Doctors are people too. In Behind the White Coat, Jefferson City Magazine takes readers beyond the practice to reveal the personal stories of local physicians.
Jennifer Schnieders, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist | Outbound Physical Therapy
My name is Jennifer Schnieders, and I am a Jefferson City native. I attended Helias Catholic High School and then earned my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, my Master in Physical Therapy, and my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. While attending Saint Louis University, I danced with The Ballet Conservatory Company and taught ballet there.
I first became interested in physical therapy when I was a boarding student at a ballet conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, during my junior year of high school. I injured my ankle while rehearsing and realized my career as a dancer could be one injury away from ending and that, at the time, there was a serious disconnect between the physical therapy profession and my specific, functional needs.
After earning my degrees, I returned to Jefferson City and opened Outbound Physical Therapy, which now has two locations. I’m always reminded how important physical therapy is when patients realize they’re able to perform simple, everyday tasks they couldn’t before, such as walking across the room without their walker, reaching into the backseat of the car without pain, or squatting to pick something up. But the most rewarding part of my job is when patients return to our clinic because we’ve helped them before. Many patients don’t realize a doctor’s referral isn’t required for physical therapy, and they can choose any therapist or clinic they want. I know I’ve done my job well when patients choose our clinics.
My philosophy is to work hard, have fun, be kind, and give back to my community with time and talent to pay it forward. I have been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA Missouri) for over 20 years. I served as president of the APTA Missouri from 2016 to 2023 and currently serve as a director on the APTA’s private board of directors. In May, I was honored to be named the Zonta Club of Jefferson City’s Women of Achievement.
Outside of the office, I’m still very physically active. Having danced, fitness has become a natural progression and it complements my practice as a physical therapist. In September, I opened FXR Studio. FXR is a fitness and recovery studio specializing in group fitness classes, personal training, and wellness/recovery services, including an infrared sauna, cold plunge, assisted stretching, and NormaTec compression therapy.
My husband, Jay, and I are lifelong residents of Jefferson City, and we are so happy to be raising our three sons, Archer, Dawson, and Tucker, here.
GET IN TOUCH:
(573) 681-0447 or (573) 606-7100
Outbound Physical Therapy
1739 Elm Ct., Ste. 205/206, JCMO
3600 Country Club Dr., Ste. 530B, JCMO
outboundrehab.com