Who We Are
University Sports Massage (USM) is an enthusiastic and dedicated group of Certified Therapeutic Massage Specialists located in beautiful Gainesville, Florida.
Areas of expertise:
- Various specialized forms of massage
- Applied knowledge of human health and physiology
- Strength and conditioning
- Personal training
Philosophy
A lifestyle of health and well-being.
Mission
Share our philosophy through passionate work and knowledgeable services.
Our History
In 1989, USM was started as a sole proprietorship by Robyn Wilson, who worked with the women’s swim team at the University of Florida (UF). Nine years later, USM became incorporated, and the building at 920 NW 8th Ave. was purchased for use as a clinic.
Brooke Lucas started working with Robyn in 2000, and in 2004 Brooke’s sister, Tiffani Ray, joined the team. In 2006, Brooke and Tiffani purchased the business from Robyn and her husband, John.
Since then, USM has continued to work with UF athletes, and uses their expertise to provide sports and therapeutic massage to the residents of Gainesville.
About Sports Massage
Sports Massage uses deep tissue and Swedish massage techniques adapted to deal with the effects of intense physical exertion on the body. Its primary purpose is to ease stiffness and pain in both muscles and joints, increase mobility in muscles and joints, warm muscle and connective tissue prior to exercise, and help in removing toxins and lactic acid after a workout.
Massage evolved with athletics in both Ancient China and Ancient Greece. Taoist priests developed massage in concert with their Kung Fu gymnastics. Ancient Greek Olympians used aleiptes, athletic trainers who anointed and massaged the athletes muscles with oil.
The first time that massage was offered as a core medical service to the US Olympic Team was the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Sports massage is now a part of almost every professional & collegiate athletic team. Sports massage can benefit anyone who participates in any type of athletics, recreational or professionally.
