Simply amazing! I've had a few deep tissue massages but this was out of this world. I'm still sore but I went in for knee pain and it's significantly reduced after one session. Will certainly book another appointment read more

If you are a runner or active person, this is the place for you. I've never really had a great sports massage - usually they don't apply enough pressure and I feel like it's a waste of money. That is definitely not the case here. Wow, I felt like I did a workout because I was doing so much deep breathing as he worked out all my knots and trigger points. I had a lot of them! I appreciated that he took a few minutes to chat with me before going into the room about what I wanted to get from the massage and to communicate with him throughout if I wasn't getting what I needed. He also checked in throughout to make sure I was okay. I'll definitely be coming back when I start my taper for my marathon and I've already recommended him to a number of running friends! read more

I cannot believe I finally found a massage therapist that knows what he's doing and taking the time to listen to his clients. I had severe tight trapezium muscles( AKA trigger points) and apparently old injury knots on my scapula, and Noel was able to release a lot of that tightness and pain. He did warn me that I would be sore for 2-4 days, and he was right. After following his stretching recommendations and post care instructions, my neck feels amazing. Definitely going back at least once per month. Thank you Noel! read more

Noel is excellent. Starts the appointment with a conversation about focus areas, pain points, etc., and is careful to listen and incorporate into the massage. He's highly skilled at his craft and knows how to go deep to get results. He does not "go easy" and it's painful at times, but it's highly effective at fixing my issues and getting me back on track. I'm a long-time distance runner and I wouldn't trust anyone but Noel for a sports massage. read more

Noel specializes in trigger point and deep tissue massage, with some Thai massage techniques as well. The bodywork can be excruciating (and I have a high tolerance for pain), but it's effective over the long term and worth the high prices. I first came to Noel when I was trying to resolve my right shoulder injury, which had healed some after a full course of physical therapy and a full course of Airrosti treatments, but was still not 100%. He worked on the area over 6-7 sessions and got my shoulder back to full functionality. Since then, I've continued to see Noel for over a year now, primarily for scalp/jaw/neck (TMJ) work, which in conjunction with botox injections has been extremely effective in addressing the muscular tension/pain that tends to build up over time. read more

I've had injuries that I've gone to physical therapy for months that Noel has fixed in a one hour-long session. He's incredible. It's also incredibly painful but effective. And it doesn't have to be. I mean, of course everyone has their own levels of pain and you can talk to him. So if you want an incredibly effective massage that will fix messed up muscles you want to see Noel. read more

I've tried many different massage therapists and no one can use as much pressure as Noel can. It is expensive and sometimes challenging to book on short notice, but you certainly get what you pay for - and if you are disappointed with "weakness" from other massage therapists, then you will meet your match with Noel. I have been a weightlifter for over 20 years, so I require deep tissue massage therapy. Years ago I had plantar fasciitis and he was able to give me major relief and help me recover 100% so I never required surgery. In the many years I have seen Noel, I sometimes try a different massage therapist to save some money, but the results are no where near of what I get from Noel's work. Be sure to book well in advance if you want to get in, but sometimes you will get lucky with an appointment in less than 24 hours. If you are looking for deep tissue sports massage that will leave you feeling renewed and tension-free, Noel is simply the best at what he does. read more

It has been challenging to find a true sports massage therapist , by my definition. I am a long distance runner and benefit most from deep tissue, trigger point release and an experienced therapist that truly listens and adapts to my needs. Labak met and exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend him! He took the time to listen, adapt and check in during the massage to insure we were on track with my goals and expectations. I highly recommend him and will be back read more

Well, the massage I recieved last night was the best I've had EVER. Noel is AMAZING. He's professional, has a lovely relaxed personality and delievered a heck of a fabulous sports massage customized to what I needed. I left with a HUGE smile on my face and a body feeling like a noodle...and I feel amazing still today (minus a little soreness...but that's what I needed). I consider myself a pretty crtical critic as I've perviously worked as a massage therapist and experienced some pretty amazing massages in my time from fellow therapists and instructors BUT this took the cake. His combined techniques features sports, deep tissue and streatching which makes the experience unique and never boring. His intuition was spot on...he focused on all the areas I need to have worked on without me having to say a word. I've recently started a running regimine in an effort to run a half-marathon this fall, and I will be back to see Noel as freaquently as my bank account will allow. I can't wati to get out and run again now that all my kinks have been worked out. Noel is 110% the real deal as far as therapists go...if you need work done go see him IMMEDIATELY! Do not go anywhere else! read more

Really wanted to like the massage. First time I finally got an appointment it was a good massage, but not a great one (not enough pressure, although he said he was easing me into it). Second time, he no-showed to the appointment. I made the appointment on the website and got multiple email confirms. Then showed up at his office and no one was there. I called and texted him with no response. Waste of time... read more

I thought I've had a massage before. Then I met Noel Labak, and realized I've never *really* had a massage. I'm currently in my first season of triathlon training and woke up one morning with my quads singing to me. Their song was one of exhaustion and a plea for some TLC. I made an appointment with Noel (online scheduling is extremely easy) and was greeting by the extremely pleasant Mr. Labak in his calming studio on Lincoln Ave. He took the time to sit down with me and genuinely listened to what I wanted. He made it clear that he was here for me- truly appreciated! The actual massage was a slice of heaven. Sometimes painful, but painful in a "please-don't-stop-this-is-amazing" kind of a way. He took the time to explain to me some of the intricacies of my body and made me feel very comfortable. I left feeling rejuvenated, rested, and and ready to take on the world. Days later and I'm still feeling the effects of Noel's work. Can't recommend him more- already planning my 2nd visit after my first triathlon of the season! read more

Being a Figure Competitor, I tend to lift fairly heavy weights 6 days/week in the gym. Due to excessive muscle breakdown, I have developed severe muscular tightness - even after foam rolling, self-massage, and stretching techniques. When I developed a pronounced tightness in my back, I decided it was time to find a Sports Massage Expert. Doing my due-diligence, I sought an experienced professional to attend to my muscles. After reading the other reviews of Noel on Yelp, I decided to book an appointment. Never having received a professional massage, I was unsure what to expect. Noel was very courteous, kind, and considerate when explaining the procedure. He let me know that I might feel a bit "beat up" the next day, as Sports Massages are a bit intense. He stressed communication and kept my comfort-level in mind at all times. I would agree with other reviewers that the massage was aggressive (good thing), but you could feel the different pressure/trigger points/muscles being worked on specifically. The calming atmosphere, inhalation therapy, and comfortable massage table made the experience a very positive first-time-massage for me. Noel paid attention to my trouble spots, and it was almost like he can read your mind when it was time to move to the next muscle group...for a newbie, I could only take so much pressure. I would highly recommend anyone to see him for a great sports massage. His track record speaks highly of him - his experience in the field surpasses most massage therapists. Booking online is a breeze, and he confirms appointments quickly. He is friendly and outgoing, as he seems to truly care about your condition, your life, and your interests. A++++! read more

Noel is a massage guru! I love him! I really feel like he takes my aching muscles extremely personally- like, 'how dare your back hurt you like that! Don't worry I'll take care of that!' He's a super hero:) He really is as good as it gets consistently! read more

I went to Noel a couple hours after completing the Chicago Marathon this year and thank goodness I did! I was able to do a recovery run 2 days after the marathon. In contrast, after my first marathon, I could barely walk downstairs for at least a week. But let me go back to the moment I got here. Noel welcomed my sister and I and offered water, snacks and magazines. He was such an amazing host and really made the whole experience enjoyable. This was my first sports massage and definitely not my last. read more

I've been going to Noel for the past two years and he is by far the best massage therapist I have ever had. He has an innate ability to identify your problem spots and gives a strong pressure to work those spots. He also adds a lot of details to his sessions such an inhalation therapy and stretching that make it an amazing sports massage. read more

I went to Noel after reading the reviews on Yelp. Registered for a slot the next day and it was confirmed shortly; Noel also confirmed a follow-up email about the Yelp discount very quickly. He spent time chatting with me, as much as I wanted, as I described what was sore (legs, marathon training) and asked how intense I wanted the massage, from "gentle" to "beat you up a little." I chose the latter. He delivered. The massage was aggressive but exacting. It never felt random. He worked out all kinds of knots and tightness in my legs and back. There were definitely points where it was very intense but, hey, that's what I asked for. Added bonus: I had the choice of lavender or eucalyptus aroma therapy during the massage! Following the massage, he talked to me more and showed me strengthening exercises for my shins. He had another client by then, but there was never a rush to get me out the door. I came away from the session feeling refreshed and ran that weekend with decidedly less pain. Overall the experience was great: Noel knows what he's doing and he does it in a relaxing, professional environment. read more

Noel is one of a kind. Very personable. Knowledgeable of the body and different techniques. Will come back!

Fantastic and Relieving Massage. Noel really dug in and worked out kinks, found trigger points and areas I did not know existed. I felt immediate relief. He's unbelievable and I will be back! read more

I live in Columbus, OH and have had a problem with adhesive capsulitis (a bad shoulder) for about 6 months. I found Noel Labak on a trip to Chicago a few months ago and just got back from my third massage from him. He's by far the best massage therapist I've ever experienced! He found a "re-set" button for my shoulder! read more

Noel is a genuinely great guy and a true sports massage therapist. If you are a physically active person and are looking for someone to work out the evil, Noel is your man. I have been going to him for a while. As a baker, I'm on my feet 10 hours a night lifting, pushing, and moving heavy objects. It takes a toll on my body. Noel is always able to put me back together again. So if you need someone to help you stay at your peak condition, I highly suggest you try Noel. By the way, he is A LOT stronger than he looks! read more

I want to echo what the other reviewers have said. Noel is wonderful! I also wanted/needed a massage to soothe sore muscles from a running training program. I am so glad I chose Labak Sports Massage. Noel is very much about making the massage about you. The effort he goes through to deliver a stellar experience is remarkable. And on top of delivering a fantastic massage, he is a really nice person. Looking for a really, really great sports/deep massage, go see Noel. read more

I had been doing a lot of research in order to find a great Sports Massage in Chicago and finally selected Noel at Labak Sports Massage. I am thrilled that I did as the massage and the experience were the best I have had. It was simply fantastic and I cannot recommend him highly enough. I immediately appreciated how easy it was to make an appointment online and was impressed at how quickly Noel confirmed my appointment. When I arrived for my massage, Noel took some time to sit down with me before we got started to talk about my history, what I was looking for in the massage and to discuss any concerns or questions I had. This really helped put me at ease and was just one of the many little details that Noel considers to really make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. The massage itself was amazing. You can really tell that Noel is an experienced professional and confident in what he is doing. It was simultaneously relaxing yet painful (in an effective, wonderful way) and I left feeling like I had gotten my money's worth and eager to return. The space is comfortable and relaxing and the massage was truly amazing. I can't recommend Noel highly enough and encourage you to look no further. read more

Noel is the absolute man. He will apply very hard pressure to attack your knots and fix your imbalances - you feel like you got a workout by the time you leave. He is also a great guy and extremely friendly. If you're sick of the casual BS rubdowns you get at most places that don't actually address the root of your back pain/muslce problems, you need a visit with Noel. read more

The best massage in Chicago. This is not your gentle rub my back massage, but serious work and repair for ailing muscles or injurires. I've been going to Noel for a few years, and he provides such reflief from lots of tennis and triathlon training. He's truly gifted with an inate ability to find and fix the problems. He's also a really nice and kind person, and works harder than any massuse I've seen. He treats many professional sports players, which also gives you an idea of his talent. read more

I SURVIVED a Noel Labak massage! I am no stranger to deep tissue sports massage therapy - 15 marathons, 2 spinal surgeries, umpteen halves and 10k's - and without question this was the BEST massage i have ever had. Noel's massage was deep, accurate and very very helpful to the spots i KNEW bothered me. But then there were those trigger points i had no idea needed work. It was as if Noel went on a search and destroy mission on my butt, legs and feet. And let me tell you he came out victorious. Although i was the real winner. Warning: if you are looking for touchy-feeliy-relaxing massage, go elsewhere. I am currently visiting Chicago and loving it so much here i would love a reason to move here. I think i just might have found him!!! read more

I'm a bit of a massage connoisseur and very particular. Noel gives the best sports massage out there and is a genuinely great guy as well. I highly recommend him, especially if you are active. read more

My chiropractor referred me to Noel a number of years ago, and he is the best!!! I see him regularly for hour-long massages, which are both relaxing and intense....which is a really good thing. I always feel like I have received way more than my money's worth, and am always looking forward to my next session. If I have special trouble areas, he is more than willing to spend the time to suggest a different treatment and explain what and why he thinks it will help. This man really knows his stuff, has tons of experience, and I would confidently recommend him to any of my friends or family. If you visit him once, you will want to return! You should check out his website and then give him a try. read more

If you have pain, you should see Noel. Frankly, just being around him feels therapeutic; he's an incredible person, very kind and interesting. He was helpful in directing me to tools and exercises that would serve useful between sessions. His body work in phenomenal, the best I've ever had, and I've tried many. I have some issues right now due to a health condition, so finding Noel was like striking gold. No one else has provided me with the relief he did! He's so knowledgable, intuitive, accommodating, and effective. He even sorted out a problem area I was not even aware was part of my larger issue. The massage was a bit painful at times, and I was certainly sore the next day, but the results were AMAZING and well worth it! I felt so much better walking out than when I walked in, and the results were long standing. As someone who loves to express herself through movement, there is no greater gift than the ability to move freely :) I cannot wait to book my next appointment. And you, dear reader, should not wait either. read more