Massage therapist Michelle Rozzen works on the arm of client Aaron Donald, who is lying supine on the massage table.

Massage therapist Michelle Rozzen with client Aaron Donald, defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams.
Photos by Dalure Dillon

There are many different types of high-profile clients, such as professional athletes, actors, singers and other entertainers.

Acquiring high-profile clients will require giving your best self to your craft. You must work hard to develop your massage technique. Taking massage courses, going to massage seminars, and taking business and marketing courses will help you build your massage business.

Attending social networking events and other events within the sector you wish to work will allow you to meet people and build business relationships. Potential clients will be more likely to gravitate toward you if you are knowledgeable, experienced, dependable and personable.

Investing in yourself and your career will give you the opportunity to eventually connect with high-profile clients. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

If you want to work with professional athletes, for example, then developing a wide breadth of knowledge of various professional sports will serve you well.

This includes, but is not limited to, knowledge of the body and its range of motion depending on the sport, player positions, pre-habilitation and recovery techniques. A massage therapist must be aware of the challenges an athlete might face related to their sport and specific position.

It is also important to note that high-profile clients often have demanding schedules. For example, this could mean you might have to work at 3 a.m. or work on set for 12 or more hours.

You might be asked to travel domestically or internationally, perhaps for an extended period of time. This type of clientele often requires being on-call. Having high-profile clients is demanding, which will make it even more important that you balance your work life with your personal life.

As in every entrepreneurial business, being in the right place at the right time and a little bit of luck will certainly have its place. So stay focused, trust in who you are, work hard, be confident, and things will align for you. The massage therapy industry is competitive, but hold steadfast to your dreams. Having integrity and a solid, good reputation will certainly have a great impact on your career.


Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is one of the high-profile clients seen by massage therapist Michelle Rozzen. Confidentiality related to high-profile clients is oftentimes instituted by a non-disclosure agreement, which protects
both therapist and client. 

Privacy Considerations

Being a massage therapist to high-profile clients will often require varying levels of privacy for such clients. Upholding clients’ privacy, and thus confidentiality, will directly impact your reputation as a massage therapist.

Having a good reputation is dependent on multiple factors, such as scheduling reliability, being on time for appointments, being knowledgeable of your craft, being available, maintaining clients’ needs, being aware of clients’ health conditions, confidentiality, being kind and being professional.

You must retain confidentiality with all of your clients, high-profile or not. However, confidentiality related to high-profile clients is oftentimes instituted by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which protects both you and your client.

In some cases, you might be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement to work with a particular client. Signing an NDA requires that you do not discuss your working relationship with this particular client and often also requires that you do not repeat anything that you are privy to.

If a potential client requires that you sign an NDA, then not signing it is likely to cost you the opportunity to work with them.

The specifications in an NDA can vary, so it is important to read over the document closely before signing, as you will be responsible for what you have agreed to. If the massage therapist breaks this legally binding agreement there can be legal ramifications in addition to the loss of the client.

An NDA is usually indefinitely binding. This means that you are still held responsible for what you have agreed to in the NDA even if the person is no longer your client.

Never Give Up

Studying your craft, working hard, being consistent and reliable, and maintaining a good reputation will surely help you build your successful massage business. Have patience with yourself as you put in the time to fulfill your dreams.

As the old saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race.” Your continuous pursuit to acquire knowledge of your craft and your passion for providing your clients with the best service will surely set you apart.

Meeting high-profile clients is not always easy, but being both understanding and assertive will certainly serve you well. Never give up on yourself and aspiring to acquire a high-profile clientele.

About the Author: Michelle Rozzen is a massage therapist with more than 12 years experience who has worked with players on NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and many others. Michelle also has an elite massage clientele, many of which are high-profile, professional musicians, artists, entertainers, and actors.