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.org/netcommunity/syamalakr 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. read more

Been going here since the place first opened and it has consistently delivered on expectations over the years. And that's the key: having the right expectations. If you go to The Pain Stop, be prepared to be treated like a freshly caught octopus being tenderized against the rocks. You're going to get aggressively pummeled, kneaded and flopped around. And since English is a foreign language here, don't expect to give any precise feedback like "please go a little easier on my rotator cuff." Do not expect warm lighting. Or a rain shower. Or any shower. Or soft sheets and blankets and a table warmer. You'll get a towel the size of a postage stamp and like it. My one big issue with The Pain Stop is sound. Because the walls don't go all the way to the ceiling, you will hear the phone ringing and people taking in the hallway, but worst of all you'll hear someone two rooms down screaming and wincing because he or she can't handle the pain. Sometimes there will be music playing which helps drown all of this out, but it's always a crap shoot as to whether or for how long said music will be on. If you favor this type of brutal therapy, and Lord knows I do, this is the place for you. read more

I'll admit, for me this is actually a five star experience. Yeah, it's not frilly, but it is exactly the type of massage I want-- deep, intense, borderline painful. I am from the "you know it's working because it burns" school of massage. These ladies are on a search and destroy mission for knots and tender spots. Having said that, they lose a star because this is not a place I can recommend. I'm pretty sure they give the same "extra intense" massage no matter what you're looking for. For me, that's great, but others might be looking for a less rigorous experience. 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. Carry on. read more

I sent my bf there for a massage after he got into a bike accident, and now his back is bruised! His masseuse, Linda, dug into him so hard it looks like there are skid marks on his back. NEVER going back there again. read more

So happy. If you need some serious, no-frills, deep-tissue bodywork, for a generously amazing price, this is the place. As a fellow massage therapist, my muscles are so tight, if I got knifed in the south side, King Arthur himself wouldn't be able to pull the blade out. All I ever want in a massage is someone to get all up in my junk and beat it out of me, elbow in the shoulder style, again and again. I think I may have found the place. It was so easy to get an appointment. I called this morning and was able to book a couples massage the same day. They were so friendly over the phone and in person. Super smiley, approachable, and laid back. We came in, got undressed and the massage therapists went to town, asian-bodywork style. If you don't know what that is, check out some youtube videos of tui-na because it is not your average massage....think vigorous...the guy in the next room will probably be groaning. It is my experience that if the therapists spend some time warming up the tissue, you won't be sore afterward and that is exactly what they did. The pressure was so good, super deep, but not grinding against my bones. I especially appreciate the lack of draping...you get a little towel to cover up your butt so there is no blanket constantly getting in the way and sticking to you, also allowing for awesome deep-body strokes all across your back and glutes and all. They finish with a hot towel rubdown. I felt like I was floating on my walk back to the car. Please tip these therapists well, they work extremely hard and are amazing at their craft. read more

These asians are dangerous!!! This is the best back massage in the city of Chicago. No lame music or new age bullshit. Just two 65 year old chinese women with enough arm strength to crack your spine like a walnut. If you want some skinny starving artist with the strength of a kitten to give you a massage, then go to some swank spa or gym. read more

If "no frills" means "a guy who is obviously sick will not take the day off, but instead, will sneeze on your back while he massages you," then I think I need some frills. I had a better experience at the other location, but... ew. read more

If you're looking for a no frills massage, this place is for you. And when I say no frills, I'm not exaggerating. The beds look like something someone made out of 2x4s from Lowe's, and the tile flooring is cracked or missing tiles. All this aside, Pain Stop provides an unprecedented therapeutic massage. No, you aren't going to smell lilac and hear the typical massage music. But if you have tightness in your shoulders like I do, there is no better place to go to whip you back into shape. I was quite sore for many days after, which is normal after a massage. I would say the soreness is more intense with the Pain Stop, but the results are beyond worth it. Last time I went, it was cash only. They have tons of flexible scheduling options, so go check them out! read more

I ran the Shamrock Shuffle last Sunday with little to no training and my body let me know it. I was hurting everywhere and my muscles were cramping. It hurt to walk. So I decided Monday afternoon that what I needed was a good massage. I had only had 1 professional massage in my life before I went to Pain Stop. It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend a professional massage to anyone (especially if you work out a lot). Why did I go to Pain Stop? It's cheap ($65 for 60 minutes) and it's walking distance to my condo. After reading the reviews on Yelp and making my appointment, I had a general idea of what to expect. No soft music playing in the background, no incense burning in the background, and no cucumber infused water. I'm ok with that. I made my appointment for 6:30 later that evening. When I first arrived, the door was locked. Hmm, kinda strange? But hey, no problem as there was a sign that said 'if it's locked, just knock.' So I knock and a sweet looking Chinese lady lets me in. I tell her hat I have a 6:30 appointment and she asks what is bothering me while directing me to a room. I think to myself that the place smells like Bengay and boo yeah, I can't wait to get my massage! She tells me to get naked, even my underwear. Ok, nothing surprising since I read some of the previous reviews. The massage consisted of 3 parts. For the first part, Maggie massaged my entire back, shoulders, and legs under a towel. Next was with oil. Finally (and I think this was the best part) they massage you again but with HOT towels. Oh. My. God. It felt sooooo good. The massage ended with a little foot reflexology and a little more work on my upper shoulders and arms. I do have to say however that it was a tiny bit weird that (as laura k mentioned) my bum was exposed. But hey, they're just old school Chinese folk. Plus Maggie kinda reminded me of my aunt (my mom is much shorter :) so I wasn't uncomfortable. After 60 minutes of getting kneaded and pounded like a piece of dough, I felt like a brand new woman. I could barely walk when I first walked in but felt completely limber and 100% better when I walked out. As the other reviewers have said, don't go if you're not comfortable being naked, want a spa experience, or your pain threshold isn't very high. This gal will definitely be back every month so Maggie can beat me up! read more

My friend raved about this place. He warned me that I would be totally unclothed and that I'd feel shameful in the beginning but then I'd get over it. For me, this wasn't a big deal but for others, I can imagine how uncomfortable they might be. Yelp's star rating pretty much sums it up. "Meh. I've experienced way better." And I can't seem to find it anywhere in Chicago. I had a serious muscle ache in my leg and I expected her to work it out but it only made me feel worse. All in all the massage was pretty cheap but I wouldn't return. read more

After my mother's funeral arrangements, my feet were in so much pain from standing in heels for two days straight! My aunt and I headed to the Pain Stop for foot reflexology. Parking was a bit tricky due to the construction on milwaukee. The place doesn't look or feel like anything special. It could use some soothing decor and music. We were asked if we'd like water - we received about a half cup in a small styrofoam cup. Wasn't asked again. We were placed in a room with two chairs and a massage table. We sat in the chairs and there was a client on the table receiving a massage. It was a little strange to be in the same room. A man brought us a barrel with hot water to soak our feet in. There was a table of mostly Lucky magazines that I flipped through. We each received 30 min foot reflexology. Mine was from a man it was awesome - deep and relaxing. Excellent. My aunt got the woman who just finished the client at the massage table. She said it felt like her hands were tired and overall not very good. Given my experience, I'm inclined to return. It's a bit out of the way for me so I don't think it'll be a frequent stop, but wouldn't mind the drive once a month or so. Pros: Affordable prices, friendly staff Cons: needs a facelift (I'm not expecting a spa, but SOMETHING enjoyable to look at or listen to!), sharing a room with another client read more

Massage is a good thing. Thankfully, modern society has finally accepted that human touch is something we need, not just want. I love these guys. I'm sending a great review their way along with one for my other therapist (separate review). Love the QiGong. There is so much going on behind a good QiGong massage that I just know that I don't really know much. I do know that all those years of eastern medicine have added up to making my back and body feel about 10 years younger. I am now old enough that those 10 years matter! Curse you, misspent youth! I want them back. Pain Stop helps me get them back if only for a little bit. read more

PAIN is a sign of WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY. no frills. it's like paying someone to beat you up and not leave any bruises so that your spirit may break free. I haven't been back... but I haven't needed any further back 'adjustment' and I don't suspect I will need to in a while. read more

I am and have been a regular here for years. I should've written a review a long time ago, but I didn't. Anyway, what's prompting me to write now...is that I moved and got a massage in the suburbs the other day...which SUCKED. So here goes: Hugo is awesome/tremendous & Chantell is even better than that. I found this place cause Chicago Body Works (another massage business) recommended them, because they couldn't see me a while back. As I get older, I get more & more injured, so I go to Pain Stop. Both Chantell & Hugo give phenomenal massages, they really know what they're doing. Back to why I'm finally writing a Pain Stop review: I went to that suburban massage place, it sucked on Friday. My back was still killing me on Saturday. I was working in Chicago, called Pain Stop & they got me in for an appointment. As usual, my back is a lot better. Back to Chicago Body Works who referred me to Pain Stop...I don't even go back there, anymore. read more

This place is the gateway to heaven!!! After a pretty horrendous experience at the hands if a masseuse at red square last week, I was in dire need of a massage. I did my homework this time and thanks to the reviews of fellow yelpers found my way to this business. Highlights On time Nice/friendly staff Efficient Exceptional Massage - I've been getting massages bi monthly for 3 years and this was the best massage I've ever had. I was on cloud 9 for days after my massage. I asked for a deep tissue massage and got exactly that. Every knot in my back melted under the hands of my masseuse. Low lights No frills - I didn't care, but for those that do care, there are no candles, beverage service or blanket. You just have a towel to cover up your butt. This did not take away from the super amazing massage. read more

Long time customer will no longer go back. Service really has gone down. Now they always instructed you to bring cash which I had been in the habit but they will mention when booking, cash only. I've asked in the past about their chiropractor and couldn't get info on which insurance accepted. I've waited when they are running behind. If you run a few minutes late they come off as if they are doing you a favor to still get you in. To be put in a room and waiting over 20 mins nearly.nude and forgotten.. that's unacceptable. Lack of service recovery. Take your business elsewhere read more

I have chronic problems with back and neck pain from tight muscles. I roll around on tennis balls and foam rollers, and I stretch regularly but I still need massages on a fairly regular basis. Finding this place has been huge - not only because the deep tissue massage is awesome, but also because the price is reasonable. I have been here a few times and, once you've been, you can request the same therapist so you have someone that knows your problem areas. My therapist and I quickly learned to communicate in our own way so I've not had any problems so far. As others have said, if you're looking for a spa experience, this is not the place, but if you need deep tissue work (and have had massages in the past so you know the drill) then this is a solid option. Also, from the times I've been, it's clear that there are therapists who speak some English so if that is a significant concern, it's worth mentioning when you book. read more

I woke up on Saturday with serious lower back pain. So bad that I could barely get out of bed. This is the first time i've felt this type of pain so I looked online for a place close to me to get a massage. The Pain Stop came up with very informative reviews. I'd agree with many of the reviewers. It looks and feels minimalistic and not very private with the doorways covered by drapes. The lady who showed me my room just pointed to a couch and said take everything off and leave it on the couch. I checked out the bed and there wasn't a sheet to cover myself with. I was confused, but complied and lay down on the bed. The masseur came in and covered my butt with what seemed like a hand towel but an hour later, after probably the deepest tissue massage I've ever gotten, my back felt significantly better and some of the knots were gone. The details with the hot towels and full body massage (face down) are completely accurate. I'll definitely go back because it's absolutely worth the $65 for an hour. read more

C'mon baby, make it hurt so good..... If you're expecting a soothing, relaxing day at the spa, you're coming to the wrong place. If you're in pain, need relief from tension, have more knots than a rope, then go to Pain Stop Massage ASAP. These people get right down to business! This place is the real deal... old school Chinese massage, elbows pressed into the pain, wishing you had your mommy there to hold your hand kinda place. My girlfriend got me a massage for my birthday yesterday, and I knew exactly what to expect walking into this place. There were times I was holding back tears from the woman working hard at the knots in my shoulders. It was extremely painful, but it felt AMAZING. I could tell immediately that what she was doing was working. I felt the tension leaving my body. She worked me from head to toe, and I was not disappointed. They do massage your butt if you strip down to just your underwear, so be prepared for that. It isn't strange or anything, but some people may be uncomfortable. Tell them ahead of time if you don't want this. I strongly recommend people read reviews before they pick a random place to get a massage. It's going to hurt, you're going to want to cry, but you're going to leave there and feel amazing. I'm extremely sore today, but I am no longer in pain from tense muscles. Oh, and the pricing is extremely affordable. $65 for an hour massage! $20 for a 20 minute shoulder massage, $10 for a 10 minute shoulder massage. They also have acupuncture, and they do chiropractic adjustments. I will definitely be going back soon! read more

Calm, peaceful, serene and quiet are words that come to mind when thinking about this yoga salon/massage house. If I lived in the area, I would probably be a regular here. I was in town for Lollapalooza and looking for a place to have an after-concert weekend massage. This place came up in the hood and i stopped in. The woman at the front was incredibly helpful and attentive. She was able to direct me to the perfect gift for my friend whose house I was staying at as well. She enjoyed her massage thoroughly and will be back. I am sure of it! read more

I've been on vacation all week, so I decided that a good way to spend a lazy day is to get a massage. Some friends told me about PainStop and raved about it, so I decided to give them a call and they were able to fit me in just 30 minutes after I called! Upon arriving, the door was locked but someone came by to open it up right away. This is definitely a no-frills massage place. It looked clean, but it's not the relaxing spa-type of place. Just get in, get a massage, and leave feeling better. The massage itself was awesome. I opted for the 45 minute deep tissue, and they really worked out the knots and tightness. Seems to be a good value and the perfect amount of time for a massage like this. I had been pretty sore recently from lots of lifting, so this was quite refreshing. There were times when it DID hurt, but I told them to continue and continue they did. Afterwards, I felt great and I've now found a go-to place to get regular massages. read more

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. read more

Hands down the best place to go for consistently excellent and inexpensive massages. Every masseuse I've had has put their all into ensuring all of the knots and discomfort in my back are take care of. LOVE coming here! Cash preferred read more

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. read more

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) read more

I went by here two weeks ago to receive my first professional massage. I'm a fairly active guy and rarely complain about muscle aches, so you know things had to be bad for me to seek this place out. A few days prior to my visit, I spontaneously started to suffer from some incredible back and neck pain. It got to the point where waking up in the morning became a real effort. I was as stiff as a board and any attempt to get up was extremely awkward and painful. I heard about the Pain Stop and how rough they were with clients, and after reading all the stellar reviews, was very excited to see what they could dish out. I'm not a whiner, and was ready and willing to take a beating from their staff. That's how committed I was to alleviating my back pains. I didn't care about how the office was decorated. Neither should you. $50 for a 45 min. deep tissue massage. Before disrobing, the woman asked if there was a certain part that she should concentrate on. I told her about my lower neck/upper back. She began by doing a general once-over of my whole body. Fair enough. Immediately after starting on my lower back, I heard a snap and got excited. "Time for this place to live up to its' name!," I thought. After that, she worked where I had mentioned to a certain degree, but with a pressure and focus that seemed like any other massage. It wasn't light-handed, no, but I certainly didn't feel any of the excruciating sensation others had talked about. I hoped that the rather average execution was only to warm up my body during the first fifteen minutes, but the same pressure was applied for rest of my time there. Sure, her hands were strong and diligent, but nowhere near what I was expecting or what I'd read about from previous clients. Sure, the massage felt good, but at no point was I near tears or bruising or asking her to take it back a few notches. She did work on some very noticeable knots near my shoulder blades for a while, but not long enough for any significant change that I felt. It felt great to have them massaged upon, but it wasn't enough to get rid of anything. Perhaps I hyped the experience up too much in my head. Maybe I should have spoken up and asked her to go harder? I felt like I spent the majority of my appointment waiting for it to finally get brutal. It didn't. It was fine and it was normal. No bruises, nothin'. I thought I would leave the Pain Stop all wobbly and happy, barely able to bike the mile back to my apartment. But such wasn't the case. And what's worse is that the awful pain in my upper back lasted for a few more days before finally going away as inexplicably as it had arrived. That pain was the reason I went, so by that standard, I felt a bit cheated. I left feeling OK, slightly better, but nothing mind-blowing or worthy of the company's name. A generally good massage, but nothing to write home about. I might go again, but I'd have to inform their courteous staff that though I live in Wicker Park, I ain't no hipster pansy. read more

This place is no frills, but it gets the job done. My husband and I went for a couple's massage one weekend. They definitely worked all the kinks out of my back. However, don't come here if you're not comfortable being naked. I only had my underwear on, but the lady who was massaging me, pulled them off. The massage was great though and the prices are very fair. read more

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. read more

Thanks Yelp! Best massage for the price, if you don't care about the usual high end formalities. The place is a simple loft space where you may hear other people getting massages as well, but in the end you won't even care or notice when you get beat up (in a good way) and you leave feeling energized. If you like hard massages and saving$, this place is for you. These ladies really work for their money, they will go out of their way to make sure you are getting your sore spots soothed out. Basic, clean, and minimal, it's all about the massage here, check it out once and I guarantee you'll be back, your body will thank you later. read more

Fantastic service. This places gives a true massage. The therapist actually gets up on the table for proper leverage and excellent pressure. Highly recommend. read more

I don't need to reiterate what previous reviewers have said, so I'll be quick. DEEP, HARD massage from a tiny Asian lady who at multiple points during the massage was perched on the table next to me, throwing her entire body weight into working out my knots. I think the poor lady was winded at points in the session. It is true: very little frou-frou but at least it was dark, warm and quiet. That was good enough for me. A little Enya would have been nice, but whatevs. Also true that modesty should be checked at the door, but you get over it pretty quick. I think I essentially got a full body (or at least full back side of me) deep tissue massage. The butt cheek separation during my glute massage was a *tiny* bit awkward, but hey, if that is the cost of an awesome massage, so be it. She spent a fair amount of time on my thighs, fanny and arms, and a few minutes on my calves, feet, neck, and scalp. They didn't have a problem taking CC but I guess they don't take AmEx. The only not-cool part was waiting 30 minutes for the stupid late Milwaukee bus when I was trying to get home. This would be a great place for sore athletes or people who just like their massages violent. read more

O my lord jesus did this massage hurt so bad!!! Pain stop I dunno about that more like pain pain teeth clenching pain! Strangely I like pain so twds the end either my body was numb or I was just feeling more relaxed. Lady was very nice and massaged every single minute. I laughed to myself when she put one leg up to push some knots off the left side of my back. Blew me off guard when she took my underwear off, but was ok with it. Got my romp massaged to which was nice cuz really dont get that in many places. Now I'm not sure if I'll wake up with any bruises, seems like I will but we'll see. I feel oddly ok. Haven't gotten a massage in almost 6 months when use to go 2x's a month. Only gotten beaten up once from a massage so hears to two. It seems they have massage specifically for your feet that I might go back and try. We'll see how I wake up. =) read more

Three relapses of intense lower back pain. Visits to urgent care, ortho, physical therapist, and chiro - they all helped but I am convinced what ultimately removed my pain was PAIN STOP... This is not a SPA with fancy sounds and imported Brazilian stone. I was intimidated as I had read about the full nudity massage.. Hey don't laugh, I am no Hollywood Hunk but heck I was seeking relief. The place is rogue yet clean. Service is fast and ambitious. Clarity in language is not found here. You say Ouch - they may understand to tone it down - but they may not...So don't think Ouch is part of the universal language cause after the massage you will feel sore but relieved. I have gone 4x in the past 6 weeks and I have already referred 3 friends... Pain Stop, I am in debt with you. My pain has disappeared thanks to you! read more

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 . read more

A m a Z I n g For all the idiots out there. This place is not for you. Not a "spa" and does not need to become one. It is what it is and is fantastic. I am a runner Tryathlete and Bikram yoga afficionato, and I cannot stress enough how amazing the work is done here. read more

One of the best massages. The ambiance is alright. If you're looking for a good massage and nothing else, I highly recommend this place. read more

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. read more

I am SO GLAD that some of the massage therapists were at the Celebrate Clark Street fest today! I love it that therapists do these festivals ... it just really completes the experience for me. Great food, entertainment and a massage, too! What more could I possibly want! Hubert was phenomenal. He really knows what he is doing! I had such knots in my neck and back from all this computer work (sigh!). Best $20 I've spent in a long time! I will definitely be visiting Hubert in the future. Their prices are very reasonable, too! I am sure the other therapists are great, too and I wouldn't hesitate in trying them out! read more

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. read more