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 therapist 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! read more

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. read more

WOW, I had an amazing massage. I got a gift certificate here for a massage from my boyfriend and it was one of the better gifts he's gotten me. This place is epic and it's one of the better massages I've had ever. Heck, I was relaxed just walking into the massage room, the smell, the music and the ambiance they set up is perfect. I was having problems with my right calf muscle and they set me up with someone that specializes in those areas. I've never had that level of service before. Everyone at Essentials' goes above and beyond to be helpful and nice. Great place. read more

I see Meghan at Essential and I can't say enough wonderful things about her. She is everything that you could want from a customer service standpoint, and everything you could want from a technical perspective. The first time I saw her we discussed what I was there for specifically, which had a lot to do with my career (hair stylist) and she worked on me with that as a starting off point. She educated me as far as what could be causing the problems I have physically, and offered solutions, as well as suggested a plan (regular pre-booked visits because I forget) to keep me on track. Meghan is experienced, strong as heck (and knows how to read peoples reactions really well) and just really really nice. Front desk is nice, efficient, and attentive. The space is comfortable. Overall, it's a place that I would recommend to anyone. read more

I've been going here for 12 years and they consistently attract the best therapists. Expertly trained, professional and helpful. I've recommended Essential to countless friends some of whom drive 30+ miles to come here. The atmosphere is calm and soothing and you'll leave better than when you walked in. read more

I've visited essential massage a few times. It's always been good but I'm finally getting around to writing a review. This past week my therapist was Kyle and he was awesome! My back was all kinds of messed up and he did a great job of focusing on it. Front desk staff is always friendly. Massage was Perfect pressure and he was a very nice guy. read more

EMT isn't the lux, but that doesn't matter when the massages are THIS good. My sister is in school to become an MT. Working clinicals day in/day out has jacked her body up, and she needed some deep tissue work done. I called EMT and was able to purchase a (surprise!) massage for my sister over the phone, which was nice (NOTE: if you're purchasing a massage as a gift, they even let you put the tip on your bill, so the receiver doesn't have to worry about a thing!). After reading the reviews on Yelp I asked for Lisa. My sister isn't one for effusive praise; she generally calls things as they are. Let me tell you, though, after her session with Lisa, she was a whole new person. One of, if not THE, best massages she'd ever received, she said. Lisa worked out her problem areas and really loosened her up. She was so happy with her session, she booked a follow up appointment. If you're looking for a frilly frou-frou environment, this isn't your place. It's clean, modestly decorated and has a polite, well trained staff that is accommodating and professional. The massage therapists are well trained and have a good understanding of both physiology and client feedback. I highly recommend EMT. read more

I am a fan of this place. It is not churning you out in a grocery fluorescent light environment like what I have experienced at places like The chains. But the prices are much more appropriate than some of the salons. There is no robe or cucumber water but that's ok with me. I have never had a bad experience and haven't had the same masseuse twice. read more

Great massage place. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing. The staff was very accommodating since I booked the same day. Tell them it is your first time there and you get a discount! read more

Was really feeling bad...shoulders were killing me...creeping down the back and up the neck. Sally did a wonderful job. The next day was back to normal. They were able to take me in on pretty short notice..only negative didn't see they were offering a bonus to new people and it was not offered/mentioned. I will go back...and Sally will be my first choice. She was nice, perfect amount of pressure...she checked in to be sure it was..and not too much chatter...just enough. read more

First time customers get 60 minutes for $49! Very nice deal. I had Elizabeth. Overall, I enjoyed my massage. I had the closest room to the lobby and could sometimes here the traffic, which wasn't the worst thing ever, but kind of killed the mood. I asked for her to focus on my lower back, but that ended up being the place she probably touched the least... The thing I was impressed with: they massage your butt! A few places I've been to before avoid that area, but she pushed hard (with a sheet on top of me) and it was great. Took exactly 60 minutes and it didn't go by too fast; it was perfect. I wouldn't say this is a place to come and get a full relaxed treatment as the atmosphere was just okay. I might try out a few other places in the area before I come back, but I would recommend Essential Massage Therapy to friends. (they also offer cupping, which interests me...) read more

Sara is the perfect combo of steely pragmatism and stardust mama that you need in your life to get your sh*t right. Go see her to get things straightened out, whether it's your muscles, your chi, or your general attitude. Her massages and acupuncture treatments have seen me through a pregnancy, some meltdowns, GERD issues, and everything in between. She's magical and knows her stuff! read more

As a massage therapist I am constantly trying to find a well rounded therapist and a clean, calm environment at a decent price. I was so thrilled when I found this place! They even squeezed me in last minute! My therapist Sara was by far one of the best massages I have ever had, and she took her time even though I'm sure she had a long day and I was her last client. I recommend this place to anyone who isn't looking for the same old "cookie cutter"massage. This place goes above and beyond in uniqueness and serving the clients needs. read more

I highly recommend this place. When you walk in you'll notice the relaxed atmosphere, the pleasant color scheme and it always smells wonderful. The lady who is always behind the desk is very friendly and welcoming. I've had a number of massage therapists help me. Meghan is great (congrats!). Today Ashley helped me and Elizabeth helped my fiancé, as we are getting married tomorrow and needed to relax. Ashley found all the knots and was very attentive and I will absolutely be back to see her. My fiancé is very complimentary of Elizabeth, he said she did some deep tissue that feels so great afterwards. The staff seems to always know the right combination of quietness and effective communication. I'm now writing this while getting a pedi elsewhere. The experiences here are consistently great and wanted to write a review before I forgot. Thanks ladies! read more

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 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, but nicer and better than fundamentals in ferndale. read more

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. read more

Cannot say enough about the massages here. To be clear - It's not a day spa, so there is not a relaxation room or fru-fru tea to sip on with comfy slippers. But don't let that deter you, it's straight up massage awesomeness. The rooms are very comfortable and private. Everyone on staff is professional and good at what they do. This place saved me during my pregnancy as they offer a great, affordable pre-natal massage. If you are looking for a great massage without any stress (pretentious day spa atmosphere, up selling of special products, etc), Essential is the place. read more

Meghan Meghan Meghan!!! Amazing is all I can say. Totally professional. One of the best massages I've ever had. I will definitely be back. Great staff and clean office space. I would recommend this spot to all my friends. read more

Simply the best! Wish they had an area to relax before/after your service. Please add facials to your menu. Love all the staff there.

I have been looking for a place to have regular massages and this is the place! I have gotten 3 massages here and it is clean, quiet but most of all the energy is good when you walk in. Ashley has done 2 of my massages and she is without a doubt one of the best massage therapists around. The front desk is also very professional and helpful. I highly recommend going here if anyone is looking for a new massage home! read more

I love this place... every time you find a great masseur, you kind of want to keep it a secret, otherwise they are always booked lol but Luke at Essential is amazing... I prefer men for a variety of reasons, specially the size of hands and the strength, though some are too hard on you... not Luke, he knows how to find the spots that need work and applies the right pressure... and he always asks you if it is okay, though he is not chatty at all (thank god)... Luke aside, the whole place is very calming and pleasant, without being new agey... and all the staff is super nice... they always call back if you leave a message... I am sure other masseurs and masseuses are great there too, but look Luke up... he's awesome and peaceful and healing... it can't get any better than that :-) repeat customer read more

This is a great place for a massage! I got a gift certificate after shoulder surgery and it was just what I needed. Very professional, beautiful atmosphere and therapists are well trained. I wish I could afford to come here every week! read more

Stopped in on Saturday for my first massage in years and was very satisfied. Meghan did a great job. Their staff was very nice, and the location is great. read more

I've been here various times, each time with a different massage therapist. I've never had a better experience anywhere in the ferndale/royal oak area. The atmosphere is relaxing, very clean and professional. I'd recommend this business to anyone. read more

I've had several massages here by several different massage therapists. They are all very good at what they do. I'm sort of a massage junkie and I've had plenty of massages at different spas over the years. Although the massages I've had here are good, I've never been WOWED. I like deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy. I work 6 days a week and my body needs it. I haven't tried anyone that's gone deep enough yet, even though I ask them to. But that's personal preference... That aside, these therapists are talented, and the place is clean, quiet, and cozy. I will continue to come here when I'm in need of a massage. read more

Emily gave me the best massage I've ever had. On my third pregnancy with Sciatica and hip issues and never found someone that did much about it. After one hour, I was able to walk normal and without pain. read more

I've been going to Essential Massage for over two years. My brother gave me a gift certificate after raving about a massage he got there. I was skeptical... But I am not about to turn down a free massage. I called and booked a massage with Luke. Luke was great, and Ive been back at least 20 times over the past two years. As others have said, the staff is first and foremost good at what they do. On top of that, they are professional, quiet, accomodating, concerned, and empathetic. This is a great massage at a great price. A couple of times a year, I go to a day spa and get the whole shebang - facial, massage, mani/pedi. But their massages are NOT better, and in between, I invest in my health with multiple massages at Essential. Go Luke! read more

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! read more

Been coming here for a while now and have never had a bad massage. I have made an attempt to try several different therapists. Delisha is my absolute favorite! I prefer firm pressure on my back and she does a wonderful job. It is also a very peaceful and relaxing place read more

What a lovely place to spend an hour. The lobby is warm and inviting, the entire place is clean and you just feel more relaxed as soon as you walk in the door. My therapist Courtney did a wonderful job - I cannot wait to get another massage at Essential! read more

Very good massage! Clean and very professional. Therapist was quiet, which was nice. Peaceful experience.

Hands down... the best in the area. I came here about a year ago for the first time because I was in pain from an intense workout. I got in with Luke and the rest is history. I only go here now unless I get a massage out of town. He's the best and I'm sure everyone else is too. read more

I've been having issues with tightness in my back for quite some time now. Saw Meghan. She did a very good job hitting the trouble spots in my back. Will re visit. read more

Lisa G. is phenomenal!! she really listened to my needs and delivered. I came here for the first time based on my sister's recommendation and I'm absolutely in love with this place already. The place is relaxing and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend this place and Lisa G. since I'm going to be a regular! ;) can't wait for my next visit! Thank you Lisa G. read more

Been going here on and off for years. They always get me in same day. Therapists are always great and listen to my needs. I've been here for therapeutic massage and prenatal massage and it's always been top notch. Convenient, great parking, easy access. Nice staff- great atmosphere. Reasonable pricing. Try them! read more

This is the first massage place I've tried after moving here from Dearborn and I can't say enough good things. I've had about 4 massages so far, all from Meghan. I have a lot of neck and shoulder tension but she does a great job at alleviating my pain. She even gave me a few tips on how to self-massage at home when I'm unable to come in. The atmosphere is calming and inviting, it's clean and the employees are friendly. I would definitely recommend this place, as well as Meghan. read more

I've had many massages all over the world and this is one of the few places I've found in Michigan that they know what they're doing I don't even have to tell them where the pain is! Wonderful!!!! read more

Monday I woke up with a stiff neck.. So I was in desperate need of a massage called that Morning they got me in the same day. Lauren did a good job I will be back soon read more

I had a wonderful experience at Essentials Massage. It was a quiet and calming environment no noise. I had a regular Swedish massage performed by Sara. Sara listened and worked magic. Thank you Sara and Essentials. I will definitely come back read more

I've been going to essential for about five years. I have no regrets, it is a calmed and relaxin place where its employees are very welcoming and consistent with the services. I have also brought my mother, who has osteoporosis, and she can't wait to go back for the fourth time in four months. Keep the friendly hard work, guys! read more