Health & Wellness Business Tips

5 Profitable Health & Wellness Business Ideas

updated on

June 21, 2023

Start a health & wellness biz

The health and wellness industry is brimming with potential. It's a flourishing field with an increasing number of entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark. From solo practices to medspas, massage clinics and wellness coaching, there are a myriad of avenues to explore.


Are you contemplating how to start a wellness business and unsure where to begin? Look no further. This article will delve into the ins and outs of various business models in the health and wellness industry. 


You'll learn how they work, what's required, and pros and cons of each wellness business. Once you understand the essentials, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and create a prospering wellness business.


5 Health & Wellness Business Ideas

Business opportunities abound in the health & wellness industry. The demand for wellness businesses is accelerating thanks to the growing need for a more holistic approach to healthcare. Here's a list of viable business models in the health & wellness sector.

  1. Solo-Practitioner
  2. MedSpas
  3. Massage Clinics
  4. Multi-Disciplinary Practices
  5. Wellness Coaching


Let's take a closer look at these types of business, and learn how to start a wellness business using each model.


Solo-Practitioner

It's common for wellness practitioners to start their own private practice. The solo practitioner is solely responsible for all aspects of the business, from providing services to managing administrative tasks and business operations. This is one of the easiest ways to start a wellness business, which is why many massage therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, and seasoned OTs and PTs goes this route. 

Business Models For Solo-Practitioner

This is usually a one-man-show, with minimal paperwork, minimal legal complications, and no extra staff. Most sole-practitioners opt to get an LLC for their business to protect their personal assets. Beyond that, business owners have to decide if they want a cash-based business or if they'll accept health insurance. Opting to accept health insurance will increase the complexity and expenses of the business, plus the need for more staff.


Staff Required: 

It's possible for a sole-practitioner to run their practice without any staff at all. Some practitioners may need a receptionist and/or medical billing staff.

Software Requirement:

Sole-Practitioners can use clinic management software to eliminate the need for staff. This software can handle scheduling, marketing, and invoicing without a receptionist. If you opt to accept insurance, you'll also need medical billing software.

Pros of Solo-Practices

  • Complete Control
  • Flexibility
  • Personal Connection with Clients
  • Lower Operating Costs
  • Easier to Manage
  • Building Your Own Brand
  • Simplicity in Compliance

Cons of Solo-Practices

  • Total Responsibility
  • Limited Services
  • Income Fluctuation
  • No One to Cover for You
  • Limited Growth
  • Professional Isolation


MedSpas

A MedSpa is a blend of a traditional spa and a medical clinic. Operated under the guidance of a medical doctor, it offers medical-grade treatments, such as laser treatments, injectables like Botox, chemical peels, and skin rejuvenation, in a relaxing spa environment. These treatments target specific skin and health issues more intensively than traditional spa services.

Business Models For MedSpas

There are several options when starting a wellness business like this. MedSpas traditionally use one of these business models.


  • Medical Model: A licensed medical professional operates the MedSpa, provides all treatments, and directly oversees the business operations.
  • Partnership: A medical professional partners with a spa professional or a business person. Each partner handles the aspects of the business that relate to their expertise.
  • Franchise: A MedSpa operates as a franchise of a larger brand.
  • Membership Model: Some MedSpas use a membership or subscription model, where customers pay a monthly or annual fee for access to certain services or discounts.


Staff Required:

This can vary based on the size of the spa, services offered, and local regulations. However, typical roles in a MedSpa include: Medical Director, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners, Cosmetologist, Laser Techs, Spa Managers, and front desk staff. 

Software Requirement:

Most medspas need clinic management software with built-in marketing, customizable SOAP notes, and online scheduling.

Pros Of Opening A MedSpa

  • Profitability
  • Growing Marketing
  • Long-term Clients
  • Diversified Services
  • Innovation & Technology

Cons Of Opening A MedSpa

  • Regulatory Compliance
  • High Startup Costs
  • Competition
  • Liability Risks
  • Staff Training and Retention
  • Keeping Up with Trends


Massage Therapy Clinics

Massage therapy clinics can range from small, single-therapist practices to large facilities with multiple therapists providing a variety of massage modalities. Services often include Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, and more specialized treatments. They serve various clients, from those seeking relaxation and stress relief to clients needing therapeutic massages for pain management or athletic recovery.


massage business stat

Business Models For Massage Therapy Clinics

You have several options when starting a massage business, aside from being a sole-practitioner.


  • Group Practice: Several therapists work together, sharing overhead costs and administrative tasks.
  • Franchise: The clinic operates as a franchise of a larger massage therapy brand.
  • Employment Model: The owner hires massage therapists as employees.
  • Membership Model: The clinic offers a membership or subscription plan, where clients pay a regular fee for a certain number of massages or discounts.


Staff Required:

This depends on the business model. A group practice may only need a few independent massage therapists, whereas a franchise or employment model will need management staff and receptionists.

Software Requirement:

Every massage therapy practice benefits from software that handles all their scheduling, marketing, invoicing, charting, ect. Using clinic management software specifically for massage therapists, can streamline business processes, increase sales, and cut costs.


Pros Of Opening A Massage Clinic

  • Growing Demand
  • Flexible Hours
  • Profitability
  • Broad Client Base
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Low Startup Cost
  • Potential for Growth

Cons Of Opening A Massage Clinic

  • Licensing and Regulation
  • Finding Massage Therapists
  • Physical Demand
  • Inconsistent Income
  • Liability Risks


Multi-Disciplinary Practice

A multi-disciplinary practice brings together various professionals, like physiotherapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists, under one roof. This holistic model allows for comprehensive care by combining different specialties to address a client's physical, mental, and nutritional needs. It offers convenience for clients and promotes better communication among healthcare providers.

Business Models For Multi-Disciplinary Practices

Starting a wellness business like this requires some collaboration. Here are different options for starting a multi-disciplinary practice.


  • Partnership: Multiple wellness professionals from different disciplines share ownership of the practice, each contributing their expertise and sharing in profit and losses.
  • Employment Model: One or more owners hire additional practitioners as employees.
  • Rental Model: The owner provides a shared space and administrative services to independent practitioners who pay rent or a percentage of their income.


Staff Required:

With partnerships and rental models, you merely need qualified, licenced wellness practitioners. However, if the business has employees, you may also need HR and management staff.

Software Required:

This will vary depending on what types of specialties are practiced. All multi-disciplinary practices need scheduling software and customizable SOAP notes that can be viewed by everyone in the practice. Some practices require medical billing software and accounting software for payroll.

Pros Of Opening A Multi-Disciplinary Practice

  • Comprehensive Care
  • Share Resources
  • Diversified Revenue
  • Cross-Referrals
  • Competitive Edge
  • Collaborative Environment

Cons Of Opening A Multi-Disciplinary Practice

  • Coordination and Management
  • Increased Administrative Complexity
  • Differing Professional Philosophies
  • Sharing Decision Making
  • Higher Overhead Costs
  • Regulatory Compliance


Wellness Coaching

Wellness coaching is a process that helps individuals improve their health and well-being. Coaches guide clients to identify their values, set achievable goals, and create action plans. They focus on various wellness aspects like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and work-life balance. The goal of wellness coaching is to facilitate sustainable, healthy behavior changes.

Business Models For Wellness Coaches

Starting a wellness coaching business can take many forms. Most coaches are sole-practitioners, but the way they operate can vary based on their goals and target market.


  • Solo Practice: Many wellness coaches work independently, offering one-on-one coaching sessions in-person, over the phone, or online.
  • Group Coaching: Some coaches offer group coaching sessions, either as their primary service or in addition to one-on-one coaching
  • Online Coaching: Coaches offer their services online through video conferencing.
  • Corporate Wellness Coaching: Some coaches contract with businesses to provide wellness coaching to employees as part of a corporate wellness program.


wellness coaching stats

Staff Required:

Most coaches work independently, so there's no staff required.

Software Requirements:

Wellness coaches need software for online scheduling and basic invoicing. They also need software that makes documenting clients notes efficient and organized.

Pros Of Starting A Wellness Coaching Business

  • Growing Demand
  • Flexible Work Environment
  • Scalability
  • Multiple Revenue Streams
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Low Startup Costs

What Are The Cons Of Starting A Wellness Coaching Business

  • Challenges of Building a Client Base
  • Competition
  • Irregular Income
  • Constant Learning
  • Setting Boundaries
  • Acquiring Necessary Business Skills
  • Certification and Regulations

What Tools Should I Use To Run My Wellness Business? 

When you start out with the right software, building a practice is a lot easier. Starting a wellness business is a lot of work, but ClinicSense can take some of the workload off your shoulders. The features ClinicSense offers are designed to help health & wellness professionals manage and grow their practice.


Here are a few features every wellness business needs:

  • Online Scheduling
  • Invoicing & Reporting
  • Customizable SOAP Notes
  • Intake Forms
  • Email Marketing
  • Automated Reminders


Now that you know how to start a wellness business, you can turn your passion for wellness into a rewarding venture that promotes health and happiness for you and your clients.

wellness business software

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