Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsha Selzer
Hi Marsha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a HHP (Massage Therapist) for 48 years. In 1980, my business partner and I started Massage Extraordinaire at the Atlas Health Club in San Diego. Prior to that I massaged in Washington DC at the Watergate Hotel Health Club and the Kennedy Center working with the Ballet companies, actors and musicians.
My intense work ethic and physical strength came from growing up on a family farm in New Jersey: rubbing race horses legs, milking cows, baling hay…
My plan was to be a veterinarian. Somehow, I switched to massaging people. Most of my career has been with professional athletes: Olympic, NBA,NFL,WTA,MLB… I’m proud to say, that I helped create ‘SPORTSMASSAGE’ My specialty is a combination of stretching, deep tissue massage, and a whole bunch of other techniques! I have probably given at least 40,000 massages!
My current location is within the SD TENNIS & RACQUET CLUB in Bay Park! It’s a fabulous place to work; Indoors, outdoors, lots of positive energy, different sports, jacuzzi…. We are busy every day.
My team of Massage Therapists are the the Best! We have an excellent reputation and most of our clients are referral based.
We also do outside events. Our most exciting event, is the Rebelle Rally. It’s an off road rally for 8 days from the mountains to the desert.. There are 65 teams (all women)consisting of a driver & a navigator. They drive SUV’s on a designated course with maps and compasses. No GPS or phones. At the end of the Rally, 6 Massage Therapists are there to massage them. Amazing experience and group of women. This is our 6th year and we already excited for 2025.
We are frequently hired to give chair massages for private parties and major corporations, golf tournaments, schools, charity events…
In my free time, I travel, read, attend sports events, theater, go wine tasting.
I excel at massage and laughing:))
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Most of my career has been successful due to my genuine concern, persistence, personality, strength, and determination. A successful Massage Therapist must be: skilled, a good listener, adaptable, patient and respectful.
The biggest challenge was introducing and convincing pro sports teams that a female Massage Therapist would be physically strong enough, skilled, professional and able to adapt to what was primarily male athletic sports.
I have worked long hours, learned lots by being included in athletic training rooms with ATC’s, physicians, surgeons, and more. Thank goodness, the medical profession now accepts and recommends massage therapy.
It’s a great challenge to watch an athlete excel on the field/court and contribute to their well being.
It’s also an accomplishment to have any client come in with a health issue and leave feeling much better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a Business owner and an HHP/Massage Therapist requires a tremendous amount of both physical and mental strength. I’m recognized for my techniques, medical knowledge and intuition. I’m proud to say, I have an excellent reputation and love my career, the clients, contacts, adventures, experiences. I consider myself, extremely fortunate to be in this profession. When I came to San Diego, 45 years ago, there were only 5 legitimate massage businesses. Now there are many.
One of my accomplishments has been to introduce many new Massage Therapists to the professional sports world. They are all over the USA.
What matters most to you? Why?
Enjoying my life, being successful with my career, improving my clients health and well being.
Being a kind, caring, respectful, passionate person. I grew up in a very active setting, surrounded by lots of people and animals. Being a good person was a must!
Pricing:
- $75-$200 depending on allotted time
Contact Info:
- Website: sandiego-massage@gmail.com
