The Pain Stop

Pain Stop Massage Therapy is located at Milwaukee Avenue, and I am so fortunate to nearby. A convenient place when body pain strikes.
Service and price is a real deal, staffs are knowledgeable and skillful.
The only downturn is when I call for reservation, the person on the line seems having a bad day, sounds impatient and rude over the phone.

Tried to book an appointment, found the person who answered my call to be rude and impatient. I called in pain and tried to clarify I didn’t have access to cash or a debit card and while the lady repeated several times they preferred cash and debit card I was berated for not listening to her while she wasn’t listening to my points of clarification, e.g. difference between preferred and actually accepted and whether options though not preferred included Chase Quick Pay or Visa. I politely said I was uncomfortable with the customer service and the person hung up on me. I called the next place listed and made an appointment at Windy City Wellness.

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.

I have been going here for a few years now and would highly recommend it for someone looking for a deep tissue no-​frills massage done right. It is not fancy by any means but the massage is top-​notch and very reasonably priced ($ 65 for 1 hour and it is a full hour with no fillers). I can usually get a massage the same day and they strongly prefer cash. It is the type of massage for people who like deep pressure and you will be sore for a day or two afterwards but that is the sign of a great massage. Highly recommend.

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!

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.

Do not stop at the pain stop. Made my neck injury much worse. The only person that is not ESL is the receptionist. The doctor and «massage therapists» do not understand anything you tell them. As a result of them making my injury worse, I had to see a different (real) acupuncturist ten times. Do not waste your money here!

i walked by this place a couple of times and finally decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did! The massage I received was amazing and it was a definitely a much needed relaxation. I didn’t have any specific pain or health issue, but I just wanted to get massage for stress relief. To start, the office manager was super helpful and nice so I felt comfortable immediately. This place is clean and simple, most importantly it gets the job done – relaxation. It’s definitely not one of the fancy spas with lavender aroma or hot stones. There is very little sound proof and you can hear pretty much everything happening in the rooms next to you and the hallway– it didn’t bother me at all. There is soothing music playing though which helps with relaxation. My masseuse was very good and she worked on every single knot and tight muscle and it did hurt a little once in a while but it was definitely a healing pain. I felt immensely relaxed during the session and after the massage. The price for the service of this place is very affordable and it was worth every penny. If you are looking for a high end fancy massage, this is not the place. However, if you are looking for a very quality massage and friendly service without breaking your bank, this place is highly recommended.

I feel like I’m walking on clouds every time I walk out of this place. I come here to get my shoulder spasms and back tension beat out of me– I mean that in a good way. I love this place. They are so adept at making it hurt so good. If you are not one to be able to stand a lot of pressure on your tension spots, I’m sure they will adjust their firmness and be more gentle.

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

Best $ 10 I’ve ever spent. I only had time for a chair massage today but it was spectacular!

Can’t say enough good things about Pain Stop. I have been there many times over the years and I have never had a bad massage. I generally don’t even request one therapist or another because every therapist does an exceptional job. Though recently I have found myself requesting Wendy. This is deep pressure massage for people who really want to have work done.

Excellent chair massage, and the technician shared really great tips with me about how to avoid getting knots.

The BEST! If I didn’t read the Unilocal reviews I would of never walked in. Best massage in the city. Don’t go here if you want to relax, do go here are you in pain and want it to stop!

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.

Go here now! I have chronic migraines and back pain. I have been to too many massage places to mention, I will absolutely never go anywhere else. I saw David, he is so intuitive and aggressive in all the right ways. I walked in today with a 3 day headache and now feel like a different person! I’m so excited that I found this place!!!

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.

One of the best massages I’ve ever had. I will say that if you are modest you will not enjoy yourself. As soon as my masseuse came in she pulled down my underwear to work on my butt. There is a bit of a language barrier but she did make sure I was okay. It is definitely and medicinal massage. When they say that they will get your nots out its no joke. Some of it was uncomfortable but never painful. If you have a low pain tolerance I wouldn’t suggest it.
The atmosphere is very bleak. They is only a curtain in the doorway.
All in all its just a place to get a very good massage for tight backs.

Hu is the man! The atmosphere isn’t great though (maybe a 3ish). There are no separate rooms for massages (just curtains), and I’ve heard footsteps of people other than my therapist walk into the room while I was undressed and receiving my massage. If you don’t mind being naked and you want a great massage though… see Hu (pronounce Hue). If you want the deepest deep tissue massage you’ve ever received then go see the other ladies. Lol. The staff is friendly.

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.

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.

If you are looking for the best Deep Tissue Massage place in Chicago. Then you have found it. I cannot recommend this place enough!
I have had three different masseuse’s here, and they have each been excellent! They apply just the right amount of pressure for your body type, almost without you having to say harder or softer, which I’ve found almost no where else. Additionally, they have a very balanced treatment approach, so that you never feel one side of your is getting all the attention.
As a person who works out extensively and suffers from various aches and pains, I won’t go anywhere else! Check it out and you will feel the same!
Aslo, prices are reasonable!

When you go here don’t expect anything other than what you came for, a massage. This place gets straight to the point. Also you better come fully comfortable getting butt naked.
I was set for a 1hr massage at 630p, came in 30 minutes early and since someone canceled, they took me in. The masseuse came out within 1min of me signing the 2page form and had me follow her to a room. Also note, there’s not much talking. You basically go in the room, strip and lay face down on the table. As many have said, there are no doors. Each room is covered by a thin white curtain.
If you’ve never been here, think of it as going through the gates of hell to get to heaven. Well that, or you’re a frozen chunk of dough and the masseuse is the kneader who greases you up and then beats your back up til’ you’re nice and soft. Expect to go through some pain to release the pain. Towards the end, you get the final hot towel rubdown. It’s a nice touch.
If you’re thinking «I just need a really good massage, that’s all», this place is it. You’re in, you’re out. The place is quiet with only the mumbled sound of the dryer aaand maybe a couple moans next door, but with what you’re going through you won’t notice (at least I didn’t)
1hr deep tissue massage-​$ 65
I’ve been here twice, really anyone you get is great. Today I got Yang. She gives a good beating and gets all the kinks out. I will be back! Simple and to the point.

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

This place is great. Please bear in mind it is a hard, deep tissue massage and definitively NOT a frou frou slow luxurious deal — they are there to beat every last cell of lactic acid out and drive away with vengeance any knots in in fibrous tissue or muscle — and you will feel fantastic.
Might help to learn a couple quick Chinese phrases — I will try and spell phonetically:
1. Dung ee shah = wait a minute
2. boo shoo foo = uncomfortable
just in case you need to give up and rest; but I encourage you to ride it out: I had Linda and she worked with everything she had to get the knots out.
Great for sports recovery for sure. Best around.

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 Unilocalers 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.

Ok. I actually think this is my 1^st Unilocal review. I’m being generous with two stars only because they were nice people.
I went in hoping to get acupuncture as I get chronic headaches and it helps relieve them. The lady said due to it being Sunday and no doctor being available they could only offer a massage but she was sure this would be helpful for me.
The masseuse was extremely rough. Heavy handed. And continued to hurt me. I literally cried. I specifically said you’re hurting me and this is going to ignite a migraine and she replied «you’re stressed». Wth?!?
I left feeling bruised. Violated. And completely misunderstood. Clearly our language barriers must have been the only logical reason to keep going with such roughness after I clearly stated my discomfort.
I guess the real question is why did I lay there through 45 minutes of torture? Idk? A part of me wanted to believe that if I let her massage all of my tension out I would no longer get the headaches that I suffer from daily btw.
Well. 5 hours later I lay here… With a headache and my neck hurts… my feelings are a little hurt too. Oh well. Guess I know better for the future! if you need Gentle. This is not the place for you!!!
****UPDATE*****
So I’m literally just now leaving ER. I have prescriptions for pain killers and muscle relaxers.
When I read reviews I always say «well every one is different!, I’m sure my experience will be better» But honestly in this case because I expressed to her that she was hurting me and she continued to pound and press and elbow me beyond my consent… I would not recommend massages by this place.
Now I cannot vouch for any of their other services. As I have not had them. But the massage has cost me medical expenses, great physical pain, emotional irritation. I am very upset. It’s 1am and I am sitting in Walgreens waiting on a prescription, afraid to go home without it for fear the pain will return.
My shoulder blades feel like someone lit them on fire. My neck has limited mobility. My left arm can only raise so high before shooting a sharp pain into my entire left side… And I’m left handed. Ugh. I’m so discussed.
If this was 10 years ago I would Sharkisha that lady. But I’ve come so far in life… And I’ve grown to understand that a Unilocal review can go a long way. I really hope I save a shoulder blade or two with my review.
Sign
a broke back… Not mountain.

Two of my life goals:
1. Be touched by as few people as possible.
2. Be seen naked by as few people as possible.
Coming here basically goes against everything I stand for, but I somehow managed to throw my back out today while I was walking 10 feet across my tiny apartment to get a glass of water. File that under both hashtag ‘old’ and hashtag ‘boring’.
So I came here because every time I breathed in and/​or out it felt like a muscle running the length of my spine was electrocuting me. I’d very lightly skimmed the reviews (mostly their star rating) and called to book an appointment, which they were able to accommodate within the hour. Thank gawd.
In my head this place was more of a sterile medical environment. Real legit like, ya know? Only it wasn’t. Not at all. This isn’t that type of place. I walked in to a gaggle of older Asian women playing with mahjong tiles on a front table and was warmly greeted by a young lady in neon sneakers.
I made a mental note to ask to use the washroom pre-​massage so things didn’t get awkward halfway through when they pressed on my kidneys. The bathroom sitch is odd. It’s like half bathroom other half is laundry and storage, so you’ll be peeing next to the drying towel you may later be rubbed down with.
The girl said I could undress to whatever I was comfortable with, so I asked her to get me an extra heavy sweater and some cargo pants. Just kidding… sort of. The only thing I hate more than being naked is being seen naked. I weighed out my undressing options and decided to keep the underoos on and be thankful that I had enough sense in the morning to choose one of the few pairs I own that aren’t in a haggard condition. Honestly though, I would never go sans underwear (hell, I might even wear a sport bra next time). There’s a few moves that are just a bit too open and I’d prefer to keep my nethers as private as possible.
The girl also asked me if a male masseuse would be okay and I kind of wanted to scream, ‘No’, but I didn’t because I was in a tremendous amount of pain from my stupid, old-​ass back and didn’t want to risk having to wait a moment longer to get my sh*t rubbed out, so I went with it.
I liked my massage as far as the pressure goes. It was by far the most intense professional massage I’ve ever gotten… but I also have a super high pain tolerance so for me I actually felt like my guy could have gone harder. but my face was far too mushed into the head-​hole to get any audible words to come out. Plus I may have been busy drooling and/​or trying not to drool.
The massage lasted the full hour and I even got a few extra minutes on the back end. Literally. Man, there’s a lot of butt play involved. It was generally pretty quiet. The walls don’t go all the way to the ceiling and the entryway to each room is a tiny almost-​sheer white curtain so it’s not all that private. I could definitely hear the guy in the room next to me breathing all heavy and sh*t and it was half making me laugh and half grossing me out. Keep your grunts to yourself, man — There’s people trying not to think about what’s being done to you in the next room over. My room also had a poster of the pressure points on a very naked illustrated man. I had no idea the testicles and it’s friends to the north and south had so many trigger points. Whodathunk?
The price for an hour was $ 65 and they’re cash only. Not exactly the face of a legit operation but they were very clear on the phone that the service was cash only so I was able to stop at an ATM nearby and grab a few extra bones.
At the end of my massage the pain in my back felt like a dull tickle compared to how I started the day, so I’m very thankful for that, but overall I just think the esthetic of this place keeps me from giving the full 5-​stars. The outside looks more like a pawn shop than a place you’d get a massage and there’s just a few too many water damage marks and holes through the ceiling and floor for my liking… and I def spent the first 45 seconds I was in the room scanning to see if there were a creepy hidden camera because it does kind of totally have that vibe.
Also, the lotion/​oils they use smells like old lady make-​up. Like that dusty, soft, drid up smell. Absolutely one of my least favorite smells in the world and now my whole person stinks of it.