By Sandra Zunino

The weather outside may be cold and frightful, but at the Water’s Edge, the pool is warm and inviting. Celebrating their three-year anniversary, the Water’s Edge in Stevensville is a comprehensive physical therapy, fitness and aquatics center designed to capitalize on the healing properties of water.

Owner Elizabeth “Beth” Lacey decided to build the facility to address the wellness needs of an aging baby boomer population in this area. She spent months creating the concept and designing the facility, including the pool, based on extensive research and information gathered from trained physical therapists.

Aquatic therapy works when the patient is released from the Earth’s gravitational forces through water’s buoyancy. Physical stress is reduced, flexibility and function increases, and relaxation is enhanced for a more comprehensive recovery. With the therapy pool maintained at a comfortable 92 degrees, patients who are in pain or experience weakness through injury or disability can perform physical therapy exercises that may be overwhelming for them on dry land.

Additionally, aquatic cardiovascular exercise and strength training results in increased range of motion and strength, decreased pain and improved balance and posture. With the help of on-staff certified physical therapists, patients at The Water’s Edge receive treatment for arthritis, fibromyalgia, hip/knee/joint replacement, orthopedic dysfunction, back and neck pain, sports injuries, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain and more.

Physical therapists at The Water’s Edge are professionally trained and certified, evaluating the patient’s needs and providing a plan of care suited to that individual. Beth prides herself on her staff, saying they function as a well-oiled, fine-tuned group. As a wellness center, Beth also understands the importance of a safe, clean environment as well as a relaxing atmosphere, which was taken into account from the onset of the design to the day-to-day operation of the facility.

While many people visit The Water’s Edge to recuperate, others do so simply to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Water’s Edge not only offers physical therapy in private treatment rooms and in their warm water therapy pool, the facility also maintains a fitness center fully equipped with the latest in cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Programs and classes are available with trained exercise specialists to address weight loss, sports conditioning and basic fitness and wellness.

Out of the water, classes include aerobics, step aerobics, yoga, pilates, Tai Chi and more. Aquatics programs consist of aqua aerobics, aquacize, aqua yogalates – an aquatic version of yoga and pilates combined, hydro spinning classes and more. Classes are available for many ages and stages of life including seniors, mothers to be, new mothers, and babies.
The pool is also available for swimming lessons and recreational swimming during specific hours. With gym and pool memberships available, The Water’s Edge is open to everyone who seeks the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The Water’s Edge frequently runs specials and offers gift certificates for those who wish to give the gift of wellness to a loved one.

For more information about The Water’s Edge, visit www.thewatersedgemd.com or call 410-643-3130, or toll free 1-866-604-EDGE (3343).