Massage Envy has joined in support of Healing Hands for Arthritis on Sept. 19.

Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation will host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight the disease.

The Madison business is joining Massage Envy clinics nationwide to donate $10 from every one-hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation.

“In its first year during 2011, the Healing Hands for Arthritis event raised nearly $500,000 for the Arthritis Foundation,” Sarah Oglesby said. Oglesby works as regional development and services director for the Arthritis Foundation’s North Alabama office.

“The goal is even greater this year,” Oglesby said. “Special activities will take place on Sept. 19 at the Massage Envy clinic.” Massage Envy’s address is 8141 U.S. 72 W., Suite L in the Shoppes at Madison near Target.

“We’re excited to partner with Massage Envy to bring attention to arthritis. Healing Hands for Arthritis will provide support for arthritis education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services,” Oglesby said.

Recent scientific studies have found that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions, including arthritis, Oglesby said.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, impacting 50 million adults and nearly 300,000 children. More than 1.2 million adults and nearly 5,000 children in Alabama have a doctor-diagnosed form of the disease.

“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,” Oglesby said.

The Arthritis Foundation is the world’s largest private nonprofit provider for arthritis research, investing more than $450 million in initiatives to return mobility to countless patients.

Massage Envy will accept reservations on first-come, first-serve basis. For information, call 256-430-4445 or visit massageenvy.com/arthritis.