Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy Partner in Highland Park
Therapeutic Kneads was founded in 1997 by Sandy Saldano, a licensed massage therapist with over 37 years of experience. Our team of highly trained professionals specializes in personalized massage therapy programs designed to address individual health needs. We utilize a clinic-like system that includes assessment, customized treatment plans, and progress monitoring to deliver drug-free pain relief and wellness solutions. Our therapists are dedicated to ongoing education and specialized training in techniques such as deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and craniosacral therapy. We serve clients in Highland Park, IL, and surrounding areas, offering services for individuals, athletes, and corporate clients.Our facility features nine private treatment rooms equipped with hypoallergenic products and hospital-grade linens. We prioritize client education and self-care guidance to promote long-term health benefits. As active members of the American Massage Therapy Association, we advocate for professional standards in the industry. Our mission is to make massage therapy accessible as a fundamental healthcare need rather than a luxury. We have maintained a strong commitment to the Highland Park community through local partnerships and wellness initiatives.
Services
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue
Sports Massage
Prenatal Massage
Craniosacral Therapy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Trigger Point Therapy
Corporate Wellness
Myofascial Release
Hot Stone Massage
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 37+ years of combined experience in therapeutic massage techniques
- Our clinic-like system creates personalized treatment plans for measurable results
- All therapists complete 7 weeks of specialized training before client sessions
- We provide evidence-based solutions for chronic pain and injury recovery
- Our facility maintains hospital-grade hygiene standards for client safety
Services
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage combines long strokes and kneading techniques to promote deep relaxation while improving circulation and flexibility. This therapy reduces muscle tension, alleviates stress, and enhances immune function through gentle manipulation of superficial muscle layers. Ideal for individuals seeking general wellness maintenance or first-time massage recipients looking for a soothing experience.
Sports Massage
Sports massage focuses on injury recovery and performance enhancement through targeted techniques that relieve muscle fatigue and improve range of motion. This specialized therapy addresses sports-related injuries, prevents future strains, and accelerates recovery between training sessions. Particularly beneficial for athletes and active individuals requiring maintenance of peak physical condition.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets deeper muscle layers to break down adhesions and relieve chronic tension. This technique improves posture, reduces inflammation, and addresses specific pain points through sustained pressure application. Recommended for individuals with persistent musculoskeletal issues or those recovering from long-term physical strain.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy employs gentle manipulation of cranial bones and spinal structures to improve cerebrospinal fluid flow. This non-invasive approach alleviates headaches, reduces stress-related conditions, and promotes nervous system regulation. Particularly effective for clients seeking relief from migraines, TMJ disorders, or trauma-related symptoms.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage addresses pregnancy-related discomforts through specialized positioning and gentle techniques. This therapy reduces swelling, alleviates back pain, and promotes better sleep quality for expectant mothers. Sessions are tailored to each trimester's specific needs while ensuring complete safety for both mother and baby.
People
Sandy Saldano
Owner/President
With 37+ years of experience, Sandy established Therapeutic Kneads in 1997 after working with a chiropractor for a decade. She holds multiple certifications including neuromuscular therapy and craniosacral techniques. As an Illinois State Licensing Board member, she advocates for professional massage therapy standards.
Amy
Licensed Massage Therapist
Licensed since 2022, Amy specializes in Swedish relaxation techniques and incorporates holistic approaches to stress relief. She completed cupping therapy training in 2023 and focuses on creating personalized treatment experiences for clients seeking both physical and emotional wellness.
Joseph
Licensed Massage Therapist
With 14 years of experience, Joseph combines deep tissue and sports massage techniques to treat athletes and post-rehabilitation clients. A certified personal trainer since 2014, he specializes in kinesio taping and reflexology to enhance recovery and physical performance for active individuals.
Questions
What types of massage therapy do you offer?
We provide Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, craniosacral, and trigger point therapies, along with specialized techniques like myofascial release and manual lymphatic drainage.
Do you accept insurance for massage therapy?
We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance claims but recommend verifying coverage details directly with your provider before treatment.
Are your therapists licensed and trained?
All our massage therapists hold current Illinois licenses and complete our 7-week specialized training program focusing on therapeutic techniques and client assessment.
What are your facility's hygiene standards?
We maintain hospital-grade cleanliness with fresh linens for each client, hypoallergenic products, and HEPA air filtration systems throughout our 3,000 sq ft facility.
Do you offer corporate wellness programs?
Yes, we provide onsite chair massage services for businesses focused on stress reduction and employee wellness initiatives in the Highland Park area.
What are your cancellation policies?
We require 24-hour notice for appointment changes or cancellations to avoid potential charges for missed scheduled sessions.
Reviews (7)
Bob Shishka
May 13, 2022
Report
All the therapists are amazing! Certainly the owner knows how to pick them but she is quite the slave driver. Not good. The owner is definitely effected by the myth of highland park. Not all of us who run businesses do it this way.
That One Chick
Jan 13, 2022
Report
I was going to book a massage until I saw on the website that you have to be fully vaccinated. BS! I would give 0 stars if I could.
Melissa B.
Oct 06, 2021
Report
I really loved my visit here. I am not a huge fan of massages, because I always wonder how I can "get out of my own" head in 30-60 minutes of silence! But I had a terrible back ache from a non-athletic, low-stakes pattern of bad posture. It wasn't going away, so I figured I'd get outside help. The booking experience via phone was easy. They had openings that weren't online, so it was great that they fit me in.
I also was a bit embarrassed to ask if the staff was vaccinated, since I was about to get married and wanted to protect myself/others as much as possible by insulating myself from illness. The receptionist was SO nice and told me it was a fair question. Good to note that indeed all of their staff is vaccinated. Peace of mind is good! My massage therapist, Ashley, was so nice and helped me relax. We even chatted a bit as she did the massage.
I didn't walk away from it feeling perfect, but my back pain was indeed quite significant and needed some anti-inflammatory meds too. Even so, it was super helpful to alleviate a lot of the pain, so I would recommend going here, even if you're not a massage aficionado.
I also was a bit embarrassed to ask if the staff was vaccinated, since I was about to get married and wanted to protect myself/others as much as possible by insulating myself from illness. The receptionist was SO nice and told me it was a fair question. Good to note that indeed all of their staff is vaccinated. Peace of mind is good! My massage therapist, Ashley, was so nice and helped me relax. We even chatted a bit as she did the massage.
I didn't walk away from it feeling perfect, but my back pain was indeed quite significant and needed some anti-inflammatory meds too. Even so, it was super helpful to alleviate a lot of the pain, so I would recommend going here, even if you're not a massage aficionado.
C. R. Mullen
Sep 27, 2021
Report
The entire staff at therapeutic kneads is amazing! I am so lucky to have found them a year ago! Dr. Mark and Ashley have been helping me tremendously with my chronic pain and migraines. I highly recommend!
Stephen K.
Aug 27, 2021
Report
This is an oasis of relaxing massages in downtown Highland Park. They have the nicest people on staff from the receptionist who makes the appointment when you call and greets you when you arrive, to the terrific massage therapists on staff. In my travels, I have had massages in many cities, and for me, Therapeutic Kneads ranks as #1.
Jessica Renee
Nov 12, 2020
Report
I have a hard time going anywhere else in general. I highly recommend this spot and this massage therapist! Just had my appointment today with the new guy, John. He was fantastic! Pressure was perfect and he was attentive to my problem areas. Five stars for sure!
Sandra W.
Aug 05, 2019
Report
My husband started going here about 3 years ago after a sports injury and physical therapist recommended. He was anti massage and came out the first time able to stand with less pain and stiffness. After 4 or so visits re recommended that I go since I was having some aches from standing and walking all day with my job. After I worked with Jennifer multiple times I began to see increased mobility and less daily aches.
They ask questions and follow up from last time before your start your session so they focus on the areas you need most. The space is clean, quiet and relaxing. I have tried different add ons and therapists and have always been pleased. We value the service so much we are part of their monthly package because we get more bang for the buck. I have always had wonderful experiences with the staff both in reception and the therapists.
Their work with deep tissue massage and cupping has been such an important part of my husband and my self care. I actually raved about it so much over the years a friend made me schedule and appointment for her when she came in town.
They ask questions and follow up from last time before your start your session so they focus on the areas you need most. The space is clean, quiet and relaxing. I have tried different add ons and therapists and have always been pleased. We value the service so much we are part of their monthly package because we get more bang for the buck. I have always had wonderful experiences with the staff both in reception and the therapists.
Their work with deep tissue massage and cupping has been such an important part of my husband and my self care. I actually raved about it so much over the years a friend made me schedule and appointment for her when she came in town.
