SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 10,  2012):  Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today it raised $678,173 during the second annual Healing Hands for Arthritis. The one-day national event took place at more than 800 Massage Envy clinics on September 19, 2012 where $10 from every massage and facial was donated to the Arthritis Foundation to benefit the organization’s mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis. In total, Massage Envy has raised more than $1 million in two, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events.

“The support we received this year for Healing Hands for Arthritis was incredible and we can’t thank all of our members and guests enough for participating,” said Massage Envy Director of Communications Paula Stapley. “Additionally, we are so proud of the dedication and enthusiasm of our franchisees, regional developers, therapists and clinic staff who truly made this event a success. We look forward to next year’s Healing Hands for Arthritis event and to continuing our partnership with the Arthritis Foundation.”

During the event, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa’s exclusive skin care partner, donated 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations to the Arthritis Foundation. BioFreeze and Wyndmere also donated 10 percent of their retail sales to the cause.

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

Today, arthritis affects 50 million adults and 300,000 children. 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 the disease 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 while 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 other 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 members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has over 800 locations in 45 states. In addition, the average unit volume for a Massage Envy is $1.2 million. 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 2012 Military Friendly Franchise. 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 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.