Testimonials
Sarah
I have been here on a few occasions and each massage I have had (all different therapists) have been amazing. The spa is not "fancy". It's very low key, down to earth which is nice when you just want to run in, get a massage. The parking is good-both lots and street parking nearby. I would not hesitate to send anyone there. The massages are reasonably priced and a much better massage than a lot of the big name spas in Birmingham. It's really my go to place!
Tom
I've been going to essential massage therapy since they opened on 9 mile. It begun when I bought a massage certificate at a charity auction.
I've had massages all over the US, I get them every chance I can, especially on vacation with my wife. I love massages and the ones I get at essential are the best.
I see Lisa, she is the owner and when I started going there she was the only therapist. Now, years later she has a booming business and even though she is somewhat famous, she always makes time to see an old client.
People like that can make your day. I'm very happy to give them a 5 star review.
Jessica B.
I have been going to Essential nearly since they opened the doors of their current location. I love them for so many reasons.
First of all, Lisa and all of the therapists are so friendly and professional. I have never had anything but a PERFECT massage here. This was such a treat during pregnancy - and especially after having kids. They literally work the stress right out and I leave feeling 10 years younger!
But the thing I am most grateful for is Lisa's help during my time of infertility. She is really passionate about this application of massage and gave me the winning massage that finally enabled me to conceive my beautiful son. That alone is worth its weight in gold. And to think I got it for $60!
James
I could not wait to get home so I'm responding from my phone. First, I just left Essential feeling terrrrific. Meghan did a wonderful job. Second, Tamara's has lost a customer because not only are you closer, but your pricing is better for better service. I will be back soon. Have a great day.
Ferndale Rotary
Thank You for donating the 1 hour massage. I heard many people exclaim, 'Oh! I need that!' as they bid on it.
Melissa
I have been frequenting Essential for years, even before they moved to the location they are at now. Their office space and individual massage rooms are absolutely serene with soothing paint colors, comfortable furnishings and tranquil music...it makes for a very relaxing massage. Though I typically see Lisa Boyd, the owner, who gives awesome massages, I've also received massages from various other therapists as well. Each staff member has particular areas of expertise, which makes scheduling a breeze if you want/need something different than the usual rub down. Whether you like your massage light and relaxing or deep for those more sore and stressed muscles, this place definitely can accomodate! The staff is also very friendly and helpful. I've never had a bad, disappointing or 'not up to par' experience.
Julie C.
I have to say I was very impressed with my Therapist. I have one in Illinois and am always skeptical that they will not be as good as her. Lisa was wonderful, full of knowledge and a very healing touch. She listened to my needs and what I did not like and followed through like a pro. The prices here are outstanding! I have been to spas that charge much more without the attention to detail and knowledge. Thank You Lisa!
Robbin Y.
I have been going to Essential Massage for several years, and Lisa and her team are MARVELOUS!! Always professionals, clean and relaxing environment and one of the best massages I have ever had. I even have a friend on the west side of the state that comes all the way from Grand Haven to have a massage there. I would highly recommend Essential Massage Therapy to ANYONE!!
Jodi O.
Love this place! I have had numerous massages at numerous places and Jeannie at Essential is by far the best! I have fibromyalgia and suffer from extreme muscle tension and pain, she's used techniques that I've never had done before and has helped my pain level tremendously!
If you're looking for all the bells and whistles you get at a spa, like water falls and fluffly robes, you won't find it here but EMT is a lovely place, decorated very tastefully and a tranquil setting. What you get here is a professional massage treatment at one heck of a bargain-$60 per hour! Don't waste your money on the illusion of relaxation at the trendy spas, get every penny worth and more from EMT!!!
Kimberley K.
I have been going to Essential for several years and am always impressed by their good service. The facility is nicely decorated and always very clean. Staff is friendly and helpful and the massage therapists are well trained. Currently I am seeing Meghan for deep tissue massage and am very pleased with her skills and professional manner.
Shaunte W.
I absolutely love this place. I've been a few times, I've bought gift certificates for others, and each time the experience has been very pleasurable. I've been to other places for massages; and because this is their focus it shows in their work. I always hate the last 10 min of my massage because I never want them to stop. Excellent pricing, service, staff and ambiance.
Stephanie
My boyfriend got his sister and myself a massage after a very stressful time with family. We both left saying that was the best massage we had ever had. Both of us have had massages at spas all over the U.S. and this still ranks at the top of our list.
Roy W.
I use massage therapy extensively, both in Canada & the US, and Essential Massage Therapy has one of the best stables of therapists around.
I personally enjoy very deep, athletic work, and they have quite a few therapists that cater well to that, such as Erika and Lisa. My wife prefers relaxation massage, and they have therapists for that as well.
If you have an area of concern, they will actually focus on that rather than give a standard treatment to everyone. That said, most of them are good enough to figure it out by feel what you need even if you don't.
The staff is friendly, the waiting area pleasant, with warm tones on the walls. It avoids spa pretension while still giving a relaxing atmosphere to unwind and relax your muscles. This is not a day spa--it is for getting a very good massage at an excellent price.
Their rates are $60 per hour, which is very competitive. When you go to a place such as LifeTime, or God help us, an exclusive spa, rates can go up to nearly double, and while they may give you a nice robe to borrow, the quality of massage usually comes close at best. I find that feeling of getting ripped off when I know there's a better deal can actually add to my tension.
Great for Ferndale residents, but even if I lived in Rochester, I would make the drive down. If you can't park on the street, there's a lot around the corner.
Mike
Just wanted to thank you guys today for a great experience at Essential Massage Therapy today. As an ultrarunner, massage is an important part of my program and I have gotten away from it since the place I used to frequent is too far of a drive. Now that I have found, actually thanks to my wife, a place that listened to my areas of concern and adapted the massage to it, I will be sure to refer you to my running friends and book my next massage after the Martian Marathon in early April.
Thanks again and I made sure to give you guys some props on my blog.
S.J.S
First went here when i was pregnant. the massage therapist did such a wonderful job, i went back towards the end of my pregnancy. A different therapist also did a great job. i've since returned a number of times. i like Ann, but my husband saw another female therapist that he thought was good too.
They also have male masseuses. a great value and not pretentious at all like some of those day spas (i've been to) in birmingham.
Sara
Job got you down? Kids wearing you out? Want to treat your mind, body, and spirit to a little something special? Then cruise down Woodward to Ferndale's Essential Massage Therapy. This appealing den of relaxation is a wonderful place to unwind and work out the stress that has got those muscles bound like Bowline knots.
Essential Massage Therapy offers several kinds of massages including Swedish, Hot Stone, Thai, and Prenatal. Each variety of relaxing and soothing massages have varying prices, but plan to spend around 60 bucks for an hour.
I've been to Essential Massage Therapy several times now in the last year or so to see Lindsey and every time I do, I want to stay longer and longer and longer. She is always attentive to my needs, asking if there are particular parts of my body or any health issues she can attempt to remedy, and she normally does. Every time I leave, my mind is calm and comforted and my body more relaxed.
Essential Massage Therapy does offer gift certificates which are fantastic gifts for co-workers, a birthday surprise for a friend, or mother to be. I have treated several of my nearest and dearest to a massage here and they are not only still thanking me, but praising Essential Massage Therapy for the fabulousness.
Charlotte
Dear Jeannie,
You must wonder sometimes how your skills with Reiki actually affect your clients. Allow me to tell you - it's all good! When I left Essentials today, I took with me a feeling of calm, comfort, and peace...thanks to you. You did your part, and now my part is to savor and nourish this balance which you helped restore with your gifted hands.
God bless you.
Charlotte
Steve & Mitsu
Hello,
Just wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for your work today. We had a couples massage by Alex and Amy and we both thought their technique fantastic. Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Steve & Mitsu
John
I just want to take this opportunity and say thank you. I had a very relaxing and calming experience this past Saturday. I have only been to a masseuse once before but had a very bad experience and was very reluctant about returning to another. I got wind of your establishment from friend of mine, I was then recommended to Meghan and she did a fabulous job. Please let her know that she did a very good job and she will be getting more business from me in the future and hopefully my friends, after I spread the good word. Her perfessionalism and relaxing nature put me at ease right away.
Thanks again.
John
Becky
Lisa,
Just a quick thank you for the wonderful prenatal massage last Wednesday. That night thoughout the night I felt a lot of abdominal and lower back cramping. My contractions became regular around 4pm Thursday. We went into the Alternative Birth Center at Providence at 8:15pm and delivered Elise at 11:15pm (the nurse kept reminding me that the trade off for a fast labor was an intense labor...) I know that massage help get things rolling!
I've attached a picture of us in the hospital last Friday...
Thank you again for your help and I hope to be able to come in again soon for a postpartum massage!
Best,
Becky

