Essential Massage Therapy

I have gone to Essential a few times now and I have to say that the few people who left bad reviews don't know what they are talking about! I met Lisa the last time I was in since she was my therapist and not only was she friendly, but she also gives a top shelf massage. I don't always have the money to treat myself the way I should, but when I can afford it, Essential is my only choice. Don't listen to the other people, Ferndale is a great neighborhood and Essential is a great place to get a massage. Support a local business during these tough economic times!!

Pros: Awesome staff, great massages

Cons: Metered parking, not open late on Saturday

Posted 03/03/09

I have been going to Essential for over 4 years now and I love this place! I travel a lot for work and would consider myself a massage guru. Instead of getting my massages on the road and paying $85+ I wait until I get home and come here. It's worth it and the price is perfect. All of the therapist are great, the receptionist knows me when I call or come in, and I have never had a bad massage. I like coming on a Sunday in my pajamas or running in after a long day at work and going home to my bath. It is not a snobby, pretentious place that I have to be dressed to the nines to go.

Pros: Open everyday, and late

Cons: Not here

Posted 02/21/09

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 out by feel what you need even if you don't.

The staff is friendly, the waiting area pleasant, with warm red 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/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 :-p

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.

Pros: Best therapists, great price

Cons: Small waiting area, although not uncomfortable. Metered parking

Posted 02/02/09

Beautiful interior. Bad neighborhood. Good prices for hour massage, but only received 50 minutes.

Posted 01/07/09

I received a gift certificate last year for Christmas and finally got the chance to use it! I don't know why I waited so long! I'll definitely be going back!

Pros: Wonderful atmosphere

Cons: Metered Parking

Posted 12/21/08

I frequented this place while I was in town on business. I scheduled an appointment with Lisa, who I believe is the owner. She was 10 minutes late for my appointment and then did not give me the full hour in which I paid for (I timed it from start to finish on my watch...47 minutes). I felt ripped off. I won't be back.

Posted 11/04/08

I travel a lot for work and get massages on a regular basis both while home and away. Recently a friend recommended I go to Essential and I have to say I would highly recommend them to everyone. Not only do they have a friendly, knowledgeable staff and relaxing atmosphere, but their prices are extremely reasonable. I'm definitely looking forward to my next appointment!

Pros: great deep tissue massage, friendly staff, reasonable prices

Cons: metered parking

Posted 07/07/08

I have been suffering with severe back problems for a long time now. My family doctor has been recommending massage therapy but I live in the Waterford area and there are not many places to get a good massage. A friend of mine recommended Essential Massage Therapy in Ferndale and said it was worth the drive. My first appointment was with Meghan and I must say...WOW!!!! She is amazing and has done wonders for me in pain management. In the past when I would throw out my back, I had to use muscle relaxers and even cortisone shots in my spine...not pleasant. With her knowledge and experience, Meghan has been so helpful in getting me back on my feet without the aid of medical proceedures.
Thanks to the therapists who have aided in my recovery.

Pros: The relaxing and friendly yet professional atmosphere
Cons: The drive and metered parking

Pros: Helpful service

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/30/08

I was looking for a massage that was deep enough and not just relaxing. I injured my hamstring while training for a marathon and thought I was done for. I got the deep work I was looking for and could tell Laura knew what she was doing. I'm hooked. My regular massages have really helped me this time around. Thank you again.

Pros: Therapist knows her stuff!

Cons: Hard to schedule in the evening

Posted 05/14/08

I had been frequenting this spa for a couple of years, since it was near my house and the price was reasonable. I had recommended it to my friends and family and they too had started going there on a regular basis. However, I had an encounter with the owner/manager of the spa, Lisa Boyd. She was very rude and degrading on the telephone after a problem with a scheduled massage. She stated she did not care that we would take our business elsewhere. She did not care about her customer and or future customers. It is too bad with the Michigan economy that you would be treated so horribly. I will have massages and refer my friends to a different location, where the client matters.

Pros: Amy is a great massage therapist

Cons: The walls are too thin and the owner is extremely rude

Posted 04/28/08