Massage Envy Raises Nearly $500,000 for National Arthritis Foundation During Inaugural Healing Hands for Arthritis Event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, affordable, and convenient massage and spa services, announced today that it raised more than $493,000 during its inaugural Healing Hands for Arthritis event. The one-day national event took place at all 700 Massage Envy clinics on World Arthritis Day, October 12th. During the day, $10 from every massage and facial was donated to the National Arthritis Foundation to benefit the organization's mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis.  

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"Communities all across America participated in our Healing Hands for Arthritis event. We couldn't be more thrilled with the results," said Dave Crisalli, President & CEO of Massage Envy. "We thank our wonderful members and guests along with our terrific franchisees, therapists and clinic staff who helped make this event a huge success. We are proud to be partners with the Arthritis Foundation and look forward to continuing to support such a worthwhile organization and its local offices across the country."

During Healing Hands for Arthritis, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa's exclusive skin care partner, as well as retail partner Wyndmere, also donated 10 percent of their product sales at Massage Envy Spa locations to the Arthritis Foundation.

"With the help of Massage Envy, we were able to raise nearly half a million dollars during Healing Hands for Arthritis to help fight a chronic and truly devastating disease that affects 50 million adults  and 300,000 children," said Rick Bell, managing director of the Arthritis Foundation. "We are so grateful that tens of thousands of people took action on World Arthritis Day by getting a massage or facial because Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation. This support helps us continue to fund life-changing research and programs to improve the lives of those living with the pain of arthritis."

In addition to hosting Healing Hands for Arthritis, Massage Envy is a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's 200 Arthritis Walk^® events, where local Massage Envy owners from across the country have shared information about the benefits of massage therapy, provided chair massages and supported the Arthritis Foundation's mission at their respective local walks.

With consumers visiting massage therapists at least 150 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.

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.  

The experienced, professional therapists at the Massage Envy can design effective and customized massage treatments to address the individual needs of any member or guest. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.  

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 more than 700 locations in 44 states and has experienced 25 percent year-over-year growth.  In addition, the average unit volume for a Massage Envy is $1 million. The company was recently named a top AllBusiness (a D&B company) AllStar Franchise, and is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA). For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

About The Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability.  The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious 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.

SOURCE Massage Envy