For some people, the best way to relax in Milwaukee is to pull up a stool at the local watering hole and sip a cold beer. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with that image, occasionally the stress and pain of the work week must be dissolved by something a little stronger than a Schlitz. Thankfully, massage studios and spas in Milwaukee are ready and waiting to temper tension with some skilled and strategic kneading. Below, we’ve gathered some of the top Milwaukee massage spots to help speed you on the path to relief, whether you’re in search of some clinical therapy or a day of good old-fashioned pampering.

1. Elements Therapeutic Massage

Whitefish Bay

Elements may be a national chain, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have a cookie-cutter experience. This studio likes to call its sessions “handcrafted”—referring to the way the therapists design each massage based on client needs, drawing on skills in such massage styles as trigger point, deep-tissue, sports, and prenatal.Paragraph

2. Your Siesta

Whitefish Bay

Here, the healing isn’t over once the therapist walks out of the treatment room. Once clients are dressed and ready to face the world, the therapist will debrief them on any trouble spots detected during the massage. They’ll also share home-treatment methods that can help ease lingering pain and can recommend a more aggressive treatment plan for chronic issues.

3. Well Spa at the Pfister

Juneau Town

A massage here is never ordinary thanks to luxe details such as plush tables with adjustable temperatures, heated floors and robes, and private treatment suites. The full-service spa also offers facials, body scrubs, and other indulgent treatments.

4. Milwaukee School of Massage

Riverwest

This massage school’s incubator program gives graduate students real-world experience in running their own studios. Clients also benefit from the program, scoring professional-level massages at a discount price from therapists who are on the cutting edge of new techniques.

5. Healium Wellness

Bay View

Massage doesn’t have to be just about relaxation; it can also be a vital part of a well-rounded wellness program. During each massage session here, the therapist’s muscle-melting abilities are aided by hot stones, hot towels and essential oils, and clients can continue their stress-alleviating journey with hot yoga classes at the on-site sister studio.