Elk Grove bans massage parlors

Relax -- massages are still legal in Elk Grove Village.

But if you want the soothing touch of a massage therapist, you'll have to visit a spa, health club or medical facility.

Village trustees late Tuesday unanimously approved new rules that bar stand-alone massage locations -- unless they are tied to a doctor or hospital.

Mayor Craig Johnson pushed for the changes after a prostitution arrest last month at the village's only stand-alone massage parlor. After the arrest by an undercover officer, Higgins Spa, 830 Higgins Road, gave up its business license to operate.

A second business that ended up not getting a license from the village amid concerns it was a prostitution front also prompted the new massage law.

Johnson apologized to law-abiding massage therapists.

"It's a shame that profession has an infusion of unsavory people," Johnson said. "We do not want to eliminate massage therapy in this community, but we do want to limit it."

The law originally supported a rule forcing therapists to be at least 21 years old. Mayor Johnson Tuesday changed the minimum age to 18.

Massage therapists were vocal Tuesday night about their objections.

"We resent it as professionals," said Elk Grove Village resident Donna Recchia, who travels to perform massages.

"Just don't shut the door on us," she said.

Johnson said the new Elk Grove Village rules will allow a "legitimate massage therapist" to set up shop in town.

Christine Pusateri, who works for a chiropractor as a massage therapist, said the new law would bar her from opening her own place.

Shirley Zak of Glen Ellyn said it was unfair to punish an entire profession for the inappropriate acts of some. For example, some medical doctors have been accused of impropriety.

"What are you going to do? Throw them all out?" Zak questioned.

The discussion wasn't completely tense.

Recchia asked Johnson whether, under the new rules, she would be able to go to the mayor's office to give him a massage. She certainly could, he said.

Other suburbs limit massage-only establishments, including Arlington Heights and Lisle.