US-based franchising group Massage Envy is continuing with its "steady and strategic" growth plan with new sites opening in Alaska and Baltimore, Maryland.

The group is steadily closing in on its 800th site with around 50 openings planned for 2012.

The first to open was a clinic in Baltimore (January 2012) which will be followed by four sites in Alaska later this year - the company's firsts in the state.

Massage Envy opened nearly 50 sites during 2011, eclipsing the previous high of 40 in 2010.

Founded in 2002, the group offers affordable massage and spa services to consumers with "busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations", and the chain currently spans 44 US states.

The newly-launched Baltimore site will be co-owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Gina Frazier-Tomblin and Tyrone Stephenson.

Commenting on the expansion to Alaska, Massage Envy national director of franchise sales Lori Merrall said: "Our success in this new market will stem directly from a commitment to providing affordable and accessible massage therapy and skincare treatments to members and guests."