By Jill Nagy
It could be a modern novel. The hero, a successful professional, experiences a “big life change” and decides to wander the country, driving a truck and taking time out to ride the trails, hike, and do yoga. Then, an epiphany: He misses an essential part of his former life and returns to it, better than ever.
This happened to Seth Merrill, who returned to New York state last November to found Rebound Massage in Queensbury, part of the Adirondack Wellness Group at 310 Dixon Road.
He specializes in therapeutic massage, helping patients overcome pain and stiffness. He works with top athletes and also with “athletes just trying to get by day-to-day.”
“I try to adjust my massage to the needs of my client,” he said, “I try to figure out the root of the problem … If you just want a relaxing massage, I can do a relaxing massage. I want to help people enjoy their life better,” he said.
Before his wanderlust years, Merrill spent time working with the Syracuse University field hockey team. He left that position in 2016.
Reflecting on his life as a therapeutic masseur, Merrill realized that the worst part for him was marketing. To remedy that, he listened to tapes of business courses and books as he drove. Sometimes, he went through five books in a week as he travelled from California to Maine.
One book that particularly impressed him was “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.
In time, he realized that “I missed healing people” and wanted to reset his roots. He chose Queensbury because “I love the green” of the Adirondacks. Merrill was born and raised in Schuylerville and lived in various places, including Colorado and Ohio, as well as Syracuse, along the way.
“I find myself super fortunate,” he said. “I have a job I love; I am excited to see my clients, excited to help them meet their goals.” As for the business: “It’s absolutely taken off.”
In the future, “I want to expand and share my knowledge with other therapists,” he said. “When you get out of your comfort zone, that’s when you learn and grow.”
His business hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with shorter hours on Fridays and Mondays.
For further information, contact Merrill through ADKWellnessGroup.com or one of his domains, DeepTissueGuru.com or ReboundMassage.com. His telephone is 315-247-6721 or he can be reached through the group telephone 518-338-3405.