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A clear plan to rehab a year-long shoulder injury

Sam A

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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

September 16, 2026

I went to see Mariel Hammond for a chronic shoulder injury I had been dealing with for about a year. I chose Mariel because I had done strength training with her in the past that I really enjoyed and I had full faith that she would commit to helping me rehabilitate my injury as she has done with several other people I know. Thanks to Mariel I now have a solid, well structured physical therapy outline for the future that will continue to help me be able to play the sport I enjoy and live more comfortably in my day to day life. My experience with Zenith was amazing and I definitely plan to stay in contact as I go off to school!

What Clients Are Saying About Our 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 PT—tailored support that helped them move, train, and feel their best.

Top-notch care helped me get my life back

I’ve received top-notch care from everyone at Zenith Performance and Wellness! I’ve been seeing Jenn for the past year for low and mid-back pain related to an injury I sustained in 2006. I used to be incredibly active, but two years ago, I was at a point where I could hardly do anything because I kept throwing my back out. I couldn’t even walk around the hills in my neighborhood without being in significant pain. Today, I’m able to do many of the things I used to enjoy—dancing, kayaking, surfing, and taking Pilates classes. I definitely have to listen to my body and know my limits, but I truly believe that if you’re committed to doing the exercises your physical therapist gives you, you will see results. Jenn has been AMAZING! She really knows her stuff and has played such an important role in helping me get my life back. Everyone at Zenith takes the time to really understand what’s going on with you. Their initial evaluation is incredibly thorough, and you can tell they genuinely care about their patients. I’m constantly referring people to Zenith because, honestly, they have changed my life. Jesse Klein, the owner, completed my initial evaluation, and he was fantastic. I’ve also had a massage with Jesse Birmingham, who did an amazing job. Ally, the Client Experience Specialist at the front desk, is incredibly warm, welcoming, and caring.

Rachel N

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Back in the gym, lifting and running with zero pain

Almost a year ago I tweaked my back deadlifting. After giving it a few weeks with no noticeable improvement I decided to call Zenith. I had a phone consultation with Jesse Klein where I explained my symptoms and situation. Jesse immediately put my mind at ease. He assured me that this was something we could overcome and that I should come in for a more thorough assessment. My initial appointment and assessment was done with Jenn Randall. She was great and got me started on the path to fixing my back. Due to schedule conflicts, my ongoing appointments were with Jesse Klein, whom I spoke with early on. Jesse is a fantastic PT and he worked with me through the various ups and downs as I worked to overcome my injury. Also, shoutout to Allie Halperin who always greeted me and made me feel welcome when I came into the clinic. As of today, I am happy to report that I am back in the gym, lifting and running with zero pain. The team at Zenith is very knowledgable and they provide you with the confidence, tools and belief that you need after sustaining an injury. I would 100% recommend Zenith to those looking to perform better and feel better!

Brandon L

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Integrated PT and strength reversed leg atrophy, hiking and running again at 60

My story: Struggling with chronic knee pain for about 2.5 years, initially caused by "return to running" way to fast, resulting in IT-band syndrome, followed by a minor meniscus tear on the same knee, lastly age related (60-y) knee issues, all magnified by R-leg muscle atrophy. Which all along, I should have focused on. But ... During the 2.5 y, I tried PT (following a home program), expensive knee gel injections (twice), and finally meniscus surgery, followed by PT sessions. One year post surgery and PT, I still struggled with knee pain and discomfort, severely impacting my active lifestyle. One day, having a coffee with a friend, he recommended to check out Zenith Performance and Wellness. My initial meeting with Jesse (great guy!) went extremely well, developing and outlining what my recovery path could look like. Initially, I set up 6 PT sessions with Mariell (such a gem). While executing the PT plan, we quickly realized that I needed strength, mobility and agility training. I met with Alex (such a great coach), for strength training evaluation. While I thought about just focusing on leg strength, he recommended a "whole body" approach, a personalized plan, updated monthly, incorporating PT recommendations. About 3 months into the program, I'm so relieved, 95% pain free!!!, are able to hike downhill without any pain, soon going back running again (yeah), my right leg muscle atrophy gone!!!, me feeling so much stronger, my overall mobility and agility significantly improved. The combination of PT and strength training, the small group sessions, working out with great folks, the vibe of the place, made a real difference. Everyone at Zenith is amazing, I would like to thank my team, Mariell (PT), Alex and Ropheka (coaches), Allie (admin). Allie you are so amazing, making scheduling and admin a breeze. All of you have a tremendous impact on my healing and recovery, my wellbeing. Is it expensive? I spent so much money on injections, surgery, braces, meds, etc., suffering through it with home sessions, with limited success. At Zenith, I'm on an unlimited small group plan (6-m commitment), do a monthly PT session, work out 5 days a week for 1 hr. I pay about $22/hr. The unlimited small-group session is about $16/session. A great investment for my health and wellbeing.

Kaspar B

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