Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Massage Therapy Services in Highland Park, IL
Therapeutic Kneads was founded in 1997 by Sandy Saldano, a licensed massage therapist with over 37 years of experience. Starting in a single room in Highland Park, IL, we have grown into a 3,000-square-foot facility staffed by 12+ licensed massage therapists and four administrative professionals. Our team undergoes rigorous training to ensure technical excellence and client-centered care, with a dedicated education department maintaining high standards. We prioritize personalized treatment plans, combining traditional and advanced massage techniques to address individual health needs. Our clinic-like system includes assessment, customized treatment, progress monitoring, and adaptive care to promote long-term wellness. We are deeply rooted in the Highland Park community, supporting local initiatives and advocating for ethical standards in massage therapy through state and national organizations.Our mission is to make massage therapy a mainstream healthcare necessity, not a luxury, by educating clients on its benefits for pain relief, immune support, and overall well-being. Our facility features nine private treatment rooms, hypoallergenic oils, hospital-grade linens, and air filtration systems to create a healing environment. We serve diverse clients, including athletes, seniors, and children, with specialized services like pregnancy massage and sports recovery. Our commitment to quality, transparency, and community trust has made us a trusted partner in health for over 25 years.
Services
Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Craniosacral Therapy
Hot Stone Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Reflexology
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in therapeutic massage and client-focused care.
- Our clinic-like system creates personalized treatment plans for lasting results.
- All therapists complete 7 weeks of specialized training in advanced techniques.
- We partner with clients to address structural, muscular, and lifestyle needs.
- Deep community involvement and advocacy for massage therapy standards.
Services
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to promote deep relaxation and improve circulation. This technique reduces muscle tension, enhances flexibility, and boosts immune function. Ideal for stress relief and general wellness, it combines kneading and rhythmic movements to address both physical and mental health needs.
Sports Massage
Sports massage targets injury recovery and performance enhancement for athletes. Focused techniques alleviate muscle soreness, improve range of motion, and accelerate healing from sports-related injuries. Regular sessions help maintain peak physical condition and prevent future injuries through targeted muscle therapy and recovery strategies.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage addresses chronic pain by targeting deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. It breaks down adhesions, improves posture, and reduces inflammation. This technique benefits individuals with persistent back, neck, or joint pain, promoting long-term mobility and comfort through focused therapeutic pressure.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy uses light touch to balance cerebrospinal fluid flow and nervous system function. This non-invasive technique alleviates headaches, spinal conditions, and emotional stress. Performed fully clothed without oils, it promotes relaxation and neurological recalibration for holistic well-being.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage employs heated basalt stones to melt muscle tension and improve circulation. The stones' retained heat allows deeper relaxation without intense pressure. This treatment enhances blood flow, reduces stress, and creates a soothing experience by combining thermal therapy with traditional massage techniques.
People
Sandy Saldano
Owner/President
Sandy founded Therapeutic Kneads in 1997 after 10 years as a chiropractor's massage therapist. With 37+ years of experience, she advocates for massage therapy standards as an Illinois State Licensing Board member and AMTA participant.
Bobbe
Education & Training Director
Bobbe oversees staff training and curriculum development, ensuring consistent excellence in therapeutic techniques. With 14+ years at Therapeutic Kneads, she focuses on elevating massage therapy standards through structured education and performance evaluations.
Amy
Licensed Massage Therapist
Amy specializes in stress and pain relief through personalized massage therapy. With 9+ years of experience, she helps clients release physical manifestations of emotional stress, emphasizing holistic body-mind balance in each session.
Joseph
Licensed Massage Therapist
Joseph combines therapeutic expertise with 14+ years of clinical experience. He focuses on postural correction and musculoskeletal health, tailoring treatments to address individual pain points and improve overall mobility and function.
Karen
Licensed Massage Therapist
Karen specializes in clinical settings, addressing postural imbalances and chronic muscle tension. With a focus on anterior/posterior muscle treatment, she helps clients achieve lasting relief from structural discomfort through targeted therapeutic interventions.
Questions
Does a hot stone massage hurt?
When performed properly, hot stone massage should not hurt. Therapists test stone temperatures (130-145°F) and adjust pressure based on client sensitivity to ensure comfort throughout the session.
How is hot stone massage performed?
Therapists heat basalt stones in water, then apply them to the body while keeping them in constant motion. Stones are never left static, ensuring safe heat distribution and effective muscle relaxation without skin irritation.
What are the benefits of Swedish massage?
Swedish massage improves circulation, reduces muscle tension, and promotes mental relaxation. It enhances flexibility, boosts immunity, and alleviates stress through long strokes and rhythmic kneading techniques tailored to individual comfort levels.
How does deep tissue massage help chronic pain?
Deep tissue massage targets deeper muscle layers to break adhesions and reduce chronic pain. It improves posture, increases mobility, and accelerates healing for conditions like back pain and arthritis through focused, therapeutic pressure.
What makes Therapeutic Kneads different?
We combine a clinic-like system with personalized care, offering customized treatment plans, 7-week therapist training, and community-focused wellness education. Our 25+ years of experience and 9 private treatment rooms ensure specialized, lasting results.
Do you offer prenatal massage?
Yes, our pregnancy massage uses side-lying positions to safely relieve prenatal discomfort. It reduces swelling, improves sleep quality, and eases muscle tension while supporting maternal well-being throughout all stages of pregnancy.
