Anne marie schneider, ot/l, cht

& custom splinting

hand therapy

Over 30 years experience helping you heal and thrive

Why Trust Anne Marie for YOUR HAND & WRIST Recovery?

Experience Matters: Treating hand therapy patients for over 30 years.

Personalized Attention: One-on-one care tailored to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Approach combining in-clinic care with at-home exercises, custom splinting, and personalized rehabilitation tools.

Empowerment Through Education: You’ll understand your injury, recovery plan, and how to take control of your healing.

Proven Results: Trusted by patients, surgeons, and referring providers.

Meet Anne Marie Schneider, OT/L, CHT

With over 30 years of experience treating hand therapy patients, Anne Marie Schneider is dedicated to helping patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence after hand and upper extremity injuries.

Anne Marie has worked with a variety of patients, from individuals recovering from surgery or fractures to those managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Her approach emphasizes individualized, hands-on care and empowering you to understand your injury and recovery journey.

“Recovering from a hand or upper extremity injury can feel overwhelming. My goal is to not only provide the best possible care but also to educate and support you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a path to healing that works for you.”

Services

    • Personalized splints to support healing, reduce pain, and improve function.

    • Ideal for fractures, ligament injuries, arthritis, or post-surgical care.

    • Gentle, guided therapy to restore movement and strength after surgery.

    • Focus on tendon repairs, joint replacements, nerve releases, and more.

    • Specialized treatment for wrist, hand, finger, and elbow fractures.

    • Exercises and interventions to improve range of motion and strength.

    • Customized exercise plans to continue recovery at home.

    • Includes step-by-step guidance on safe, effective movements.

    • Focused on building strength, mobility, and preventing stiffness.

    • Techniques to reduce stiffness, swelling, and discomfort.

    • Education on joint protection and functional activities.

    • Every treatment plan is designed specifically for you.

    • Dedicated time to help you understand your injury and recovery process.

What is Hand Therapy and How Does It Help You Heal?

Hand therapy is a specialized form of occupational therapy focused on treating injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, and fingers. Whether recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or healing a fracture, hand therapy helps you:

  • Regain Strength and Mobility

  • Reduce Pain and Swelling

  • Return to Daily Activities Faster

How Hand Therapy Works:

  1. Custom Splinting to stabilize and protect injuries.

  2. Manual Therapy to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.

  3. Dry Needling to relieve pain and restore motion

  4. Home Exercise Programs to continue progress outside the clinic.

  5. Rehab Tools and Techniques like therapy putty, resistance bands, and grip exercises to rebuild strength and function.

Why Work with a Certified Hand Therapist?
A CHT has advanced training and expertise in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, ensuring you get the most targeted and effective care.

Common Conditions Treated Include:

  • Fractures and Dislocations

  • Tendon and Nerve Injuries

  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation (e.g., carpal tunnel release, joint replacement)

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (e.g., trigger finger, tennis elbow)

  • Sprains, Strains, and Overuse Injuries

DRY NEEDLING FOR HAND & Wrist pain

Your hands do it all—from work and caregiving to recreation and creativity. When hand or wrist pain gets in the way, it affects everything. Anne Marie uses targeted dry needling techniques for the hand and wrist to support healing, reduce pain, and restore function in even the smallest and most complex structures of the upper extremity.

Why Dry Needling for the Hand + Wrist?

Dry needling is a powerful way to release deep muscle tension, calm nerve irritation, improve blood flow, and re-educate dysfunctional movement patterns. When applied with expertise to the hand, wrist, and forearm, it becomes a precise and effective treatment for a range of upper extremity conditions.

Conditions That May Benefit from Dry Needling:

• Tendinitis / Tenosynovitis (e.g. ECRB, ECU, FCR, FPL, APL)

• TFCC injuries or post-cast stiffness

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

• Thumb pain or instability

• Overuse injuries from work, sports, or parenting

• Post-fracture or post-operative recovery

• Trigger finger and joint inflammation

• Chronic stiffness, muscle guarding, or scar tissue

What to Expect:

A fine, sterile needle is inserted into specific muscle or connective tissue regions to release tension and stimulate a healing response. You may feel a twitch, warmth, or deep ache—that’s often a sign the tissue is responding.

Is It Safe?

Yes—when performed by a licensed professional with advanced training. Anne Marie completed advanced coursework specifically designed for hand and upper extremity dry needling, qualifying her to perform this technique. This, along with her 25+ years as an advanced practitioner and Certified Hand Therapist, allows her to apply dry needling with exceptional precision and caution—especially when working around the complex anatomical structures of the hand and wrist.

Wondering If It’s Right for You?

We’ll discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals during your initial visit. If dry needling is appropriate, we’ll integrate it into your care in a way that supports your healing—without flaring sensitive tissue.

FAQs

What happens during a hand therapy session?

Each session is tailored to your needs and may include gentle exercises, manual therapy, custom splinting, and education about your recovery.

Why is custom splinting better than store-bought splints?

Custom splinting provides personalized support to aid recovery, protect injuries, and enhance function. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom splints are designed to fit the unique shape and demands of your hands. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a fracture, or addressing chronic pain, your splint can be tailored to accommodate your specific activities and lifestyle—from typing to sports, or even fine motor skills like playing an instrument.

With custom splinting, you gain the support and flexibility needed to heal effectively and return to the activities that matter most to you.

What is a home exercise program?

A home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises you’ll perform outside the clinic to continue your progress. It’s an essential part of speeding up your recovery.

Do you accept my insurance?

Anne Marie is not in-network with any insurance companies, but she is committed to making her services accessible. Upon request, she can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

This allows you to receive the individualized, high-quality care you need while navigating your insurance options. Please reach out if you have any questions about this process! 

What tools are used in hand therapy?

Anne Marie may use therapy putty, resistance bands, grip tools, and other devices to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and support healing.

How long will my recovery take?

Recovery time varies depending on your injury and healing process. I understand the importance of outlining clear expectations for your return to the work and hobbies you love. I’ll work with you to set realistic expectations and goals.