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The Pain Stop Massage Therapy
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
1326 N Milwaukee Ave
(between Paulina St & Hermitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-2081
1326 N Milwaukee Ave
(between Paulina St & Hermitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-2081
- Nearest Transit:
-
Division (Blue)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
90 reviews for The Pain Stop Massage Therapy
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
4/27/2008
11/17/2009
11/23/2009
11/14/2009
11/12/2009
11/22/2009
9/22/2009
9/20/2009
8/13/2009
10/30/2009
7/30/2009
Updated - 8/17/2009
8/10/2009
Updated - 10/17/2009
7/4/2009
6/16/2009
7/22/2009
6/14/2009
6/28/2009
5/21/2009
6/26/2009
9/28/2009
5/7/2009
7/7/2009
6/3/2009
9/22/2009
5/11/2009
9/7/2009
5/31/2009
9/14/2009
2/2/2009
4/15/2009
10/18/2009
3/22/2009
5/25/2009
5/4/2009
4/25/2009
10/6/2009
10/5/2008
11/12/2008
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
OMG!!! This place is awesome. The women are soooo nice- best massage ever. The prices make a monthly massage realistic for me. Everyone should go here!!!
So I just very tired and crabby from the long week. Instead of getting off at Damen I got off at Division and walked down for a chair massage. For about 15 (tax and tip) I was beat up for 10 minutes and it was AWESOME! The women are so nice, so strong. Pass the word around about this place- let's keep it in business- I can't bear to see Milwaukee Avenue have loose another place (Brown Elephant- sniff sniff)
So, if you are looking for new age music, perhaps a babbling brook, candles, stones, liked to be covered up, or any "frills" this is not the place for you. Move to next review.
If you want a no nonsense, deep tissue, beating out knots, throwing bows, at a great price, THIS IS THE PLACE!!! I have been here several times and they do not disappoint. It is actually pretty great and I leave feeling like a million bucks.
Why I didn't give 5 stars? I kinda like the frills.
So, are you still supposed to be in pain after a massage?
I went here yesterday for a one hour massage. The first fifteen or so minutes of my massage were awful. I told the receptionist that I have tension in my shoulders. So the masseuse pounded my shoulder blades. It felt like my bones were being pushed out of place. They cracked! Is she a chiropractor? She did ask if it was too hard at one point and I answered "YES!" That was not relaxing at all. The rest of it was fine, but she went over one hour and I got charged for the 20 extra minutes. I get charged extra because she can't keep time, even with a timer? Whatever.
The receptionist though was nice and yes I was able to pay part with credit and part with cash. But 24 hours later, my shoulders are still sore. I even had trouble finding a good position for sleeping last night. Very disappointing, as it's so cheap! Now I know to speak up next time if the massage is getting too rough.
Today, I woke up from a terrible pain in my back. As it was 7 AM (no joke) and I had never experienced quite this kind of pain in my entire life, I knew I had to schedule a massage with Pain Stop ASAP. I called. They answered. I booked for 10 AM -- their opening time.
Of course, since I had no chance of going to sleep again, I got up and went to work. Getting caught up, I realized I was running late, so I called to move my time. The woman who answered made it seem like there was no one possibly coming in at that time, so it was not an issue. In fact, she knew I was her 10 AM without me saying anything and she didn't even ask me when I wanted to move my time to -- I had to interject before she hung up.
However, I do admit fault for being 15 minutes late to my rescheduled appointment. Usually salons and spas hold your appointment for 15 minutes. Or they tell you that they can't hold it. Or they call you. In fact I did consider calling but they just seemed to be so relaxed about scheduling that it didn't seem necessary. Boy was I wrong!
They had already taken a walk-in over me. Since they never took my phone number, they conveniently couldn't call me. I had to wait until 11 AM. Whatever, I understood. But 5 minutes later, they said they were booked until noon. I wasn't about to wait around for more than an hour, so even though I paid for parking, I left.
I'm still in pain, thanks to their utter incompetence at scheduling. Although it is a fabulous massage, I doubt I will want to deal with their new receptionist again.
I've been here twice, and I thought it was a great experience!
Pros: Reasonable prices, nice folks, GREAT thorough massage, great hours (till 8:30pm, I think!) and plentiful parking.
Cons: Not as cheap as some places (I've tried the Cortiva School downtown, and it's super-cheap, esp. when combined w/ SpaFinder gift certs from Costco!), not a spa experience (although that's really a con for me).
Both times I went, the massage therapist went over the time I bought. The second time, I got a 20-min chair massage, and the therapist actually led me to a table and charged me chair prices. Awesome! Definitely serious meat-tenderizer massaging.
Wow. Thank you, Pain Stop. You accomplished what your name promised. I love hardcore massages that get to the heart of the tension & this place did not disappoint.
The ladies were so nice. They happily made a last minute appointment for me at the end of the day on a Sunday & I didn't realize till I arrived that they actually closed BEFORE my appointment. The sweet lady at the counter said that they will stay open when their customers need massages - how about that for customer service?!
My masseuse was tiny but STRONG. I felt like a piece of meat but in a good way. Tenderized, pummeled.... you complete the metaphor. Leave your modesty at the door because the tiny towel that they use to cover you also becomes part of the massage & your bum will soon be peeking out. I cared for about 2.2 seconds before I was back in massage bliss.
She finished off the massage with steaming hot towels that were used to aid in a final rub-down that melted away any remaining stress.
Prices were very reasonable and they took my credit card without a question. I will definitely be returning soon.
Note: The pain does not stop until AFTER you leave this place.
They are not kidding around!
No frills, no relaxation. You are in for a "session" at this place. Do not go here if you want an ounce of luxury. No new agey music playing or fru-fru water with strawberries being served. No robes, nada. Just strip and get on the table. And within the first 5 minutes, the teeny towel covering your backside will get thrown off with not an ounce of finesse.
I got a 60 minute massage with the cupping and about half way through I was wishing that my buzzer would soon go off. OUCH. My pain tolerance reached its tipping point. I started flexing and reacting from my mean Masseuse and her elbow and I started to wonder if this was normal. But then I heard a guy in the next room taking the same kinds of deep breaths and forced exhales like I was, so I figured this was the program. When I made my appointment I had just asked for a massage, and afterwards was told that I got a combination of deep tissue and acupressure. I've had acupressure before at a new age type of Doctors office, and this was nothing like it. I would say the massage I got was all deep tissue, with some extra jabs thrown in for good measure.
Finally... DING. Whew, the massage was over. On to the cupping procedure which I had heard interesting things about. All in all that was a fine experience, except that the woman put the two bottom cups on waaaaay too tight and I was in some serious pain. I started breathing like women who are about to go into labor, and finally she released them after I pointed to my back with my hands. This is the part where I wished my Masseuse spoke basic english and I wasn't laying face down on the table.
Five hours later... I definitely am sore from the massage. Sore as in, I have aches now that I didn't have before. Sore as in bruised. Is that normal? Don't think so. I do feel less tense but not near as much as after other massages I've had. I probably would not go back, but I would recommend this to men who are very athletic and muscular. I think they could take it and relish in the pain I am experiencing.
The best massage I have ever had!!
I get massages once/twice a month, and this one was amazing!! the deep tissue is really a deep tissue!!
Affordable. Same day appointments available, and walk ins as well.
When I'm massaged, I want to feel like a Kobe beef cow being prepared for slaughter... not some fru fru cucumber water b/s with oriental music. The Chinese ladies at the Pain Stop pull out all the stops. Now, I'm 6'2 225 and it's not easy to impress me with a "hard" massage, but these ladies certainly have. In fact, they actually switched half way into my 90 minute session to make sure they are doing it as hard as possible.
Now, this place is not for the timid. I'm no stranger to being naked around unfamiliar women, but usually it involves a few martinis. The first thing I heard at this place was "take your underwear off, big boy". I complied.
The place is very clean, but has all the charm and appeal of a Chinese hard labor camp, but for $1/minute, I'm certainly not going to complain.
This may very well be the best massage I've ever had. I will definitely be back.
Side note, when I called, they asked me to bring cash. I don't know if they absolutely don't accept credit cards, but they certainly frown upon them.
I was rubbed, oiled, pounded and pummeled ....whew--a real accupressure massage. I went here after reading all of the good reviews on Yelp and I wasn't a bit disappointed. Now *this* is what a real massage is all about.
It is a very clean and plain store front on Milwaukee Avenue. There are massage rooms with curtains in the back. When I arrived, I was greeted by a very nice lady who escorted me to my room, asked me what my specific concerns were (muscle tightness, etc) and told me to undress. She asked me if it was okay to have a male masseuse.....she could see the hesitation on my face and said "it is better with a man." I decided to throw my repressed Catholic caution to the wind and got completely naked for a small muscular Asian man to pummel my body and rub me with Chinese herbal tonics until I was so relaxed that I didn't even care that my bare rump was exposed for anyone who might walk by. He used a combination of techniques with accupressure as one of them--its almost like having your body exercised for you!
This place is the real deal. I will be coming back for sure! Best massage I have ever had--check it out--you won't be disappointed!
When things get a little crazy in my work-life, it starts to show in my shoulders. After walking around with a tense perma-shrug, I decided it was time for a massage.
So to summarize: I'm not an injured athlete, I'm a stressed-out cubicle monkey.
After reading the reviews here on Yelp, I knew not to expect glam surroundings. From the street, this couldn't be more true. I probably wouldn't even notice this place were I not actively looking for it. Inside, I was expecting the level of privacy generally afforded to elementary students at the school nurse's office, so I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, preparing for the massage did involve a brief naked sprint from the bench where I left my clothes to the massage table, but no, no one snuck a peek at Nude-y Helena in the process.
Enter, my masseuse. I'd been asked ahead of time if I minded being massaged by a man (as his hands would be stronger to really work the kinks out of my shoulders). I appreciated being asked, as I know that may bother some women. Not I. Right before he starts, I hear him setting a small timer. Nice! None of that 50-minute-hour crap here!
This guy knows his stuff. He's kneading and stretching and digging into my poor, sore muscles. This goes beyond your standard massage. As the owners and most of the employees are Chinese, the massage incorporates blissful acupressure. At one point I smell spearmint and he tells me he's rubbing a "medicine" on my shoulders. Bring it on.
I hear the curtain part and my masseuse steps out. Is it over? Do I... get dressed? Oh he's back! With... what's this? Whaaa...hot towels. Hot. Towels. Oooohhhhhhhh....
I've melted. I'm liquid-ooh la la la. I'm a bliss-puddle dripping onto the floor. I'm never leaving.
The alarm starts to beep - my time is up. My masseuse, however, turns the alarm off and continues. For twenty minutes. A perma-grin replaces my perma-shrug.
To heck with Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stones, and Shea-Butter Infused Towelettes - I'm officially a Pain Stop devotee.
I'm sad to say that I have to update this to a lower star rating :-( After quite a few wonderful, deep massages here in the past year my best friend and I went for massages and both had equally PAINFUL massages that are deserving of warning potential yelpers of the dangers of this place. While they can provide a great deep tissue massage, the last time I left here my best friend and I were in severe pain for the next 48 hours, something that should NEVER happen from a massage regardless of the depth.
I've had massages from therapists of all kinds and in all parts of the world, from deep tissue to swedish to relaxation and more, some pain is okay if you're working muscles - this was far from that. Their massages can cause damage and I'd hate to have a fellow yelper experience that.
Sorry Pain Stop - you caused pain rather than stopping it so it's down to 1 star.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2008
Thanks fellow Yelpers for the turn on to this place. Before moving to Chicago 3 yrs ago I had a… Read more »
So the same friend that I sent to Exhale was in need of another massage a few days later (really rough week for her!) and looking for a last minute place I came to yelp, saw all of the awesome reviews and went with it.
This is one of those places where you should not let first impressions (from the outside anyways) cause you to not stop in. I thought it was a shady place when it first opened - people getting rubbed down on chairs in window - just not my style. Sure you may be in a room where it's just a curtain pulled, but you will be in for some serious treatment.
The selling point on this place was the one bad review from Viki S who said that a massage shouldn't hurt. Clearly she doesn't know how to speak up, and just wants to go to one of those places where you are in a secluded room being lightly brushed with a palm leaf; but her complaint of it being painful was exactly what my friend would be looking for. She's no wuss to massages and hasn't met a masseuse who can hurt her. She was a ball of knots when she was dropped off and when I picked her up she looked as if she'd just smoked a joint and was ready for a snack.
Plus she says they do cupping which is supposed to be really cool. I think I will be walking up there myself soon....
P.S. Viki, I realize that you'd like to be serviced by someone who speaks the same language as you...which I presume is English. Allow me to give you a little grammar lesson - the word "your" is the possessive form of you. This may surprise you, but there is another word, "you're" which is a contraction of you (pronoun) and are (verb). They cannot be used interchangeably.
A tip on how to avoid this 5th grade mistake (which, I could forgive one as an oversight, but three times indicates you've (another contraction!) not yet mastered the your v. you're conundrum) is to insert the words "you are" into the sentence and if the sentence still makes sense then you know the contraction of "you're" is appropriate.
Also, your point regarding bruising being bad for you is completely off base. In fact, it is quite normal to have some bruising from a deep tissue massage. Think about it, most people who go in for a massage are probably in pain and have taken some kind of medication to assist with the pain - likely a medication that is a blood thinner such as ibuprofen - which would cause even the slightest capillary damage to bleed extensively.
Ok, that's all for today's lesson. Go get yourself rubbed by some chick named Tiffany out in Orland Park.
Damn it's a good massage. I felt woozy when i left though. I think that's the sign of a good massage, feeling knocked out or sluggish when it's over.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2009
I read the reviews on Yelp and went (thanks Yelpers). The reviews were right on. This place looks… Read more »
Leave your modesty at the door. There will be no organic cucumber canapes. There will be no lavender and hibiscus water to drink. No aromatherapy. No hot rocks and no new age "plink-plink music".
What you will get is possibly the best massage you will ever get. It is for me - twice now. Just go with it. Even when she sticks her fingers in your ears.
Seriously - the last 4 years have been pretty difficult due to back problems (2 major surgeries) and I have not had a pain-free minute in that time. This is the first time I can honestly say that it did not hurt to get out of bed in the morning. These Chinese ladies know there stuff.
Awesome.
So I'm training for my first marathon. Before training started, I had never run more than a mile in my life. I'm not an athlete or a runner.
http://afc.aidschicago...
Then about a week and a half ago I woke up sort of sick and grumpy and pissed, and decided to finish our first double digit run (ten miles) having consumed only a half cup of milk and no electrolytes or gel or gu.
I got through it, but I trailed behind miserably and just walked the last three miles. My left leg was swollen and sore, and my IT band was tight. I got lots of supportive hugs, was assured that everyone has a bad week, and came home to veg out on my couch with a funnel cake and Michael Haneke's "Funny Games," which just managed to make a bad day into a bad week. Good movie, but not something to watch when you're angry and sore.
The next day, the muscle was stiff, but no longer sore. A good sign, I thought. I should definitely be better by my next long run. The day after that it was stiffer. On Day 5, my left calf wasn't working. The muscle just wasn't moving when I took a step. It wasn't painful - it was just like there was piece of brick in my leg. It wasn't stretching or contracting or really operating in any way. I went to a runner's yoga class, and stretched like hell - nothing was happening to this useless lump in my leg.
It looked like I was going to have to skip this week's run - a 12 miler. But I decide to take a risk and head over to Pain Stop Massage Therapy a couple days before and get a 45 minute deep tissue massage. I told them about my issue, and they sent me to a massage room blocked off by curtains.
As I waited, I heard two other customers walk in, ask questions, and set up in the room on the other side of the curtain. They seemed to be only a few inches away from me.
Person 1: So, like, what was he wearing?
Person 2: Well, he was wearing jeans. And this, like blue thing on top. It had this strip on one arm.
Person 1: Did he look good?
Person 2: Well, he looked sort of okay. I don't think he put any gel in his hair.
Person 1: I think his hair looks better without gel.
Person 2: Well, it depends on how *much* gel.
OH GOD PLEASE a stiff muscle and forty five minutes of this conversation? I'll get dressed and walk out right now!
Luckily, they stopped talking when their massage started. The lady who massaged me was amazing. I have never had a deep tissue massage before, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I had to say it was pretty awesome. She massaged everything from my neck to my feet, and I yelled out a couple times.
Then she really went to work on my leg. Pounded and squished and stretched the crap out of it. Turned it to mush. It was really painful, but I decided to trust her and let her do what she thought was best (which is not my usual style but maybe everyone's becomes a bit more cooperative when they're nekkid and face down?) She used oils and extremely hot towels and even dry pressure.
When I got dressed and stood up I thought "uh oh." My leg was SO SORE. But magically, it was actually operating and moving as I limped to the front desk.
My massage therapist was speaking in her native language animatedly and using several hang gestures, and I could tell she was talking about how stubborn my leg muscle was. I saw that she had worked up a sweat in pounding my leg. For some odd reason I felt very proud of my stiff leg muscle ( I mean, she's seen a lot of stiff muscles, right?). I guess that doesn't really make much sense.
I told the receptionist that my leg was now hella sore and that it hurts to walk. She assured me that was okay.
The morning of my next long run (twelve miles) I woke up cheerful, but thought "yeah right." It was an effort to walk down the hall to my bathroom. I figured I would at least try to run a mile, and then cheer all my running mates on to the end. I ate a big breakfast and two servings of gel blocks.
Not only did I manage to finish my long run, but it was actually the easiest run I had done so far. I was completely amazed by what a great day it turned out to be. The muscle was sore, but operated fine and managed to get me to the end.
I think a positive attitude and adequate nutrition helped, but without the massage I honestly think I would not have been able to do anything. I am so so happy! I cannot believe they managed to actually fix a non working leg - best $50 I've ever spent. I will definitely be back.
Best.Massage.Ever.Srrsly.
I had some killer knots in my back that were so large they were pinching nerves. I needed help. Pain Stop to the rescue. Here, I had one of the most thorough massages ever. Super deep. My masseuse worked very hard and got all of the kinks out. I was a little sore for a couple days, but felt amazing after the bruises healed. Yeah, it was a REALLY deep massage. That lady did good work. She even stuck her fingers in my ears. A little weird, but hey, I felt like she was just being thorough. And cheap! Not expensive at all. Totally fits in my poor-twenty-something-year-old budget.
Three very important points to remember:
1. NOT for modest people - I was straight up naked on the table. No towel, no nothing. The masseuse was all up in my business as well, but in a totally appropriate way (pretty sure that's possible). If they're cool with it, I'm cool with it, but if you aren't then do NOT go here.
2. NOT a spa. No candles, magical music, soft spoken voices. The beds are in stall-like things, the sound echoes throughout the space and it's not very secluded.
3. Cash only.
Why only four stars for quite possibly the best massage of my life? I made an appointment for a 60-minute massage and only received a 45-minute massage. I was told I'd have a male masseuse and I had a female masseuse. I was told they'd be using some Chinese herbs that I was either to wash or not wash off in two hours - I'm not sure. I had to run errands for a while after and didn't wash it off right away and ended up with some hives, but I have fairly sensitive skin so it's not completely abnormal for me.
Awesome that's what she said moment: After I was done and dressed, I came out and the owner/manager said, "Oh! She said you liked it real hard!" I wanted to laugh, but I was too relaxed to laugh that much. But yes, yes I did.
I can't live without this place! I love my massages painful and that's what you can get here (if you prefer). The prices are reasonable which is a huge reason why I keep returning! And, I can usually get parking on the street which is another huge plus. This place feels like a doctor's office - clean/sterile like & professional - nothing frilly or spa like at all.
The foot massages are to die for! They soak your foot in this herbal hot water before they massage your feet which is awesome! I wish I could just get this foot soak with other services as add ons. These people know what they are doing!
The chair massages that I've had there are very good as well. The full body massages weren't the best I've ever received - maybe I need to emphasize that I want it harder.
They close at 8pm but if you call - they'll stay open for you. The hardest working bunch ever.
Walk ins accepted! Excellent for us spur-of-the-moment type people.
I walked in one day because I was in the neighborhood and wanted a good massage. A GREAT massage is what I got instead! I haven't had many massages in my time, but this one ranks at the top of those that I've received.
The masseuse started with a sheer drape on my back and began kneading my shoulders, back, and legs to warm up the muscles. The sheer drape was then removed for some focused work on shoulders and upper back (my problem areas).
I don't know if I was in bad shape, but she ran out "to get some medicine" for me. Whatever it was (some kind of oil) she poured some in her hands and worked it into my shoulders, neck, back, buttocks, legs, feet, arms and hands. Good deep pressure all throughout.
Then came the hot, steaming towels. My masseuse waved the towel over my upper back a few times, dropped it on my back, then immediately lifted it back up, repeating this process a few times until the towel cooled down a bit so as not to burn me. Then she initiated another massaging round with the hot towels, which allowed wet heat to permeate into the muscles. After the upper back, she used more towels for the lower back, legs, and arms. The towels also served to clean up any of the oil left on my skin from the massage.
The final rounds included some massaging of the feet, hands, head and scalp before the timer went off.
Yes, that short Chinese masseuse worked me over. Awesome job! And a few weeks later when I pulled a back muscle one morning, I headed downtown (yes, from the far west suburbs) on a Sunday evening for a therapeutic massage. I told them the problem and they went right to work. Recovery was remarkably faster for me compared to times when I've pulled a muscle before. And no "hunch neck" at work the next day.
Yep, I'm a fan of The Pain Stop Massage Therapy. And the price is way more than reasonable!
Oh my.
I've had my share of massages. Some good, some ok, and some just bad. This, I believe, is the best massage I have ever had. (I am in the midst of massage after-glow but I don't think it's clouding my judgement.) It's also one of the cheapest.
Ditto every single reviewer before me. This is not a spa. This is no spa experience (no musical stylings from Zamphyr and his magic flute). This is a place to go when you NEED a massage.
My 35 year old body (no, I don't look it? well, thank you) is not responding to 2009 outdoor running season. In fact, it's rebelling. I wake up with aches, pains and a limp (????), so I told myself if I got 20 miles in this week I could treat myself to a massage. (Yeah, it's Thursday...I run fast and far with the promise of a reward at the end.) So I made my appointment yesterday for today. I don't think it was absolutely necessary as they are a walk-in business, but I wanted to assure service on my arrival.
A stark storefront on Milwaukee with plenty of metered street parking. The basic decoration of the lobby belied the enthusiastic greeting I received when I walked in. The woman who greeted me at the door got down to business immediately, asking what pained me. We talked and walked to the treatment room. She asked if it was okay for me to have a male masseuse. Although I prefer a woman (I had an uncomfortable experience once), I was told "he is very good. Very good." so I said yes. She left and I got situated on the table. I was expecting a towel the size of a Kleenex after reading other reviews on Yelp, but was happy with a nice size towel. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
The woman came back in the room with the masseuse and told him where I needed extra work done. Then she left, the timer started, and my masseuse started working. No words. Just a great, great massage. I, personally, appreciated the amount of time spent on my glutes. In my past massage experiences, if you wanted your glutes done you had to specify and even then it was a gentle rub. Not here. He worked it out. I was in heaven. I believe another reviewer said he/she drooled. I did too. There were some parts of the massage that absolutely hurt (and I know I will feel this in the morning), but it was a good hurt. A very good hurt.
The III Act of the massage was hot towels, more rubbing, head massage, more rubbing, and DING. The timer went off. My time was done.
I re-clothed and went out to pay (and meet the masseuse...I had yet to see his face). The woman that greeted me asked me how I was feeling. (And not in a passing, making conversation kind of way, she really wanted to know how I was feeling.) I considered doing a cheer I learned in Jr. High when I tried out for cheerleading (the gist of it was "wind up, get loose...wind up get loose"), but then I remembered I didn't make the cheerleading team and I didn't want to inflict these nice people to my sad cheering skills. Instead I got out my wallet. $65 for the massage and then a big ole tip for my new favorite dude.
My only complaint was that my 60 mins went way too fast.
The first time I went I lay there thinking, "the frickin' massage that never ends..." The Chinese woman had set the timer for sixty minutes and then proceeded to ram into my back and just about everywhere else, and I took it, sometimes wincing in pain, but thinking, "this will be worth it." And when I walked out, it was. The massage therapist was glistening with sweat, I exited the sterile, clinic-like property, and after ten minutes, felt a complete lift from my normally tense shoulders and neck. I hadn't felt this for awhile! It was so light, I felt unwound.
So, I went back. The second time was a more pleasant experience. This Chinese women was conversational in English, and could ask me, "too hard?" Of course, there were times when the phone rang and she actually answered it in the middle of my massage -- apparently the receptionist was out that day -- but I still tipped her generously because she did an excellent job. As I paid, I ate one of the little candies sitting in a bowl on the counter and asked, "where do you get these?" She said, "oh, you like? Everyone likes those. Take more!" I took a couple more, and she said, "no, have more!" She ran around the corner, took a heaping two handfuls and stuffed it in my coat pocket.
:)
Not for those who fear nudity -- sometimes you don't even have that little butt towel -- but these are professionals we're talking about. I highly recommend this place for anyone who needs some real work done and isn't just looking for a relaxing spa experience .
Great service, great price. Highly recommended, and very convenient.
I was 10 minutes late for my 4:15 appointment.
The lobby was dark. The door was locked.
I shifted my weight apprehensively as I knocked, waited.
A small Chinese woman appeared at the door and ushered me down the herb-enveloped hallway. A man stared at me silently from the sterile lobby as I entered my "room". My appointment was more medical than pampering in intent, so I was unfazed by the anatomy paraphernalia, industrial tile, and plastic-curtained stalls.
"Take everything off. It is much better. Trust me," she said, gesturing at my lower half. Never propositioned by a small Asian woman before-I obliged.
No sooner did my face hit the table then the hands hit my injured, knotted back.
For the first 35 minutes, I did not know whether it was man, woman, robot, demon, or angel whose expert hands kneaded, knuckled, pushed, pulled, and manipulated my wound muscles into (semi)submission. The towel was mere suggestion - a five-minute formality - as my winter-white behind was exposed more with each movement. I didn't mind. Her super-human hand strength held me rapt somewhere between heaven and hell for the full 45 minutes.
Finally, a real deep tissue massage!
I can rub oil on my body to smooth jazz and soy-based candles any night of the week...but what she did with her hands, boiling towels, and herbs had me stumbling out onto Milwaukee Ave in a daze.
When I finished my styrofoam cup of water, I didn't know whether to tip the woman or file a restraining order. I guess Stockholm's syndrome got the best of me and I forked over some dough. (Electronically, thankfully. I hate cash-only.)
The next day, I felt it. The price you pay for real bodywork. Sore - but worth it for the relief I felt. My injury-induced stiffness may require another beating, but I am happy to say that with prices and results from Pain Stop - I can afford it.
Holy Chipotle! This place is amazing!
Straight outta the gate you gotta know, this place looks nothing like a spa, and feels nothing like a spa. There are no flowers, scents, heck....not even any doors on the massage rooms! Just curtains. Oh and the workers talk with one another during the massages, so that is the background music....so dare I say the experience is not really relaxing?
So then, what's with all these 5 star reviews?? The massages are TO-DIE-FOR! The deepest deep-tissue massage I have ever had. The masseuse actually got up on the table (um, basically straddling me) and proceeded to work out every kink. These massages are the best massages b/c they are not traditional. There is no draping or covering with a sheet, which allows for the masseuse to move around the body more. Oh and the hot towels at the end are a nice added bonus....complete bliss after a wonderful massage.
All these reviews can't fully prepare oneself for this experience....try the Pain Stop b/c there is simply no other place like it!
Best foot massage since Singapore. If you've never had one, I highly recommend one. You will feel great. By "foot," it means they do everything up to your knees. All the knots, everything. I also heard thru the grapevine to get the guy for the foot massage, so I got Jesse. And yes, it was fabulous.
I've also had the full body done here and I didn't think it was hard enough--however, I am one of those who likes getting beaten up. She said she didn't want to bruise me up, so next time I should just ask for harder.
Great value for the money, but yes, like all the other yelpers said, low privacy.
The place is definitely no-frills, which is fine. I was there for a 90-minute deep-tissue massage, not a spa treatment.
My masseuse spoke not a lick of English. Not a problem at first, since I wasn't there to chat. I was there for a 90-minute deep-tissue massage. Things started out pretty rough. I felt like I was in the middle of a brawl. It was not pleasant, and I really didn't know what to make of it. But I hung in there.
Finally, what felt like a familiar massage began. But here's the problem--the masseuse wasn't using any kind of oil. I was getting what we used to call "Indian burns" from skin twisting and rubbing skin. Pure friction. It hurt like holy hell, and I couldn't take it anymore. I got up from the table and said "Stop!" She thought I couldn't take the pressure from the rubbing, so she mimed with her fingers a more gentle kneading. It took some miming of my own to indicate that she was rubbing my skin off. She finally got it and used one of her only two English words--"medicine." The medicine was some kind of eucalyptus oil. It was pretty spicy stuff with a burn all its own, but at least it had some lubricating properties.
That was side one of my body. Side two--same thing all over again. Started out with no "medicine," hurt like holy hell, had to say "Stop," but at least I knew to ask her for medicine.
She did get some deep tissue work done, and she did work very hard on me. She was huffing and puffing. The other English word she used that day was "knot," when she found a big one in my shoulder. That knot is what I went in there for, and she did find it.
So, I'd recommend that if you do try this place to ask the lady at the front desk who does speak English to tell your masseuse in Chinese that she needs to use oil, or medicine--whatever--on you. That is the only way I can see surviving a deep tissue massage here.
I told the lady at the front desk the same, and described what happened, but either she didn't understand me, or didn't really care all that much. Maybe the medicine is supposed to cost extra.
What you need to know:
Cons: there is some awkwardness regarding the fact that you're totally naked and not always covered, that they have no problem rubbing your glutes, and that your rear end is pointed straight toward the door to the hallway. And by door I mean curtain. Simply put, you're not in a salon.
Pros: this is so much better than any massage you've had in a salon, and for far less money. She did things to my shoulders that I felt in my feet. I realized at one point that I was drooling. And I didn't care. It seemed right. There's a part with hot towels that will make you feel good about life. Just go - be prepared for some awkwardness, but go.
If I could give this zero (0) stars...I would do it. Horrible doesn't even begin to describe the experience my mom and I had here.
We called and made appointments and thought it was a little sketchy that it was a cash only operation. But, one of my good friends had a good experience so we were giving it a try. We arrived and they led us into the same room with side by side tables and told us to get naked and lay down. NAKED...with my mom...and a sheet the size of a washcloth to cover our butts. SERIOUSLY?
It gets worse. The guy giving my mom a massage had no idea what he was doing and the lady giving my massage was yelling at him in some foreign language for about 10 minutes. Once the massage got going, the technique was bad, the pressure was inconsistent, they never flipped us over and my bare butt was hanging out for most of the time.
After 45 minutes, my mom gave up and said she was done. I was done after the first 15 minutes but didn't want to ruin it b/c I thought she was enjoying her massage. Turns out, both our experiences were very very bad. On top of it all, they tried to explain it all away like it wasn't a bad experience. We have been to some of the top spa/resorts in the nation and are well aware of what a deep tissue massage is supposed to feel like. This was more like naked torture than a massage.
We paid in full and told them that they shouldn't have untrained people giving painful and potentially unsafe massages. I will never go back.
To repeat most other reviews this place is no nonsense pain relief. They do a great job and the cost is very fair - possibly even cheap!
The only complaint is their English language skills. Mostly not necessary but you have to know what you want. they asked what area and I said right shoulder. They did not understand that it was the result of a car accident (or maybe they felt it was irrelevant). Regardless, they did a great job and once you get used to being bare-assed -it's great.
I am a chronic pain sufferer and this place is the best in town. I had lots of people recommend Spas with supposedly excellent masseuses but what I got was a swedish grandma rubdown- not what I was looking for. Pain Stop gets in there and gets the knots out.
If you are looking for a foofy robe, some pleasant smelling candles, and incessant wave-crashing background noise, this isn't the place for you. Also, if you are looking for a relaxing (soft touch) massage, this isn't the place. The facilities are not spa-like, it is much more anticeptic and cold.
However, the therapeutic treatment is among the best I have ever had. I don't care how tough you think you are - these little old Chinese ladies will made you cringe in pain. I went in with some serious lower back pain and my masseuse zeroed right in on the offending spot like a silkworm missile. The amount of pressure she was able to exert was impressive for her stature.
Long story short - if you need real work done, this is the place. The surroundings won't impress you, but the results (and price) will.
With all the hype surrounding Pain Stop I knew I would be disappointed with anything other than a mind blowing, eyes rolling in the back of my head, full body tingling experience. The bar was high, but I'll be damned if Pain Stop didn't sail over with ease.
The first thing that blew me away was that they took an appointment on a moment's notice. Their hours online say they close at 8PM, but when I called at 6 hoping they had a 7 o'clock slot, I was told they would be closed. Hearing the disappointment in my voice the lady asked me if I REALLY needed a massage that night. I told her that I had been sitting at a desk for 12 hours a day each of the last 3 days and she said (get ready for this) they'd wait for me. Wait, what? Yes, they waited for me and started an hour long massage after closing time.
I was expecting the place to more be like a doctor's office per the other reviews. While it didn't seem as clinical as I'd thought it'd be, it was very bare and model home clean. After being escorted to my room, I was told (as expected) to strip naked and put the teeny (seriously, it's slightly bigger than a hand towel) towel over my butt. The room had a curtain instead of a door and every time it swayed in the tiniest bit, I was certain someone was going to get a peep show. Luckily, because this was after hours, there was no hall traffic.
It's been said on here that this is a "no frills" massage. While this is true, it by no means takes away from the experience. I never even SAW my masseuse. There was no 5 minute "How is your Chi?" conversation with Enya playing in the background. I got naked, laid on the table and with a quick "hi" a strong gripped gentleman went to work on every inch of my back side. Think of enjoying a 5 star dinner, prepared in your kitchen by top chefs and served to you while you're on your couch watching your Tivo. Now imagine that it's half the price. The frills are gone, but the delicious food remains and you're left with a little more cash in the end.
In his very first motion, he pressed down on my back with open palms. I heard 4 distinct pops and would have gladly paid $65 just for those 3 glorious seconds. As he continued, I could tell that he could feel what was tight and he applied the appropriate motion and pressure. Yes, it hurt at times, but as it's been said, it's the best hurt one can feel. He rubbed and relaxed just about everything. The reflexology was a wonderful touch (he spent about 3 minutes on each foot) and I can't say that I've ever felt anything like the butt massage. The walls of each room do not come anywhere near the high ceiling so I was holding back some serious moans out of fear that the people in the front would hear.
One thing I noticed was that unlike most great feelings, my hour seemed longer than a normal massage hour. What I noticed was that they start their timer when they begin the massage whereas most places start when you undress and stop 5 minutes early to allow you to undress. 60 minutes means 60 minutes. When it was all said and done, my masseuse slid out the room as I sat up on the table feeling euphorically light in the head. I'd imagine this is what it'd feel like to make out with a masked bandit before he disappeared into the night. Seriously, when I went in the front, there were only women.
I had walked in with unbearable back pain just an hour before, and I left feeling like a million dollars. All this for $65 plus a fat tip to my masked avenger. I didn't care that my motor senses were severely impaired (I'm not kidding.. I could barely walk straight let alone drive) or that I left with my makeup irreparably smeared like The Joker. That was some freaking massage.
Let me start by writing that I've never had a massage before my visit to Pain Stop yesterday. I have neck and upper back pain and made an appointment for a 30 minute massage. I can tell you this. I wanted it to go on forever.
The owners didn't spend a lot of money on the decor or the beds but it is clean and comfortable.
I didn't wait a minute for my massage and the Chinese woman who greeted me and then did the massage only had two questions. The first was "Where do you hurt" and second, "Is this too hard". I can relate to those people who think they are being abused as you are not pampered but I kept reminding myself to keep breathing and not tense up. That helped a lot.
Other than that, she set a timer and went to work. I didn't feel self conscious being covered with a towel. Actually, it was two towels. She did a great job and generated a lot of strength/pressure. It felt great.
When I checked out, she said that a 45 minute massage would be better suited to my pain and I agreed. It didn't seem like I was being upsold.
I will be back.
I've gone there are few times. It is probably the best deep-tissue massage therapy that I've gotten. Staff is friendly and they are good at what they do. One bit of hassle is that they get a little annoyed if you don't pay in cash. One time I paid in credit card and the cashier gave me an unpleasant face. Nonetheless, I recommend them for their quality of service.
I have to agree that this is more of a "Kung Fu" massage, as Robert O. said. After having surprised my boyfriend with a massage here, he returned the favor for us both today and booked us a 45 minute simultaneous ("couples") massage. This was no dreamy, tropical, sexy situation though: we were directed into a very clean and simple room, told to take everything off, and lay on the tables and cover ourselves with some towels.
Quietly, like spirits, two women slipped in and began a 45 minute beat-down that worked out his upper back pain and my lower back tightness and stress. These women are like acrobats - they were climbing on the table, rolling their elbows across my back and rear, and at some points even straddling the table to get better leverage. I have a somewhat high pain tolerance but there were times when I wanted to shout. The reflexology portion just made me giggle - I have ticklish feet. The hot towel part of the massage was the most painful, if only because those towels are HOT! And they press them hard into your skin...and it hurts, and you grimace, and then....you feel insanely good. I need someone to do that every day to me.
When it was over I realized my BF and I had not said anything to each other the entire time. I think the looks on our faces said everything though. There's no way you can even speak during a Pain Stop massage - you are transported into a whole other place. It was phenomenal. If you've ever wanted to try a couples massage, this is certainly focused more on the "massage" than the "couples" part of that equation, but you will leave feeling really really good.
Great prices too! And just a point about some of the comments about the decor - its very clean, very modern, and very simple. Nothing extraneous, but certainly relaxing, comfortable, and appropriate for the setting.
I'm a pretty big wimp, so if I could do it, anyone can do it. I admit the 45 minute massage hurt and I was getting a little thankful by the time it was over. It was a controlled kind of infliction of pain. She clearly knew what she was doing. I could've asked her to back off, and I am sure she would have. But I wanted the full experience.
It was interesting to me to see where I flinching, which I take as a sign that I need to pay more attention to that area. Like I went in there with knots in my back near my right shoulder blade, but I flinched the most when she massaged my left hamstring. Hm... John Mellancamp's "hurt so good" makes pretty good sense here. I do feel looser now, and the soreness is starting to set in, just as she predicted.
I will definitely go back, but maybe next time I will have them go easier on me..
best massage since Bangkok, hands down, and a great value.
I've seen Tina and Jason, and they both do an excellent job (Jason is much more observant about butt-coverage, which I appreciate--he is a gentleman; Tina kind of forgot about the towel after 15 minutes, but she is so much like the old ladies I hung out with in the onsen that I didn't really care).
this is not a new age, aromatherapy, nature sounds type of massage. it's not even "relaxing," per se. it's going to be a workout, with some pain during (and possibly after), but these guys know what they're doing. their movements are focused and efficient, and they really know their pressure points--so instead of just some vague rubbing (which I have paid twice as much for, sadly), all 60 minutes are effective.
Holy crap.... This place is a gem. It's in no way flashy, and the owner might answer the phone while she's rubbing you down, but it does not get better than this. They know how to WORK your muscles unlike anywhere else I've ever been. I have had a lot of massages in my life, but this is the best I've ever had (bold statement, I know!).
Just be ready to be totally birthday suit on the table. It's totally not weird, so don't make it be. I don't know about you, but a gluteal massage is pretty much fabulous.
This place is awesome.
They were very friendly, there was parking right out front, great price, and the massage was just amazing. I will be counting the days until I return.
Holy cow. I just got beat up by a Chinese woman.
For those who enjoy the experience of a spa massage - relaxing ambiance, soothing music, aromatherapy candles and pampering all over, this is NOT the place for you.
If you are in a lot of pain and just need someone to beat out your muscles, and don't care about ambiance, this is the perfect place for you.
I walked in on a Sunday afternoon, and was a bit scared. The place looks more like a place for acupuncture or other Eastern holistic remedies. It is very clean and sterile. The owners do not speak English very well, so you'll have to work with them a little.
I am sure everyone here saw me naked. A thin shade covers the door to the massage room, and much like a fitting room, there are cracks through the edges that don't hide much. However, since there were only a few people there, it was ok. I think the whole backside of my body was exposed as the tiny towel did not stay on for too long.
This woman is good. I wish she spent more time on specific areas (I told her my lower back was in a lot of pain), but she stressed to me that I needed my whole body rubbed down to increase overall circulation. She pounded my back like a meat hammer, and I enjoyed every minute of it. She even did some reflexology on my arms and feet, which was nice.
I guess the only thing I'd request is some more privacy but other than that, it was great.
Intense neck & shoulder pain resulted in a yelp search to find a reliable massage place. I read every single review on here before my first visit, and thank god I did, because I think I would have been a little confused at times had I not.
I have been here twice now for the 45 minute accupressure massage, and I can say that it is not as scary or painful as some people make it out to be. Yes- they demand you wear your birthday suit, and yes- "I" of course enjoy that, as part of "my' total relaxation process.
As far as the intensity level goes, it can be a little rough at times, but they are really good about trying to feel out your comfort level. Anytime I flinched or moaned she asked if she should tone it down for me, but my theory is No pain, no gain... bring it on.
Let me take a moment to give justice to how awesome the massage is. The woman started at what I would call my "epicenter", the culprit of all aches in my neck and shoulders, and she spent a lot of time trying to work out the kinks there. Then she got every other bit of your back side- arms, hands, legs, feet, and yes- (the rear). This is probably my favorite thing about the massage, they touch and try to find places that you didn't realize needed attention, but honestly do. I had no idea that my arms and legs were so tense! Also, they will take on any angle to work out a kink- true dedication is getting up on the table and using all of your body weight to put the pressure on a knot!
Towards the end of the massage they do a good job of working out all of the bad energy released by moving their way down the arms/ legs down to the hands/ feet, and finally fingers/toes. When they snap my knuckles I feel like they had just done the exorcism of bad energy from within my body. It's incredibly rejuvenating.
The end of the massage is where it's at- HOT Towels & a head massage! The hot towel warms up your muscles and then they massage through the towel, again, hitting ALL the right places, working from the feet up giving a towel to each side and section. Then it ends with a quasi-rough head massage (don't try and do your hair all fancy before you come, they'll screw it up- But it's definitely worth it), and last, but not least, a timer that beeps to assure you have gotten your times worth.
Overall: Not painful or awkward. These ladies know what they are doing- Asians always get it right and charge way less, why would you consider going anywhere else?
