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A seamless transition from PT to strength training

Christina M

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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

Meet Alex Boettcher, Strength Coach at Zenith Performance and Wellness. Alex Boettcher’s journey into strength training started a little later than most but has been nothing short of transformative. As someone who didn’t connect with traditional sports growing up, Alex discovered their true calling at the age of 23 when they entered a weight room for the very first time. The simplicity and raw power of barbells and dumbbells sparked an immediate passion, and it wasn’t long before Alex was chasing the thrill of lifting heavy. This enthusiasm eventually evolved into a love for the sport of Strongman. Despite facing challenges during their first competition, Alex was hooked—not just on competing, but on the continuous process of building strength and resilience. Along this journey, a deep curiosity about training methodologies emerged, inspiring Alex to learn how to help others achieve their strength, mobility, and endurance goals. This drive led them to become a certified personal trainer through NASM. Now, with over 13 years of experience, Alex specializes in working with individuals new to the gym or those who have faced negative fitness experiences in the past. Their goal is to help these clients build confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong fitness. For more experienced athletes, Alex brings expertise and personalized strategies to refine training and achieve ambitious goals in both fitness and sport. When Alex isn’t in the gym, they enjoy exploring hiking trails, belting out tunes at karaoke nights, and creating imaginative adventures as a tabletop role-playing game master for friends.

Alex Boettcher

Strength Coach, Eugene, OR

April 21, 2024

I worked with Dr. Mariel Hammond who helped relieve my pain from an acute injury and identified the underlying cause. She worked with me to develop a longitudinal plan to prevent this injury from happening again. She was professional, supportive, and positive, and helped provide a seamless transition from physical therapy to a tailored strength training program.

The whole Zenith team is great to work with—communication and scheduling is easy, they are friendly, and work with my schedule and individual needs.

After graduating from physical therapy, I now participate in strength training sessions with Josh Harper and am happy with my progress.

Thanks to Dr. Hammond, Josh Harper, and the whole Zenith team for providing excellent physical therapy care with a smooth transition to a tailored strength training program.

If you’re looking for physical therapy, personal or group training in a supportive and respectful environment, Zenith is the place to go.

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.

The Absolute Best for Athletes

Mariel Hammond, PT is the absolute best! She is thorough, knowledgeable, and inquisitive — she wants to figure out the root cause of the problem and then sets out to fix it. My daughter's knee pain was affecting her ability to compete at her best as a competitive alpine ski racer. Mariel figured out what was causing the pain and then put together a comprehensive workout plan that constantly evolved throughout their sessions. We have seen tremendous improvement in her pain, and she has gained strength and flexibility as well as knowledge to hopefully prevent further injuries. I highly recommend Mariel Hammond, PT.

Sarah K

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ACL Recovery — She Set Me on the Right Track!

I worked with Mariel a week after ACL surgery and she pushed me to get my strength back and set me on the right track! The exercises we did felt very beneficial. Zenith as a whole and Mariel were very encouraging and enjoyable to work with!

Sydney M

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The Right Balance of Challenge and Care

“I’ve been taking small group strength training classes under Alex’s tutelage for about six weeks. Alex is an excellent fit for me. He is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, a great listener, passionate about helping me and others gain confidence while developing our strength. His guidance in helping me maintain correct position and posture while lifting has been key. He strikes just the right balance of moving me forward while at the same time helping me rein in my proclivity to overdo and hence injure myself. He is warm, personable, and dependable. I am SO GLAD I’ve taken the opportunity to work with Alex.”

Deborah

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THE CLINIC

160 S. Park St. 

Eugene, Oregon

Phone: 541-250-0195

Fax: 458-201-4465

Hours:
By appointment only. 

Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm

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