Massage Envy and Arthritis Foundation Unite to Help Conquer the No.1 Cause of Disability in the U.S.

September 21, 2016

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- During an epic one-day event,1,150 independently owned and operated Massage Envy franchised locations will donate $10 to the Arthritis Foundation for every 60-minute massage or facial session performed on September 28. Massage Envy will also donate 10 percent of every Murad, Performance Health (Biofreeze and Bon Vital) and Wyndmere product sold that day to the cause.

The Arthritis Foundation will use the funds raised during the September 28 event to help conquer the everyday battles of the arthritis community through information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

"Studies continue to prove the power of massage therapy, and we've seen first-hand how our members and guests who suffer from arthritis find relief by incorporating therapeutic massage into their total body care routine. Healing Hands for Arthritis® brings awareness to a condition that impacts so many Americans and to the wide range of benefits regular massage provides," said Debbie Gonzalez, chief brand officer of Massage Envy. "The event gives our entire network an opportunity to help, and the continued support from our members, guests and franchisees is invaluable. Since our partnership with the Arthritis Foundation began, we've helped raise more than $4 million for this cause."

More than 50 million Americans have arthritis – including 300,000 children – and it is the No. 1 cause of disability in the country. Each year, the disease causes more than $156 billion in lost wages and medical expenses and 172 million lost work days. By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million, or 25 percent of the projected total adult population, will have arthritis.

"Our focus is to help people with arthritis live a full life – and massage therapy can play a vital role in the well-being of the many people living with arthritis,"said Ann M. Palmer, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "Our partnership with Massage Envy is a natural fit and the Healing Hands for Arthritis® event supports our critical mission and research work. Last year, the event raised $1,107,892 and helped fuel our mission and fund life-changing resources and advancements for people with arthritis."

To find the nearest location to make an appointment, give a cash donation or purchase retail products, visit www.MassageEnvy.com/locations. Members of media and the public can also join the online conversation by using #HHFA.

Massage Envy is also a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's fundraising events Walk to Cure Arthritis® and Jingle Bell Run®. For those who are unable to attend the event, donations are also accepted all year long on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation at http://www.massageenvy.com/healing-hands-for-arthritis.aspx.

ABOUT MASSAGE ENVY

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. With its membership model, Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyone's well-being journey. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 25,000 dedicated professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,150 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. The company was recently ranked No. 1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy.

ABOUT ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation's goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers per issue.