US-based massage and skincare franchisor Massage Envy has raised more than US$5m (€4.7m; £3.9m) during a six-year event partnership with US charity the arthritis Foundation.

Massage Envy’s 1,150 franchises collectively raised US$908,800 (€714,500, £854,500) for this year’s Healing Hands for Arthritis event, bringing its six-year partnership total to above US$5m (4.7m, £3.9m).

Each franchise donated US$10 (€9.40, £7.86) for every 60-minute massage or facial session performed on 28 September, 2016 to help support resources and advancements with arthritis.

Massage Envy CEO Joe Magnacca said: “We consider raising awareness of the therapeutic benefits of routine massage for people suffering from arthritis as essential... We believe every person should feel their best and have access to affordable massage and skincare services as part of their wellness routine.”

Arthritis Foundation president and CEO Ann M. Palmer said that the funds raised have allowed the organisation to expand its programming to better serve those living with arthritis.

The Spa Business Handbook listed Social Good in its Spa Foresight trends for 2016, remarking that with consumers increasingly drawn to companies with a social conscience, spas will work more actively with the less fortunate.