Berkeley Deep Sports Massage

Highly recommend Aida - the best deep tissue massage I have ever had. My wife, a marathon runner, saw Aida a day after me and agreed. We are now regulars.

Overall the massage was frivolous. I felt the exact same going in than I did coming out of the massage room. As someone who is an athlete and has had several sports deep tissue massages over the years, that was not it. Half of the massage was spent on my back but no actual massaging happened, just applied pressure. The rest was rushed through my legs— my arms were never touched. When I think of “deep tissue” I expect someone to be digging into the muscle fibers w/ good pressure for the WHOLE body. Using hands, fingers, forearms, etc. I’m expecting it to borderline be painful, but I felt almost nothing. It’s uncomfortable in the moment but I typically feel like magic for days. The fact that I didn’t have to remove my shirt or shorts was shocking. First time ever. No serums, oils, heat packs, NOTHING. Very disappointed. It’s unfortunate that I paid $130 for something I could’ve had my friend do in half the time. If I could give it 0 stars I would, but 1 star is okay because Ramon is a nice guy. Don’t waste your money or time. Would NOT recommend.

Ramon is a friendly, funny, and knowledgable angel who worked magic on my lopsided body. The place is casual, no frills. A little bit of noise from the neighbors, which has nothing to do with them, but perhaps a white noise machine would make a difference. We listened to great tunes while I breathed through the tough love. Would recommend Ramon to anyone in chronic pain due to a lack consistent love over the years. He had great insights that were what I needed to hear. I will be revisiting as needed. Thank you again, Ramon. PS. I forgot to ask you to write the name down of the practitioner you recommended next time, or shoot me an email. Thanks, Berkeley Deep Sports Massage! PSPS. wear comfy clothing!

My appointment with Ramon was nothing short of fantastic, he improved neck and shoulder pain that has troubled me for a long time. I would highly recommend him for your appointment. The room was clean and hygienic, and the scheduling was very easy. 10/10

Honestly, I've been reluctant to write this review so soon because I don't want to keep extending how far Alex is booked out 🙂 I've been seeing Alex here regularly for almost 18 months and it is truly one of the best investments I've made in my physical health and mobility. As a martial arts practitioner, new dad, and former skydiver with an existing neck injury, I've come with intense soreness & tightness in my neck, shoulders, and upper back, and Alex has consistently been effective at alleviating pain and restoring my range of motion. His work has improved my sleep and posture and has enabled me to exercise consistently and play with our newborn without pain. Alex is an expert at listening to your needs, discerning where the tension is, and using multiple pressure-based techniques (e.g. deep tissue, trigger point therapy, acupressure, and hot stones) to address the root of the issue. He is an effective communicator and isn't satisfied until there is a noticeable difference in how I feel. For best results: 1. Ask to focus your session on a specific area or two of your body (instead of a "full body" massage). That's how you get the most out of this type of healing. 2. Communicate! Let him know if you'd like more or less pressure so that he can adapt to your body. 3. Hydrate after. Drink lots of water to help the body flush out any accumulated materials that were released during the deep work. Note: This is a *sports* massage and will likely feel mildly to moderately painful as he goes to work on your knots - this is the magic of the treatment! If you're looking for a gentle Swedish massage, this is NOT the place.

Wow! If you are seeking a therapeutic relaxing massage you should probably look elsewhere. If you are in pain, injured, chronically uncomfortable and want to be healed, please make an appt with Ramon. He is extremely knowledgeable in understanding the muscles of the body from years of experience working in medicine, eastern and western. I felt like I was being massaged by a guru. He said so many insightful things during the session and I feel better equipped to avoid ever getting the the terrible painful injured state I was in today when I showed up in the doorstep of this business. And he stayed a half hour longer than our session just to make sure I knew what stretches and exercises I should do to continue the healing once I got home. I am so happy to have found this place!

Came for the first time and had an excellent experience with Ramon. He is a wizard! Have never walked out of an massage feeling instantly better.

Alex, the owner, promised a great 90 minute sports massage by his colleague Ramon. The cost was $185, including a 20% tip at the time of online booking. I’ve been receiving massage routinely for the past 30 years, and I know if I’m getting real value or not. This time was one of those disappointing experiences, unfortunately. Ramon worked on my upper back, shoulders and nothing else for 90 minutes. Pressing and holding here and there. No real benefit and I’m still upset that I got shammed. Location is sketchy too, with hoodlums lurking after dark. I just want my money back.