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Helped me get back to playing sooner than I ever thought!

Reggie M

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

March 3, 2026

Murl is the best pt I could have ever asked for, helped me get back to playing sooner than I ever thought! 🙌🏽

What Clients Are Saying About Our Sports Physical Therapy

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 Sports Physical Therapy—tailored support that helped them move, train, and feel their best.

Hybrid PT + Strength Training Journey

While at Zenith I have segued from a focused PT program to a hybrid PT/personal training program and into the Ultimate Athlete program. In each step of my recovery and maintenance, the guidance has been excellent. I have worked one on one, and in small groups with Ropheka, and have received knowledgable and focused attention in the process of rehabbing multiple subacute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and deficiencies, with emphasis on optimizing form and technique. I am extremely happy with the progress I have made with her help in regards to my core strength, and mobility, in addition to joint and spine stability, and my ability to maintain a very active lifestyle confidently and without injuries.

John G

Yoga guidance provides the missing piece in my fitness routine

I am amazed at how attuned to my body Sarah is after just two 1:1 sessions. Her expertise, demeanor, and ability to communicate with such clarity makes this novice feel confident. An unexpected bonus are tips and drawings that she emails after each session. Coupled with PT and small group strength training at Zenith, this addition of Sarah's yoga guidance provides the missing piece in my fitness routine to remain healthy and active.

Lisa M

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