The Chicago Stress Relief Center

The location of Chicago Stress Relief Center might seem off the beaten path, but for me, it adds to the serenity. Quite the hidden gem. The ocean float room is so peaceful and calming. Not claustrophobic at all, and the rain shower just washes away your worries. My Reiki/​Shiatsu combo massage from Massimo was rejuvenating and insightful. CSRC is clean, calm, and peaceful. The staff are very kind and helpful. You won’t be disappointed.

I bought this as a living social to try something new and relaxing. Went in with an open mind, but honestly wasn’t sure I would be able to sit still and relax that long — but I have to say, it is truly a relaxing experience. Eva at the front desk is SO friendly and accomodating — The whole experience was very enjoyable.

I purchased a groupon for this facility in March 2016 and wasn’t able to schedule a weekend appointment until May 2016. I was told that they needed a credit card on file to charge for cancellations. At the time of scheduling I did not have my wallet on me. I called later in the day to provide my credit card information and was not able to reach the facility. I called again the following week and left a message. My call was never returned, and the voice messaging software cut me off before I was even able to leave a 10 second message. My appointment is scheduled for ⁵⁄₁₄ and I was called by the facility on ⁵⁄₁₃ at 11:09AM and told that if I did not call back by noon with my credit card information my appointment would be cancelled. Thankfully when I called back (after multiple attempts to reach) they had not cancelled my appointment. I was able to provide them with credit card information and my appointment was held. This policy is silly given the unreliability of being able to reach whoever is in charge of scheduling. Threatening to cancel an appointment if a client does not call back within 50 minutes is unprofessional given the length of time since I initially booked the appointment. Will update review after actually attending appointment.

Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to experience their stress relief services as the receptionist who booked my floatation and massage appointment incorrectly scheduled my husband and I for the floatation service only. What was frustrating was that this was after an in-​depth explanation and verbal confirmation of what we should expect for both services. They were also quite inflexible with re-​bookings. My husband and I were really looking forward to this experience but are reluctant to give it another chance given their careless and disappointing customer service.

Went a few days ago for a Groupon massage & float. Susan, the masseuse, was wonderful! I’ve had other massages, but she was by far the best yet. I had her focus on my sore back and I felt great afterwards. The float took a little getting used to, but I think that speaks to the difficulty in letting go in a completely stimulus-​free environment. It’s a great was to truly let go in a very unique way. It was a good enough experience that I bought a few floats on the way out for future use and will send my husband and friends.

I purchased a 45-​minute massage and 60-​minute floatation session package on Groupon. I found the booking process to be very helpful; the receptionist provided clear guidelines for floating, and also emailed me with the same instructions. When I arrived for the appointment, the same receptionist I had spoken to on the phone continued to sing praises about the process of floatation. While I was waiting, I paged through a journal where other patrons shared about their floating experiences; my favorite was someone who wrote only one line: «Better than marijuana.» ;)
The massage therapist, Susan, was a bit brusque in her mannerisms and her voice. I suppose I had expected someone with a softer and gentler energy. However, her massage was extremely helpful, and she really worked on some tight knots I had in my back.
I was a bit nervous about the floating experience, but I liked how there were several options to ease a new floater in. I chose to have the starry lights on for a little bit, and music for the first 15 minutes of the session. When I got comfortable, I turned off the lights. I really enjoyed the way I could completely relax my body (especially after the massage!) and I allowed my mind to wander wherever it chose to go. It was quite a freeing experience, and I ended up falling asleep for a little. When I woke up about ten minutes before the session ended, I was a bit cold because the water temperature had gone down a bit.
I continued through the rest of my day with a hazy, relaxed mood. I wish I could have carried that energy with me throughout the rest of my week! I would love to come back more often, but it’s just a bit pricier than I’d like. Part of me also suspects that I might have just taken a very expensive nap.

Stress Relief Center is the wrong name for this place. Why you ask … Because they cause stress during my visit. I really wish I could rate the massage therapist Susan separate from here. When I first walked in I sat down and saw Rob (receptionist?) who looked like he just got out the shower, walking around with wet hair and towel. He was talking to someone in the back about quick books. He even came up to the front to get paperwork and still didn’t greet me. About 10 minutes later he asked how he could help. I let him know I am here for my appointment and filled out my paperwork on a IPad. Once I was done with that he walked me back to the float room. Now I am not a smoker all I could smell was cigarettes from Rob and when grabbing a face towel that I was supposed to use coughed on it. He did get me a new one and he then told me after my float shower and go across the room in a robe and there I will have my massage. While it did take me a while to relax and when I did I jumped because a loud motor sound next to the tank came on. Then the music came on and the session was over. While I showered the sound still continued. I hung my towel where Rob told me to and put the robe on that was small. I left my items folded nicely in the float room since I was not told to pack them up. Once in the massage room Susan asked me how was my float and I told her not good and that noise still continued. She even said she doesn’t know what that is. She shut the door only to hear a knock and it was Rob saying she needs to get her stuff out ! Again I would have if I had been told … I was about to grab my stuff when Rob hands me my underwear and other items. Wtf no one touches my underwear but my husband and it felt horrible not only did it feel like I was being rushed and kicked out. Susan felt bad and apologized but it was not her fault in anyway. She did try to massage the stress away but I felt more stress then when I came in. When leaving Rob asked my how my float was and I said you don’t want to know. He did … so I told about the noise and he said he didn’t hear it. Really the massage therapist heard it but not him and then he went to blame the landscapers saying it was them when cutting the lawn. I just stopped and walked out. I called to leave a message with the owner or manager but they don’t have their own voicemail and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the message with Rob at all. Never will be back and I truly hope that no one goes through this. Very unprofessional !

Chicago Stress Center is fantastic. We did a float tank massage package. The float tank exceeded all my expectations. I have not felt this relaxed and energized in years. The massage was the best I ever had. Sandy is an angel. The staff and Dr Weissman were son friendly and helpful. I highly recommend it. The center specializes in chronic stress disorders and chronic pain relief. It is a one of a kind place.

I went for my first time today to the Infrared Sauna and Ocean Float room. It was a very relaxing experience! The staff were all very nice and explained everything to me. The ocean float room was even better than I expected! The place was clean & I will definitely go back!

My husband and I did the back to back float and massage yesterday and it was amazing! Sandy did our massages and it was the best massage I ever had. She really worked the areas that needed it. The float «room» was a new concept for us, but one we enjoyed more than the «coffin» float we had done elsewhere previously. We will definitely be back and highly recommend the Chicago Stress Relief Center to anyone who is considering it.

I’ve been going here for over four years, but I just recently tried the floatation chamber. It was by far the best experience I’ve ever had. They were incredibly thorough in explaining the process and making sure I felt 100% comfortable before going in. On top of it, the facility was immaculate.
I was in the tank for a full hour, but I wish it had been longer. I felt almost as if I had fallen asleep because I was so comfortable and soothed. The floatation tank was much more relaxing than anything I’ve ever tried before, including massages.
I highly recommend everyone try the floatation tank here. It truly is life changing.

Floated in the float «room» today! It was my first experience floating. Eva was great at explaining in detail what to expect and how to prepare. I enjoyed my experience, although I would definitely recommend using the «noodle» if you carry stress in you neck and shoulders. I would like to book a back to back float and massage next time. I dig the whole holistic stress relief concept. Thank you!

I got a call from the owner offering me a free sauna and tank float session because of me bad experience.
It was a kind gesture.
I liked the sauna experience and the float was ok, just not my cup of tea.
Here’s the thing about customer service– my bad experience was a raindrop massage not a float and sauna. I could not care less about the sauna and float, I cared about the raindrop massage. Also, I was asked 3 different times to change my review on Unilocal. (Called and asked in person). Feels a little icky and desperate.
The place still confuses me, is it a spa or an office? Looks like (and sounds) an office with people working but tries be a spa.

Everything was great and the hour passed in a blink. And lastly the showers were running hot! Great overall experience, I guess they’re currently running a 29 $ promotion right now which I will be purchasing tomorrow

I’d give this place 3.5 stars if I could.
FIRST TIME FLOATATION TANK EXPERIENCE: My fiancé and I bought the group on for an hour massage & hour session in the floatation tank. For those of you who have never floated: you fill out some forms on an iPad, read an orientation form, and then follow someone into the floatation tank room. You can leave the music on or turn it off (I chose to have it off during my float). Put the earplugs in your ears, shower (they provide soap, shampoo, & conditioner), take the neck pillow with you into the tank, and be careful as you enter so you don’t get any salty water in your eyes, close the door, lay down turn off the light, and relax. Try different positions to see if it is more comfortable with or without the pillow. I was told it’s normal to hear your own breathing & heartbeat. It’s dark. So dark that you won’t see the difference between opening or closing your eyes. Don’t worry as the tank it’s too large so you can always turn on the light or open the tank’s door. When your session is over, you will hear and feel the filtration system run. It isn’t alarming in any way, but you’ll notice when it’s turned on. I noticed how slippery the water felt & my skin felt quite dry afterwards (thank goodness I brought my own face lotion with me).
Overall, it was… unique. Honestly, I got really bored about halfway through my session and just started doing a log roll type of move to keep myself amused. It wasn’t horrible, but I definitely wouldn’t pay to float again. The massage was fine. There were lots of different muscle relaxing massage oils, and essential oils used. There was a strange baby Buddha type of thing hanging above the «Biomat» (heated massage table) that kind of creeped me out though. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the music. I prefer nature sounds (ocean, rainfall, etc).

I used the infrared sauna. It was great. Very powerful. Nice, clean, comfortable and relaxing surroundings. Very reasonably priced and friendly staff.

Pros: clean, serene, ambient music, not pretentious even though it’s in a gorgeous suburb, small reception area but efficient, spacious massage room, excellent massage by Jeffrey done with an oil that smelled wonderful & made my dry feet so moisturized & I enjoyed the rain shower.
Cons: I didn’t care for the flotation tank experience at all. I’d skip it but that’s just me. It’s pitch black even with the door open & music it just didn’t do anything for me.
I scheduled a second massage with Jeffrey because he applies just the right amount of pressure, his hands are soft (prolly d/​t the oil he used), doesn’t talk much just puts all his energy in delivering a complete tranquil experience. I love the heated table that enhances the relaxation.

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Dr. Weissman went out of his way to accommodate me for a Sunday morning appointment. The tank is brand-​spanking-​new, and has sound and light enhancements if that’s your thing. Not mine, so I just left them off.
For me, a key factor in the float experience is the ambiance as I’m prepping. Harsh lighting or clinical coldness can set my mind off for an unpleasant hour. Dr. Weissman has done a wonderful job of building a clean and relaxing experience around the tank — the rain shower in particular goes miles to setting the right physical and mental presence before getting in the tank.
Dr. Weissman himself is quite personable, and took the time to chat with me after my float about my experience and how I became interested in floating.
All in all, I had a wonderful experience and will be back. I should note, Chicago Stress Relief Center is far more than just a float boutique; it is a full-​service stress management clinic, offering therapeutic services from certified and credentialed psychology professionals. While I’m personally only interested in floating, there’s a range of services here that I’d be confident in recommending to anyone who’s trying to navigate through stressful experiences.
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UPDATE: Dr. Weissman has since contacted me directly and offered a free float. Customer Service: check! I will update once I’ve visited the facility. For now, I will raise my rating one star on the basis of their response to the situation.
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Disclosure: I haven’t visited Chicago Stress Relief, because they don’t answer their phone, and therefore I have not had the pleasure of scheduling an appointment.
I give them one star, because whether or not their facilities are lovely, clean, and calming, I’ll never know.
It would be nice to have access to floatation nearer my home, as it’s something I enjoy. But it’s still far enough away that I’m not going to make the drive without an appointment.
I’ve been going to Space Time tanks in Chicago for years, and will continue to go there — they’re 33% less expensive, and they answer the phone or email back promptly.
Just to reiterate: the only thing CSRC had to do to earn my business was answer the phone. If that’s too hard, after five calls, what kind of business can they possibly be? What level of client care can the possibly offer? It is a mystery I will personally never solve.

I did the FIR sauna and the floatation chamber. It was an awesome experience. Nicole was very accommodating and explained everything what will happen. They have the best amenities.
After the hour in the tank I think I fell asleep because it was so soothing. I woke up ad forgot where I was lol. It was a great experience.
The FIR sauna session was also great. Oh boy do you sweat a lot !!! If you have sore muscles this is for you definitely.
Will come back again and highly recommend it for anyone.

This is an edit of my previous review (when I gave the place only 1 star because they didn’t return my phone calls).
After visiting the place, they won me over. It’s very pleasant and staff very nice. I did the floatation package with steam and massage and loved it. When the procedure was explained to me, I thought spending an hour in the floatation would drag… but honestly, when time was up I was surprised. It felt like 20 minutes. It was also a very serene and calming experience.
I raised my stars to 4 because I really enjoyed my experience and thought the place was clean. Held the last due to taking over a week to return my phone calls. (The owner did say that the phones were down all week… but, still, there are ways to return phone calls.) Nonetheless, I’d feel good about recommending.