The Water’s Edge

Wellness and Adult Fitness Facility

Fluid, soothing, an essential life force: few can deny the healing powers of water. The Water’s Edge, a comprehensive physical therapy, fitness and aquatics center, capitalizes on the properties of water for its aquatic therapy programs.

With the help of professionally-trained, certified physical therapists, patients undergo treatment for a variety of conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, hip/knee/joint replacements, orthopedic dysfunction, back and neck pain, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries.

When releasing the patient of gravitational forces through water’s buoyancy, physical stress is reduced, flexibility and function increase, and relaxation is enhanced for a more comprehensive recovery. Aquatic therapy is particularly vital for those in pain or who are weakened through injury or disability, and is most often used in conjunction with land-based physical therapy modalities. Aquatic cardiovascular exercise and strength training result in increased range of motion and strength, decreased pain and improved balance and posture.

“To facilitate wellness, it’s essential to have a facility that helps clients maintain a healthy lifestyle”

The Water’s Edge large indoor pool maintains a therapeutic temperature of 92 degrees, which is warmer than the average recreational pool. Additionally, the pool is equipped with a hydraulic-lift chair to assist patients into the water. In fact, the entire facility is equipped with the latest advancements in exercise and therapeutic equipment.

Owned and operated by Elizabeth Lacey, The Water’s Edge is a concept she felt was needed to address the physical therapy and wellness needs of an aging baby boomer population. To produce a well-defined, efficient facility, Lacey spent months designing the complex based on input gathered from physical therapists.

Ms. Lacey emphasizes meticulous attention to details. “Perception is everything,” she explains. “It matters from the inside and the outside how things appear.” Color, art, lighting and décor facilitate a mood of comfort and wellness without feeling institutional, as many patients find hospital-like atmospheres disturbing. “When you walk through the door there is a feeling of well-being,” she says.

The therapists at The Water’s Edge provide specific care plans suited to each patient in a safe and effective manner. Ms. Lacey is proud of her staff, saying they function as a fine-tuned group. “We have a great staff and are constantly getting compliments and letters of praise,” she says. Keeping quality people happy is paramount, in Ms. Lacey’s opinion, so they’ll provide the utmost service to the patients. “You can feel the positive, caring energy in each session,” she explains. “If you don’t have that, you’re not doing your patients any good.”

The Water’s Edge does not overbook appointments, which ensures that therapists have ample time to address each patient’s individual needs. The facility obtains many patient referrals from local medical practices. “Doctors in the area are really noticing the results,” says Ms. Lacey.

While the majority of The Water’s Edge clientele are patients, the facility also offers club memberships, which include use of the gym and pool. With personal trainers on staff, aerobics training, open swim times and pool classes that don’t require memberships, The Water’s Edge is a complete wellness center.

Observes Ms. Lacey: “To facilitate wellness, it’s essential to have a facility that helps clients maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The Water’s Edge
155 Sallitt Drive
Stevensville, MD 21666
410-643-3130

www.thewatersedgemd.com

Pictured: Jennifer M. Doty, Kristin K. Walker and Christopher T. Ray
Photography: Kevin Kennedy