for her! The building was clean and I was super comfy the whole time. Very relaxing atmosphere, as well. My legs thank you!!
Sara Vermaas
Sara Vermaas
10:07 27 May 23
Richard H. is amazing - I’ve been going to him consistently for years now, and he’s officially the best. I love that his massages are very dynamic. He uses multiple methods to understand your body as opposed to just finding a spot and sticking to it. All staff are so professional and friendly, and each experience is so relaxing.
Taylor Christensen
Taylor Christensen
19:09 22 Apr 23
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
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
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