top of page

10/10 recommend—these guys are the BEST

Brendan C

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr. Mariel Hammond desires to promote a healing environment where all patients can truly understand their diagnosis, work together with their providers to improve their outcomes, and return to function with a sense of accountability that empowers them. Mariel has studied many realms of physical therapy assessment, including Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), McKenzie, Maitland, Sahrmann, and Functional Range Systems that allow for a full body approach to assessment and treatment. She utilizes movement screening approaches such as the FMS and the SFMA for return to sport performance and life, which ensures your treatment will help reduce future risk of injury and pain. Approach to treatment Every person is different, in the way that they move, heal, and respond to feedback. Dr. Mariel makes education a priority to ensure that patients take responsibility for their own care and understand the amazing power of self healing that the body can achieve when placed in the right environment. Personalized home exercise programs will be given to each patient, and regular communication with their therapist will allow the patient to reach these outcomes at their own pace. Mariel meets patients at their fitness level, treating the weekend warrior all the way up to the professional athlete. Learning first how to move appropriately, and then load the body optimally, each patient will leave their appointments with a better understanding of how resilient and powerful our bodies can be. She has a particular interest in youth development training and injury reduction, coaching many levels of youth from elementary to college and beyond. Education Dr. Mariel obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida, specializing in anatomy, biomechanics and fitness training. She continued her education, getting her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Duke University, where she studied under some of the best physical therapists in the world. Learning from them has been a profound lesson, and she strives to continue her education through courses that spark her passion, and keep up with the ever-changing evidence based practice. Particular interests include sports performance, pain science and orthopaedic injuries. Constantly curious about longevity and reaching her own potential, Mariel has also invested many hours of research on how to improve all body systems - from sleep, nutrition, mental health and performance. A session with Mariel could touch on all of these aspects and more, with up to date interventions that keep you striving to be the best version of yourself. Outside of Work Mariel is an avid adventurist, exploring the many wonders that the PNW provides. Growing up in Florida, she did not have access to beautiful mountains and enjoys the hiking and climbing that nature provides. Basketball was her passion growing up, and she was a high school standout before moving on to UCF where she began to play Ultimate Frisbee competitively. She is now an Elite Level Ultimate Frisbee player, becoming just one of 26 women representing team USA in the Worlds Ultimate and Guts Championships in 2020. She has continued her career with the Oregon Women's club team, Oregon Schwa, which placed 3rd in the nation last year. Don't hesitate to find out how you can get involved with your local league as she loves to talk shop!

Mariel Hammond

Physical Therapist, Eugene, OR

April 1, 2025

At the beginning of the year I woke up with a pain in my ankle that felt like I had sprained it/rolled it or something similar. Nothing had happened that would have alerted me to that particular injury. Went to my PCP, got an x-ray (nothing wrong) got referred to a podiatrist (they found nothing).

Thankfully the podiatrist referred me to Zenith, where I met Dr. Mariel. Over the course of 6 sessions she worked like a detective trying to solve my issue. Seriously, she is like Sherlock Holmes. Did not leave a stone unturned. My issue ended up being a nerve that was very angry and causing pain to present in my ankle. It was the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me. Without Mariel, I would still be limping around with a phantom injury. I highly recommend working with her. She is so kind, knowledgeable, patient and will not stop until you are feeling your best.

Zenith as a whole is a fantastic place to heal and to meet your fitness goals. My goal was simply to walk normally and to get back to playing with my kiddos and I am not only able to do that but have come out the other side feeling better than ever. Yes, they are a cash pay facility but Jesse made it so easy to submit to my insurance with superbills and was always available if I needed anything.

These guys are seriously the BEST at communicating with their patients / clients. I have never felt so taken care of it was as if I was the only client they had.

10/10 recommend. Ask for Mariel, she kicks ass.

What Clients Are Saying About Our Rehab PT

From weekend warriors to elite athletes, our clients trust Zenith for expert care and real results. Here is what they had to say about their experience with our Rehab PT—tailored support that helped them move, train, and feel their best.

Meniscal tear rebuilt to running again

I came in with a meniscal tear with no great surgical solutions. I hadn't run for several months and was worried that my running days might be behind me. But after a year of both PT and personal training help, I've built back to being pretty much where I was before. Actually, probably better. There was no rush and no pressure on my rehab. Just a steady progression that pushed me forward. Ropheka was super supportive and caring!!!

Andrew K

Read More

Achilles recovery + knee rebuild with Zenith

I have been working with Jesse at Zenith Performance and Wellness to rebuild strength in my knees after dealing with ongoing issues from an old Achilles tendon rupture and surgery. From the start, he helped me understand how everything in the lower body is connected and created a plan that addressed the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. Jesse paid close attention to form and strengthening, explained the purpose behind each exercise, and adjusted things for me based on how my knees, legs, and back were responding. In every session, he listened, evaluated my progress, and pushed me just enough to improve, but not to a point where it felt unsafe or too much. His knowledge and focused approach made a big difference. My strength and stability have improved (and continue to improve). I appreciated the care he put into each visit. I highly recommend Jesse and Zenith Performance and Wellness to anyone looking for quality physical therapy.

Vartan S

Read More

Upbeat, friendly, deeply supportive during hip replacement

The spirit of Zenith is upbeat, friendly, and deeply supportive. From being greeted by Allie at the front desk, to interacting with James in the office, to sessions with the professional providers, it just feels good to walk through that door! I have worked with PT Mariel, both before and after hip replacement. She is equal parts exceptional knowledge and motivational joy. And I've just started working with Alex, the personal trainer. He is also obviously very knowledgeable, dedicated, and personable. Both he and Mariel are committed to creating individualized programs by listening and responding to their clients in order to build not just optimal physical strength and recovery but also to educate us in ways that will support our on-going health and resilience. Zenith really does live up to its name!

Debra L

Read More

Struggling with something similar?

bottom of page