Massage Envy Announces Charitable Relationship With Arthritis Foundation

Leader in Massage and Spa Services Becomes National Sponsor of Arthritis Walk® 2011

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May 26, 2011, 10:39 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of affordable and convenient massage and spa services, announced today a relationship with the Arthritis Foundation. Massage Envy will serve as a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's 200 Arthritis Walk events and host a special fundraising event on World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011 to raise funds and awareness for the organization.

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"As a brand that has been built on the importance of a balanced lifestyle focused on wellness, we are proud to be partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to support their nationwide efforts," said Massage Envy President and COO Dave Crisalli. "Massage can play an integral role in pain management and achieving overall wellness for people with arthritis and all Americans."

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide event that encourages movement for the treatment and prevention of arthritis, the country's leading cause of disability. The annual Walk makes a positive impact on the lives of people living with arthritis through funds raised for research, education and life improvement programs in communities across the country. Arthritis Walk events are held each spring with a concentration occurring in May during National Arthritis Month. Participating Massage Envy franchisees will be on-site at their local Arthritis Walk to share information about the benefits of massage therapy, provide chair massages and support the Arthritis Foundation's mission.

In addition to serving as a national sponsor of the Arthritis Walk, Massage Envy centers across the country will be joining together for a one-day fundraising event on World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011. Massage Envy will also be working with the Arthritis Foundation to educate the public and provide resources and information about the benefits of therapeutic massage in helping alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

Recent scientific research has 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 treatment to relieve painful symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, lessen depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and provide an overall sense of well-being. The experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy centers design effective, customized massage treatments to address the individual needs of their members.

With more than 680 locations in the United States, Massage Envy is the largest system of franchised massage centers in the industry. The company saw a 29 percent growth in membership last year, reaching close to one million members, and recently performed its 30 millionth massage.

Massage Envy is the world's largest employer of licensed/registered massage therapists, with more than 16,000 therapists providing over 250,000 massages every week. The company only employs licensed, registered and certified massage therapists who are trained to provide a variety of therapeutic massage treatments. Open seven days a week, each Massage Envy offers affordable services at convenient times.

For more information on Massage Envy's relationship with the Arthritis Foundation, please visit www.massageenvy.com, www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy or on Twitter @MassageEnvy.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise of massage centers is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy Spa is its newest concept, offering Murad^® healthy skin facials, as well as therapeutic massages. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 680 locations in 43 states, with new centers opening every month. 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 www.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 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.

About Let's Move Together

Let's Move Together is a nationwide movement led by the Arthritis Foundation that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Moving just 30 minutes daily, even 10 to 15 minutes at a time, can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue often associated with arthritis. Daily movement also can improve the quality of life of the 50 million Americans living with arthritis. Let's Move Together is a call to action: commit to participate in the Arthritis Walk, the signature annual fundraising event of the Arthritis Foundation, and move daily for better health. Start moving today: visit www.letsmovetogether.org.