Not sure what happened, but I should have cut it short when I first realized it was not quite a…read moreThai massage or a professional massage for that matter. Imagine going to a place expecting a Thai style massage. The couple's massage room is a smidge bigger than a regular room leaving barely enough room to store belongings or for two therapists to work. (See photo). There was no room on the left side for a person to stand and it was too tight for the tables to be placed side by side. To add fire to fury, we were told to undress (despite usual loose fitting attire style), there was no place or space to store belongings. It was so cramped. We placed them under our tables on the floor. Katie comes in first and before starting, she asks my partner about pressure preference, Joy, the shorter lady who kneel over my back as soon as she walked in, says I'll ask you later and never does. She never really pulled or used any technique requiring pressure, so I went without any material benefit aside from being there with my loved one. And I seriously think she kneeled over me because she didn't have enough room to stand without bumping the other table. Add to that, 1. Feet are NEVER used 2. There was very little pulling 3. No music - dead silence. I could hear ppl leaving and entering the front door and the doorbell. 4. We purchased 90 minutes and were cheated out of 20 -25 minutes of service. It was 65 minutes at best from start to finish. But we had to pay in advance. 5 minutes consisted of them wiping us with a warm wash cloth. Usually there's no lotion or oil with Thai massages. Oh well. Too late now. After we were told to get dressed, we were greeted with a 5 oz styrofoam cup of water with three cubes of ice. A gargle amount of water. Oh boy! That did it for me. (Wish I had taken a picture). It's pretty safe to say I'll never ever return. Ever. The only reason I'm giving a second star is because my partner had a better experience and a wee bit more massage time. Joy left to get warm towels while Katie massaged. Even after the towels arrived, Katie kept going. If I had it to do over again, I would have made her stop and waited up front for my partner to finish. Whatever you do, don't book a couple's massage or use "Joy". Money wasted. (Would recommend a single massage with Katie - just keep track of your time).

Several months flew by sans a massage and my back was feeling achy and tight again. When I could…read morebarely stretch my arms over my head without feeling sore, I knew I needed to check in for a massage. In the past, I've tried several approaches (Swedish, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Chinese Tui Na, and Zhi Ya). These methods used to do the trick for me. Initially, I felt relaxed after an hour session however it didn't completely remove all my knots. When all else failed, I knew I had to take on a more aggressive approach. I heard about Thai massage before but I was hesitant to try it due to my negative preconceived notions. The thought of having someone walk all over your back didn't appeal to me; let alone the amount of pressure applied which could possibly crush me to bits. Because of this, I proceeded with caution. When I made my appointment, I told them it was my first time and wanted them to go gentle on me. During my visit, I was paired with Amanda. Amanda was totally patient and in tune with my requests. Looking back, the overall experience wasn't what I had expected. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. My massage started off on a massage table versus a mat. It began with some gradual stretching and kneading which eventually lead to deep muscle compression with the use of my masseuse's fingertips, forearms, palms, and elbows. Amanda checked in with me constantly and asked if the pressure she applied was too weak or strong. I greatly appreciated her attentiveness. The deep muscle compressions she applied cleared out all my stubborn knots in my shoulders and upper back. With a few strokes from her forearms and elbows, I could hear my muscle knots snap, crackle, and pop! Thai massage can be a very involved process where the masseuse will use their entire body (as an aid) to contort yours in order to provide a deeper form of stretch. It may feel strange at first but you just need to trust your masseuse and all will be well. Halfway through my session, Amanda got on the table as I was lying flat. She then proceeded to kneel over my hamstrings and pull my arms back to open up my ribcage and shoulders. Que in more snap, crackles, and pops! If this is your first time doing a Thai massage, you may immediately feel a sense of relaxation and release followed by tiredness within an hour after your session. It's probably best to not schedule anything else for the rest of the day because after my massage, all I wanted to do was go home and sleep. I was sore for a good 48 hours in the area where I was worked on. If the same occurrence happens to you, don't be alarmed. It's normal. It's typical and mostly due to the pent up lactic acid being released from the knots. It will go away. Just stay adequately hydrated with H20 before and after your session to alleviate post soreness. By day 3 I was feeling great. I was reinvigorated and my range of motion increased drastically. I even felt like my posture was corrected during the process! After a Thai massage session, I can never go back to any other method. The pricing was a big draw too. Princess Spa fares better in value compared to higher end spas. They have 2 locations. I went to the one in Lakeview and I believe they have a second one in River West. I plan on definitely coming back. Highly recommend!

Best massage I've ever had and for a steal of a price. Highly recommend. They also have deals on…read moreWednesdays.

I got a 75 minute deep tissue and hot hot stone massage. It was definitely a good massage,…read moreconsidering I fell asleep. This massage therapist took her time and asked me where I wanted her to focus on and she did just that. I found this on ClassPass, which made it even better cause I paid for it but also kind of didn't pay for it because I was able to use my credits. The outside of the place did look a little sketchy, but it was great overall definitely don't get past this place if you're in the area up north just because it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing on the outside. They had some of the best massages.

Is there less than one star to give it? Bad bad bad bad…read moredon't go The masseuse was adding more pain to me...and she was treating me in a very disgusting manner, as if she was pushing me. Just don't go, it's very bad.

I really like finding this gem in my neighborhood - clean place, strong massage, good prices,…read morefriendly staff! I called in order to book, and once I told them what I wanted I had to hang up. But they called me back within a few minutes to tell me what openings they have. Once you know how they do things it's totally fine. Cash payment is preferred. No frills, good massage. I like they could take me right away because my migraines come out of nowhere and only a strong massage helps me.

Super clean. Super professional. Licenses are on display at the front desk…read more I cut hair for a living, so I stand for twelve hours a day, four days a week. I'm super familiar with massage. Under the new owners, they're no nonsense, and target the areas that they think need work on. My lower back and calves have never felt better. Considering going weekly instead of biweekly at this point.

Today was my first time here after living in the area for about 5 years. No appointments are…read morenecessary though I called ahead to be sure they had availability. The space is nice and clean. I was led to a room that was super toasty--nice for such a cold wintry day like today. I had asked for a deep tissue massage but got more of a relaxation massage. The massage therapist didn't really speak English well so I decided to just let it go.

Booked a last minute platinum head spa service and it was incredible. The value is insane. The…read more employees were so sweet and did an amazing job. I will for sure be back. I left feeling unbelievably relaxed. This place is definitely no frills in terms of decor but it is super clean and has great prices. This is what I consider a hidden gem.

I have been to Healing hands a number of times and they are fantastic. I have increased range of…read moremotion on a shoulder that I had surgery on years ago. My chronic backpain feels under control. The facility might not be fancy but it is clean and they get the job done and then some.

Good service. Nice and soft music and straight forward massage . Meaning no hanky panky . Recommend…read morefor deep tissue massage.

Been going here on and off over the past few years I never had a bad experience. I showed up early…read moreone day and the gentlemen the owner the place asked if I would have a seat offered me water, told him I'd step out to smoke, he joined me and even got to talk to him about marketing for the company. Just be vocal with what hurts or where to focus and they will do it

My husband bought me a 90-minute full body massage for my birthday and I finally had time to book…read moreit this past weekend. They don't have certificates or gift cards but I had the receipt and I'm glad I took it with me because the man at the counter didn't believe me at first. Amanda was my masseuse and boy was she thorough. She always asked if she was too rough or if I had pain. I had a lot of pain from knots and stress but I needed the firmness and afterward I felt great! It was my first time having someone walk on my back and that was an experience. She handled every major part and it was much needed. Will be back!

Would give zero stars if I could. I've been on two occasions. Both times they made me pay BEFORE…read morethe service, tipping them for no reason at all. The first massage wasn't that bad but the second time I went they had their teenage son massage me. Super unprofessional and not skillful what so ever. Then, not once but TWICE they charged my credit card information when I did not go for any service. Disputed this charges twice already and if it happens again I'll be going to the police. I love supporting businesses and writing positive reviews but I am beyond frustrated with their incredibly unprofessional behavior and THEFT.

this place is amazing! been to many massages and will never go anywhere else again. i feel so…read morerelaxed and flexible

This must be the only place in Chicago that advertises Thai massage that actually does a…read moretraditional Thai massage. It was wonderful. She focused on all the knots in my back in my legs in my arms and I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. I don't know what else to say if you want a Thai massage this is the spot. Also because Yelp wants it it was very clean and smelled nice the music was nice the office was nice everything about it was great. And they take credit cards so that was ultra convenient. Lastly the masseuse was very communicative and made sure that the experience was not painful but relaxing.