Verna Seckman’s draw to people led her to open a therapeutic massage business in Charlotte County in 1997.

And the mutual affection of her positive attitude and sought-out services from friends and clients is what has kept her helping others when they get stiff, stressed or experience pain.

After serving the community with various specialized therapies for nearly 20 years, Seckman has decided to close A Healing Knead on Aug. 31.

“Not enough people to pay the rent,” she said when asked her reason for closing. She also cited the economy and people moving away.

“Most of my clients are older. And some of them are just not coming. Some have died,” Seckman said while sitting in her lobby nestled between two of her therapy rooms.

Though she’s closing her office — located on George Washington Highway in Charlotte Court House — she’ll still offer services in Farmville and Appomattox in borrowed spaces.

“Because I moved here,” she said when asked why she opened up shop in Charlotte. “I went to massage school in Richmond and I was a medical technologist at the time (and) worked in the hospital.”

When she moved to Smith Mountain Lake, she started her own massage practice. After that, she worked for a chiropractor in Lynchburg, and ended up driving back and forth from Charlotte County.

“I wanted something closer to home,” she said of her job.

Seckman’s business hasn’t always been in the same location. She began her professional venture in Charlotte in the Red Cross building on LeGrande Avenue.

“That’s where I worked from 1997 to 2006,” she said. “I moved here in 2006 when this building was built.”

Over time, Seckman has grown to favor sports therapy massage over various spa offerings. “Working the muscles, you know, trying to get to the root of whatever’s going on,” she said of her affection for the specific offering.

While in Charlotte, she’s offered therapeutic massage, CranioSacral therapy and lymph drainage therapy.

“A few people know that I am (closing),” Seckman said. “I’m trying to get people (who) have gift certificates in to get those done.”

One of her favorite things about working in Charlotte Court House is proximity to other businesses.

Over the years, Seckman has provided services to many from various professions and walks of life, including teachers, farmers and their wives and construction workers.

“It’s been fun,” she said.

For private appointments with Seckman, call (434) 547-7397.