Massage Envy and Arthritis Foundation Host Healing Hands for Arthritis

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation have joined forces to host the second annual Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. On September 19, 2012, all of Massage Envy's nearly 800 locations will donate $10 from every one-hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, this nationwide event raised nearly $500,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

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"There's no better way to give back than to treat yourself, a friend or family member to a relaxing and rejuvenating massage or facial," said Massage Envy Director of Communications Paula Stapley. "We were overwhelmed by the tremendous support we received for Healing Hands for Arthritis last year and hope that even more of our members and guests come out on September 19th to help fight arthritis, a disease that affects 50 million Americans."

To schedule a massage or facial, contact your local Massage Envy clinic. Reservations are now being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa's exclusive skin care partner, will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations during the event to the Arthritis Foundation. BioFreeze and Wyndmere will also donate 10 percent of all retail sales on event day.

"We are pleased to partner with Massage Envy to bring attention to arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Healing Hands for Arthritis will provide support for arthritis education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services," said Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, Dr. John H. Klippel.

By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million or 25 percent of the projected total adult population will have arthritis. Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation share a common understanding about the devastating effects of arthritis on the body and the potential for massage therapy to relieve and control certain symptoms. Massage therapy can play an important role in alleviating the pain and swelling caused by arthritis, improving flexibility and circulation and reducing stress and anxiety.

In addition to hosting Healing Hands for Arthritis, Massage Envy is a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's signature event, Arthritis Walk®. Massage Envy owners from across the country have and will continue to have a presence at their local Arthritis Walk events to share information about the benefits of massage therapy, provide chair massages and support the Arthritis Foundation's mission.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has nearly 800 locations in 45 states. The company was recently ranked #57 in Entrepreneur's 2012 Franchise 500 and #29 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was recently named a Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

Over the past two years, Massage Envy has donated nearly $100,000 to fund clinical research related to the benefits of massage therapy. Recent scientific studies have found that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions including arthritis.

With consumers visiting massage therapists at least 140 million times a year, it is evident that more Americans are turning to therapeutic massage to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, while improving circulation, joint flexibility, sleep patterns and an overall sense of well‐being. The experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy clinics can design effective and customized massage treatments to address the individual needs of any member or guest.

Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of this serious, painful and unacceptable disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life‐changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

CONTACT: Amanda Rich
Fish Consulting
(954) 893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Massage Envy