I have been a client of Essential Kneads Massage Therapy for over one year, both at the location in Sheffield, and the new, beautiful studio in Grafton. I have had approximately 25 massages with Charline Kennedy, the owner, so I feel quite able to comment on her personally and on her business. I have been to approximately 30 different massage therapists in my life, and Char is at the top of the list. She makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Soft-spoken and friendly, she is adept at following the client's lead Some days I just want quiet, and she is comfortable with that. Some days I want to talk through the whole massage, and she is super easy to talk to. I have had primarily deep tissue work, and her technique is stellar! I am thick-muscled, and Char has no problem getting deep in to the muscle. She has a keen sixth sense of knowing just how much pressure to apply. In the rare circumstances where I ask for more pressure, she finds the perfect amount. In the even rarer instances where I need less pressure, she accepts the feedback immediately and graciously. Her tables are very comfortable and can accommodate even a very large man like myself. The studio space is always immaculate. She is also the consummate professional - always monitoring level of comfort with the customer. She is also a wonderfully nice person - literally everyone likes her, and her business has grown exponentially in the past year. She has hired other talented pros that have some different areas of expertise, such as myofacial release. One more important comment: Char is fantastic at ashiatsu !! If you have never experienced this type of massage, it is my absolute favorite. I had one today, and it was exquisite!! The therapist uses her feet to massage you and controls the weight/force on your body by hanging on to bars mounted on the ceiling above the massage table. Wow! It is truly amazing how feet fit into the crook of the neck, the small of the back, the glutes, can create traction in the hips when pushing on the backs of the ankles, etc. I have had about 10 Ashiatsu sessions, and they are totally worth the slightly higher cost. Try it! I am a pretty picky person, and I have absolutely nothing negative to say at all about Essential Kneads Massage Therapy. You will not be disappointed :-) read more