Devra Helgert

She doesn’t have digs that inspire lingering, but that’s not really the point for Helgert, who attracts mostly South Side folks via word of mouth. Most of her clients suffer from chronic injuries, headaches and, like me, sports-induced muscle pain (I heard about her from a running partner and have been hooked since my first visit). “If you have an issue and don’t attack it, it’ll forever be on top of you,” Helgert says, noting the office also offers acupuncture. Her strong hands relieve tightness so masterfully it’s surprising Helgert’s only been practicing massage for three years. After several years of scoping out the South Side for stellar massage therapists, I haven’t found anyone better than Helgert: I come in from a high-mileage running week and leave her office feeling loose, limber and ready to pound the pavement again. 60-minute massage $60; $40 for students.