Massage therapist shares space with The Firm
When the owner of City to Shore Massage decided to move his business in August, he didn't go far.
For five years, Jim Slusher had served clients in a corner of Good News Natural Foods on Rehoboth Avenue, but when the store sought a new location, so did Slusher. A conversation with The Firm Fitness Center owner Paul Timmons, about a year ago, set in motion a new business opportunity for Slusher.
“Parking will be much better for clients,” said Slusher, of his new location at 19897 Hebron Road. “I used to worry about meters at the old location, but we don't have that here.”
The new business is still close to town – it's only a mile away from the Rehoboth Avenue location, he said.
Slusher built his massage space off one of The Firm's workout rooms. He still offers the same flexible hours, seven days a week, that he always has.
“Even if The Firm is closed, I can still take clients,” he said.
Slusher offers a Swedish massage and hot stone therapy to ease those achy muscles.
“It helps with lymph flow, reduces stress and helps circulation,” he said. “If someone has tension in the neck or lower back, I can help release that tension.”
Slusher uses grapeseed oil that absorbs easily in the skin, although some clients prefer their own massage oils or lotions. He said he can infuse lavender, frankensense or other scents into the oils.
Slusher, a Rehoboth Beach resident, was a restaurant owner before switching careers to massage.
“It was high stress. I realized it wasn't something I was going to do for the long haul,” he said.
With certification from the Central Maryland School of Massage, Slusher was licensed in Maryland and Delaware, before concentrating solely on his Delaware business.
Slusher said his clientele has followed him to his new location, but he welcomes newcomers.
“You're helping people relax and there's a health benefit to that,” he said. “It gives me a good feeling that I've made a difference in someone's life.”
Slusher said clients do not have to be members of The Firm in order to get a massage.
A massage session lasts for an hour and costs $75. A 90-minute session runs $105.
For more information or to make an appointment, call Slusher at 245-5898.
