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. read more

First time I've ever used Yelp and I'm not disappointed. I'm originally from a suburb of Chicago but have been in Alaska the past few years, and I can't seem to find a good massage out there. After reading everyone's reviews I decided to give this place a try for a real massage. Went in today for an hour long deep tissue massage and it was pretty much one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced. Even when I was taking a nap later on in the day, just the memory of the massage made me feel really relaxed and happy. This place from what I was reading is pretty much known for its strong deep tissue massage, and when you go here you have to pretty much expect it. I don't know about these other people claiming that they hurt from it, or that it was too hard, because it just seems a little ridiculous. If it's really unbearable to you then just ask them to go lighter, even though to me that seems like a waste. There are plenty of pampering massages out there if you want that. The naked thing was a little awkward at first, but to be honest after a few minutes you really don't care because of how good the massage feels. I'm going to try the foot reflexology tomorrow and will post another review for that, but I'm pretty excited based off today. read more

I love you Pain Stop ! Word to the Wise: Do not go here if you have any qualms about being naked or receiving a massage in SEVERE deep-tissue ! But if you want to feel like a million bucks, this place is the quickest way to get it. Of all the times I've been here I've only had one massage that was as bad as most massage places are...and it was on on a 30min chair massage (which I changed to a 10min chair massage once I realized it was not going to be a good experience ;D ) It's ok, I forgive you Pain Stop, no one's perfect !! read more

Oh yeah, right there, that's the spot yup yup yup AHHHHH... Whoa, sorry, I didn't know you guys were there. Oh Pain Stop, I love you. Let's get right down to business. This place is NOT some fancy pants salon and you are NOT gonna get some fancy pants massage! My first visit to Pain Stop was after my girlfriend moved into my 4th floor walk-up. (Read: After I made 30 plus trips up and down the stairs moving her in) Needless to say my back was destroyed. Well an hour on the table at the Pain Stop took care of that. They worked me over like they were kneading dough. I came out of that place looser than creamed corn. There's no doubt that they really give it to ya. There will be some pain involved, but they find all the knots and get you moving again. I've been back twice since and continue to sing their praises. read more

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. read more

Once you get past the fact that a 50-60 year old Chinese woman will be rubbing your naked ass you can relax and enjoy the best deep tissue massage in Chicago, if not the world. It's clean, it's professional, it's good for what ails you. read more

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. read more

If you are willing to tolerate a little pain, the deep tissue release is definitely worth it. If you are a 'light touch' person this probably isn't the place for you. The massuse was responsive, though, and lightened up on his pressure as needed. The end result was a great massage and lots of tension relief although it is not exactly my preferred style. I will be back because the result is worth a little discomfort. read more

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. read more

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! read more

This is the real, classical Tuina. Deep, penetrating, healing, effective. Mr. Lee began moderately, but at my request began applying more and more pressure, since I have been using Tuina, and have been trained in Tuina, for 15 years. Mr. Lee was very kind and attentive throughout, making sure that I was comfortable yet also getting the deep treatment that I needed. He is obviously very skillful and well trained. The best Tuina treatment specialist that I have ever come across. I took the 45 minute treatment which allowed him to thoroughly treat the whole back, arms, legs, and feet. He provided special attention to the areas that I felt need more treatment. At the end, he applied some warm towels to finalize the treatment. We will be going back weekly until I feel that everything has been taken care of and then will probably move to a monthly maintenance schedule. It is well worth it. Highly recommended. read more

I have bad muscle knots in my back and I get a massage for my back about once a year. I got an appointment for an hour massage. The secretary asked me about where my problem areas were. I told her where and said that I wanted to get the most intense massage. My masseuse was a guy and he did a great job. He did a fine job working out my knots and finding new places of tension, like the lower parts of my shoulder blades. After it was done, I was actually dizzy from now intense the massage was, in fact I could barely walk and I had that good kind of soreness for about four days afterwards in some of my problem areas. Extra things worth mentioning: It turns out that the hour massage also comes with some free medicinal herb massage oil, I dont know how or if it works. After the timer went off, the guy kept massaging for about an extra five minutes. For more modest people, I kept my shorts on. I drove there during the weekday, and there was a ton of parking easily available. The take home: Considering the cost of a massage in Chicago, this place is an excellent value if you dont care about a fancy decor. Go here to get a painful area beat up. read more

Yes, I went here because of you, my fellow Yelpers. And because after a trip to China ten years ago, I got totally hooked on reflexology. A good foot massage can do wonders for my back and shoulders, and I don't have to take my clothes off. I wandered into Pain Stop yesterday afternoon around lunchtime and asked if they could do reflexology. The young girl behind the counter said yes and they sent me into a back room with a guy that looked like he was in his late 40s. They sat a tub of something hot and unidentifiable in front of me. They called it Chinese medicine and told me I had to soak in it for 10 minutes. I was worried for a bit that this would be the type of stuff that turns black with all your toxins, and I had had a bit to drink the night before. No worries there. I read a few old magazines and just sat there and no one but me knew how hungover I really was. After my 10 minutes were up, my guy came back and wrapped one of my feet in a white towel. He then proceeded to knead and rub my other foot into submission. It was awesome. 15 minutes later, he repeated this process on the other foot. They then convinced me to add in a 15 minute chair massage. I know the Pain Stop's reputation for nakedness, but I assumed there was no nakedness necessary with a chair massage. The guy still had me lie face down on the massage table, but I kept all my clothing on. (So for you who are like me and want a massage but don't want to take it all off, you might want to try the chair massage option.) This was a pretty intense kneading of my back and shoulders, down to my butt. He also rubbed my head a lot. Seriously walked out of here a new person and would highly recommend it . The price is right. And you'll get results. But not the place for you if you lke soft music and candlelight. Note that they REALLY prefer cash here. They'll take cards, but they really want your cash. read more

I don't normally leave reviews but I've been coming here for a few years now and wanted to share my thoughts. For the most part every does a pretty good job on the massages and even the acupuncture. Lately I've been seeing Taylor and she's been the most impressive. Hitting all my pain points and understanding my need to increase flexibility has been key. Will continue coming back for years to come. Thanks! read more

I have been going to Pain Stop for years. They do really good and intense deep tissue massage. I recently had Taylor work on me. I went in all stiff and tight, and came out feeling limber! She's awesome! I would go back and ask for her again. read more

This place is great! I have only gotten massages a few times in my life, normally after big events like defending a dissertation or finally ending that long-term relationship that really needed to end. But after a good 10 days of shoulder pain, I decided it was time to enlist the help of professionals. One of the ladies at this place gave me the most incredible massage for $65! With my lack of massage experience, I can't say for sure, but that seems like a really good deal. And do I need to say again that it was incredible?! Plus, the people there were very friendly and the place was clean, warm, and very comfortable. I would definitely recommend it!! (A bonus for drivers, the large Jewel-Osco/Kmart parking lot is right across the street.) read more

This place is great. Very appropriately priced, and they beat you up. In a good way. A very good way. I agree with other reviewers. If you want light, do not go here. If you jump directly under the blankets after de-robing, or prefer to keep yer shorts on, move along. But if you want a quality massage without making an appointment, this is your place. read more

The room is stark and barely lit, but very clean. The temperature is warm, but not humid, and there a pleasant but faint scent in the air. It was completely quiet. Her name is Nina. As she came in the room, I wondered if this petite little lady was going to be able to work out the intense pain I was feeling in my neck and shoulder. She asked me if I wanted soft or hard (that was the extent of our conversation)...I said 'go for it'. Then she went to work. She worked every nook and cranny on my body. As far as strength... I'm pretty sure she can crack a walnut with her bare hands! She was also slow and tender when she needed to be. Bells and whistles...a couple, but I won't spoil it for you. Frankly, with the pain I was in, she could have done it in a back alley, and it would have been worth it. I was so glad I was face down in the dounut so she couldn't see my eyes rolling into the back of my head when she pressed on the various points, as the pain was glorious. I did the 60 min. full body. I'm trying to figure out how to work this into my budget at least twice a month. By the way...I called at 9:58am on a Thursday, and was on the table at 10:15am. read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon that I unexpectedly had off and called about 3 other places who didn't have any openings for a week! I found this place on here actually and decided to give a call. Sure enough they were able to get me in within 2 hours. When I got there the place was exactly as described. No frills. Almost like a hole in the wall as I walked right past it. It looks sketchy from the outside but inside were both men and women waiting to be taken in. I walked up to the desk to check in and there seemed to be a bit of confusion as to whether I was booked or not. The older lady said it was no issue and took me straight back. I stripped down to my undies and laid down and within minutes my masseuse was at work. Let me tell you for $65/hour this massage was definitely worth it!!! It hurt a few places but that's thanks to my own neglect and it was full body! Head. Arms. Fingers. Toes. Just wonderful. And it was the FULL hour! The walls are like a loft so the downside was I did hear the guy in the next room moaning which was a little weird but nonetheless it was a great deal!!! I definitely will be going back! read more

No frills reflexology, yes, yes, yes! I was in desperate need of a foot message. Daily yoga and dance classes were taking a toll on my feet. Desperate, I decided to look on yelp for someplace that offered reflexology which I though would be much more beneficial than a foot message. Since it was later in the evening, I wasn't looking for a spa just someplace decent. Found reviews for this place and decided to give them a call. I was able to get an appointment right away and within 15 minutes I was sitting in their chair. The place looks like a no frill hole in the wall. White, bland and boring. But I will take this place any day over some overprice spa because the reflexology was excellent. From the time I walked in the staff was excellent. I was led right away to a room and offered a beverage. The woman performing the reflexology quickly return with the tub filled solution and gently immersed my feet in the tub. After soaking for 5 minutes she began the reflexology. Although she spoke little English, she monitored my facial response to her touch and ask if I like or if it was too hard. She was fantastic! Once she finished my 30 min session my feet felt great. I'll definitely return to this hidden gem. read more

Painstop is the first place I associate with relieving my stress in this bustling place called Chicago. I have been recieving good, professional treatment for 5 years and counting. These massages and acupuncture treatments have been my saving grace when my body is feeling out of sorts. Special thanks to Aimee for always being accomodating, kind, and just incredibly good at her job. I have not experienced a single discrepency with scheduling, even when they are busy. Kudos to all the therapists there and their healing hands. They have an uncanny knowledge of the body and how to help people stop their pain. Granted, the massage at times isn't what some people look for in a massage, but for those who enjoy the benefits of deep tissue, their style is highly effective. read more

Definitely NOT a spa, but a serious massage. If you have kinks, knots, tension...this place will help you tremendously. They were able to take me last minute and I appreciated that. They offer many different time increments, and my advice is to start low. I did the 45min my first time and because this is a deep tissue style massage, which I am not used to, it hurt and I was sore. However, 2 days later I felt like gold. I have been back many times, and not regretted any visit! read more

Great value for a massage. No frills but they will work on the knots and kinks in your muscles like no other. There are no doors just curtains, that's fine. Walls don't go all the way to the ceiling so it feels more like a dimly lit gym locker room with more privacy, but if it keeps prices down that's ok. It was a bit odd that I smelled pizza coming from the back room as I was getting massaged. I prefer the smell of menthol, essential oils or even just no scent at all over edu deep dish. They still get the job done at a price that won't hurt your budget while easing your aches and pains. read more

I've been to Pain Stop Wellness in Wicker Park 3 times for a deep tissue massage and I will say that I plan on returning continuously. My last masseuse was Taylor and she was absolutely incredible. I left feeling relaxed and was finally able to catch some great sleep as she really helped work out some nasty knots. I woke up feeling like I had a full body workout but that's what I look for after a deep tissue massage. I will be back very soon and recommend this place to anyone who needs an intense, deep tissue massage. read more

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. read more

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. read more

I read a bunch of reviews before I went. Chinese, brusque, no towel, no frills, cheap. All true. Best massage I've had in a long time. I loved the no-nonsense approach. She worked really hard to get my knots out. Next time I'm going for a longer massage. read more

NO-FRILLS here! Definitely not a "spa."That's for sure!!! Very unassuming store-front massage place that will kick your BOOTY in the best way possible. The women are tough, the men are tough, you better be ready for a relaxing muscle-reliever if you come here. My boyfriend and I get the couples massage. There's something exhilarating about getting completely naked and letting a member of the opposite sex pummel you into pieces. Sometimes the masseuses chat with one another in a whispered-tone, sometimes you can hear the massages going on in the other room and talking in the hallway but trust me... these masseuses KNOW what they're doing. They get every inch of every appropriate part of your body. Make sure to DRINK H2O afterward. Only foreseeable downside is that it's Cash only. read more

Thanks so much Yelpers!! This place was awesome. The previous reviews have pretty much covered it all, so I was prepared.... except the hand towel DID come off sooner than I expected :-) I am a definite massage freak... I have been to my share of snobby spas, RMT's, and massage therapists, but this place was definitely one of the best. We did not talk about what areas of my back were killing me beforehand, but she found them all anyways. I couldnt believe it when she got onto the table with me to work out that golf ball sized knot near my neck. The ladies were so cute, they giggled when I tried to thank them in my broken chinese :-) I will be back soon! read more

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. read more

I go to this place regularly to manage my chronic pain and it has helped me stay off of meds. I don't know what I would do without the Pain Stop. Amie is always the sweetest on the phone and in person and it really means a lot to me when I go in there in tons of pain to have a someone put a smile on my face. Thank You Amie!!! read more

I used to love this traditional Thai massage but since Maggie, the owner, opened a Lakeview location the front desk lady is very rude, no walkin availability as advertised, new less talented massage crew, higher prices and half the time they require cash despite advertising credit cards. I wish they didn't grow.. I would suggest Lakeview location where Maggie is and is hopefully maintaining the quality of service read more

While this place is known for being no frills, it is NOT worth your time or money. First of all, the place was dark and dingy. But more importantly the front desk staff was completely inept. They were supposed to mark me as a new patient using insurance, but because they didn't, I wasn't able to apply my insurance and therefore had to pay full price. When asked what could be done to correct this, I received a pair of lifeless blank stares. I asked to speak to the owner and their response was that the owner doesn't talk to customers, which I found completely bizarre. I asked if there was a number where I could reach him at. To which the response was no and that he is a very busy man. As my last ditch effort I asked when he would be in so I could chat with him in person. To which the response was that they didn't know when he comes in and sometimes it's just for five minutes. Bizarre and utterly useless to customers. I left my phone number with the front desk staff. They reassured me that the owner would give me a call back but let's be real... what are the odds of that happening. The massage was average but there are plenty of places in the area that offer massages of similar quality that don't have the incompetent staff and an owner who can't be bothered. I left completely CREEPED OUT and will be happy to never step foot there again. read more

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. read more

Oh, my life has changed dramatically. I have been seeing Tina for about 4 weeks and my deadly migraines have slowed to more of a trickle. I have had every kind of clinical massage in the city and elsewhere; seen every specialist, taken way too many weird drugs, and paid a lot a lot for physical therapy that did nothing. This is it. Cash only. Your massage therapist may not speak English, so be prepared for interpretation (and respectful). There's no music of waves crashing onto the rocks or sparrows tweeting; yes, you will be ass-naked. You won't be interrupted and you will feel like a different person when it's all said and done. Seriously. If you need serious work (I have shoulder contractures and shortened neck muscles) then this is the place. And it hurts, but in that really awesome way. Don't take my appointment times, because I need this for survival. read more

This place is amazing! It is for people who are knotted up, stiff and in pain and want it to end. It is not for the modest or for anyone looking for a relaxing massage. You will feel beat up, battered, and oh so good when it is over! I used to go to David and he was amazing!!! Does anyone know where he went? read more

Normally I don't write a review, but there was more pain in my back after the massage. I won't visit there again.

I don't normally leave a review, but I thought it's only appropriate for the treatment I received. This place is what it advertises to be, pain stop. I came out feeling relieved of my pain after chiropractic and massage. The chiropractor examined my back and knee pain, and gave adjustment that targeted my pain areas directly. Also contrary to my skepticism toward massaging, mainly due to past experiences in other places where I got absolutely no pain relief, it was an eye opening experience. They focused on my back and knee for about 30minutes each. I can never go back to other places anymore. You have spoiled me... Thank you! read more

I am obsessed with Pain Stop and am so glad that it is right in my neighborhood. It is such a gem! Pain Stop is as legit as it gets when it comes to intense and deep massages. I go there for the chair massages since most of my pain is concentrated in my neck and shoulders. Every time I leave, I feel like a million bucks. The masseuse's find your pain areas right away and immediately begin working them out. Super affordable and they can always get me in on a moment's notice! Definitely check this place out! read more

No frills is correct, but who cares when you get such an incredible massage. This place is my go to for massage in Chicago. I have tried more upscale spas and places for massage in the city but Hugh at Pain Stop makes them seem like over priced amateurs. I think what sets him apart is that he really cares about his work and helping people. I have friends who go to other people there for massage as well and they say everyone is really great. read more