For centuries, mankind has envied pizza dough and wondered how we too could be kneaded to relaxed, savory states without being escorted via wooden paddle to a Sicilian brick oven. Lose the pizza envy with today's Groupon: for $40, you get an hour-long massage in the style of your choice (a $90 value) at the Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka, located at 40 Green Bay Road.

The book Necessities: Chicago said Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka has Chicago's best massage therapists. Past clients include a member of the 2010 U.S. Olympic bobsled team and several White Sox players during the 2005 World Series. For a highly targeted muscle melting procedure, opt for trigger-points therapy, which identifies irritable muscles and improves their attitudes with masterful manual compression. Shiatsu, which is also known as acupressure, is an Eastern method of applying finger, palm, and thumb pressure to points on the body that are impeding the ki (or energy flow) and causing pain, stress, and chilly blood. Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka's menu also offers a classic Swedish knead, prenatal massage, and procedures such as neuromuscular therapy and performance-enhancement sports massage to treat and prevent pain caused by muscle exertion and falling pianos.

Though treatments are tailored to serious stress and soreness relief and staffers are highly educated professionals––each therapist is an American Massage Therapy Organization member––Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka doesn’t skimp on its pampering pleasantries. Guests are wrapped in fluffy bathrobes and invited to take a steam in a marble bathroom prior to their massage. Massage tables are heated to a pleasant temperature, and herbal tea and fresh juice make even the waiting worthwhile. Call to make an appointment; evening hours are available.

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