Business Details
15 Years
experience
Expert Therapeutic Massage Services in Chicago
River North Massage Therapy Center was established in 2011 as a dedicated therapeutic massage provider in downtown Chicago. Founded by Emmanuel and Barb Bistas, the center operates in conjunction with The New School for Massage, Bodywork & Healing, which was launched in 2002 to address gaps in massage therapy education. All therapists are employees trained through this rigorous program, ensuring consistent quality and expertise. The center specializes in wellness-focused therapeutic massage for individuals and corporate clients, offering services such as deep tissue, sports massage, and prenatal treatments. With a commitment to accessibility, the center provides flexible scheduling, membership plans with discounts, and student clinic options.Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the facility emphasizes a comfortable, professional environment. The team's expertise spans specialized modalities like myofascial release and lymphatic drainage, supported by ongoing education and affiliation with their training school. Client satisfaction is prioritized through personalized care, transparent communication, and a focus on long-term wellness solutions. The center's reputation for reliability and quality has been built through over a decade of service to Chicago's residents and businesses.
Services
Therapeutic Massage
Chair Massage
Prenatal Massage
Sports Massage
Lymphatic Drainage
Myofascial Cupping
Student Clinic
Graduate Clinic
Corporate Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Locally owned and operated by licensed massage therapists
- Specialized in therapeutic massage, not a spa
- Therapists trained through our affiliated massage school
- Convenient downtown Chicago location with flexible hours
- Customized treatments for pain relief and wellness
What people say
Best massage ever
Professional and excellent therapists
Great pain relief
Affordable luxury
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Customized Table Massage
Traditional table massage using gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques tailored to individual needs. Therapists adjust pressure depth and focus areas based on client input, addressing muscle adhesions, trigger points, and structural imbalances. Sessions available in 50, 80, or 100-minute durations for comprehensive pain relief and relaxation.
Chair Massage
Convenient chair massage performed over clothing without oils, ideal for workplace wellness or quick stress relief. Focuses on high-tension areas like back, shoulders, and arms while promoting circulation and muscle relaxation. Available in 20 or 35-minute sessions for busy professionals or event attendees.
Prenatal Massage
Specialized table massage supporting expectant mothers' physical and emotional well-being. Certified therapists use side-lying positioning and specialized cushions to safely address swelling, muscle tension, and joint pain. Techniques adapt to each trimester's needs while promoting relaxation and improved sleep quality for both mother and baby.
Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle rhythmic massage stimulating lymph fluid movement to enhance immune function and reduce swelling. Therapists use light pumping strokes directed toward lymph nodes to aid toxin removal and post-surgical recovery. Particularly beneficial for clients with lymphedema or seeking skin texture improvement and systemic detoxification.
Myofascial Cupping
Therapeutic cupping creating suction to release fascial adhesions and improve circulation. Glass cups are strategically placed or moved across skin to create negative pressure, drawing tissue upward for deep release. Temporary discoloration may occur as metabolic waste surfaces, resolving within 10 days while promoting lasting muscle relaxation and improved mobility.
People
Emmanuel Bistas
Co-Owner
Co-founder with over two decades of experience in massage therapy education and practice. Established The New School for Massage in 2002 to address industry training gaps before launching River North Massage Therapy Center in 2011.
Barb Bistas
Co-Owner
Co-founder instrumental in developing the center's educational foundation through The New School for Massage. Combined vision with Emmanuel to create a Chicago-based therapeutic massage center emphasizing quality and professional development.
Alex
Licensed Massage Therapist
Specializes in relaxation, deep tissue, trigger point, sports, and myofascial massages. Adapts techniques based on client feedback while maintaining focus on pain relief and comfort through attentive bodywork.
Andrea
Licensed Massage Therapist
Former pharmacy professional transitioned to holistic healing through massage therapy. Creates personalized sessions combining Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point techniques to address chronic pain and promote overall wellness.
Robert
Expert Therapist
Certified instructor with 15+ years experience blending clinical knowledge and intuitive touch. Specializes in deep tissue, sports massage, and continuing education certifications including pregnancy massage and neuromuscular therapy.
Questions
What types of massage services do you offer?
We offer customized table massage, chair massage, prenatal massage, sports massage, myofascial cupping, lymphatic drainage, and specialized treatments for corporate clients.
Are your therapists licensed and trained?
All our therapists are licensed professionals trained through The New School for Massage, with ongoing education to maintain expertise in various therapeutic techniques.
Do you offer membership plans or discounts?
Yes, our membership program includes a free massage and up to 20% discounts on services to help make regular therapeutic massage more affordable.
Can I book appointments online?
Yes, we offer three convenient booking options: quick widget scheduling, browser-based system, and mobile app access for appointments up to three months in advance.
What are your cancellation policies?
We enforce a 12-hour cancellation/rescheduling policy to ensure availability for all clients. Please notify us promptly for any schedule changes.
Do you provide corporate massage services?
Yes, we offer professional on-site chair and table massage for Chicago-area businesses, wellness fairs, conventions, and special events with punctual service.
Reviews (6)
Joana Martins
Dec 24, 2021
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Have been several times, sometimes for student massage, other times for deep tissue massage. 8/10 times were fully worth the money! All massage therapists are very attentive and really try to give you the best care for your specific needs
Ken Bowen
Dec 15, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
this is the only facility my wife and I have been able to schedule a 2-hour massage(110 min.). Only downside to making the experience a great spa/self-care day is that it is no frills. Massage only---no relaxing lounge, plush robes, herbal teas, etc.
this is the only facility my wife and I have been able to schedule a 2-hour massage(110 min.). Only downside to making the experience a great spa/self-care day is that it is no frills. Massage only---no relaxing lounge, plush robes, herbal teas, etc.
Carolina Nunez
Dec 02, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Received a massage from Allan and he was very professional and knowledgeable. Would return and recommend to others.
Received a massage from Allan and he was very professional and knowledgeable. Would return and recommend to others.
Barbara Emmons
Nov 01, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Have been coming here for a couple years and Ive never been disappointed. VERY clean, excellent massages, professional, and always attentive to what my therapeutic needs are. My husband and I love River North and highly recommend it.
Have been coming here for a couple years and Ive never been disappointed. VERY clean, excellent massages, professional, and always attentive to what my therapeutic needs are. My husband and I love River North and highly recommend it.
Jen Patronski
Oct 01, 2021
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Michelle is a miracle worker! I had been having some pretty bad back and neck pain the last week and found this place on Yelp so thought i would try it out. Was able to book on-line for an appointment the next day which was very convenient. I wasn't looking for a spa, just a really good massage. Well, I found it! The receptionist was very friendly and the facility was clean. Michelle asked my if there were areas I was concerned about and I explained my back and neck pain. She went right to work. Spent most of the time, at my request on these areas. I feel a million times better. I could tell in
Heather Alton
Sep 27, 2021
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I had been looking for a new massage place for awhile and I am glad to say I have finally found it at river north massage! Great location, clean and calm facility and the service is excellent! The prices are extremely reasonable for the area and the quality is great! My massage therapist has been Alisa and she is absolutely amazing! She is so sweet and provides wonderful service, incorporating traditional Thai massaging techniques and stretching into our usual deep tissue session. She really took the time to ask me about my problem areas upon our first meeting and she was great about communicating
