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I had given up on running—then I found Zenith

Sara S

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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

May 16, 2025

I’m not exaggerating when I say Dr. Mariel Hammond saved my life. I was feeling really discouraged about an ankle injury that hadn’t healed well, even after physical therapy elsewhere, and I thought it was too far gone for me to resume activities I loved without giving me intense pain.

From our very first session, Mariel gave me hope—she’s incredibly knowledgeable, and I had reduced pain and increased mobility right away. Her mix of hands-on tissue manipulation and customized, progressive exercises has made running feel possible again, something I had totally given up on. I’m also learning so much more about my body and physical patterns through working with her.

If you’re dealing with pain or a tough injury, don’t hesitate to check out the team at Zenith—I can’t recommend them (especially Dr. Mariel) enough!

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.

Top-notch team for sports physical therapy

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jesse Klein and Mike Robinson at Zenith, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and expertise I received. From the moment I walked into the clinic, I felt welcomed and understood. Jesse Klein and Mike Robinson were incredibly helpful, kind, and approachable. They took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly assess my injury. Their knowledge and experience were evident, and they tailored a treatment plan that was specific to my needs. Thanks to Jesse Klein and Mike Robinson's guidance and support, I was able to make significant progress in my recovery. They were always patient and encouraging, and their positive attitude helped me stay motivated throughout the process. I would highly recommend Zenith to anyone in need of sports physical therapy. Their team is top-notch, and I am confident that they will provide excellent care for anyone who seeks their services.

Jessica A

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I would recommend him to the cycling community

Really happy to provide a very strong review for Mike Robinson, DPT at Zenith Performance and Wellness. I am a fairly serious road cyclist, but also an older one! This means that I have had a variety of physical problems on the bike at times. Over the last year I had some intermittent severe sit bone pain and at first I attributed it to either bike fit issues that come with a new bike or a saddle issue—or just aging. I tried a variety of fixes and was getting pretty discouraged as I trained for the Wolf Creek Century. I had thought it might just be a physical issue (me, not the bike) and had been doing some PT and began working with Mike a bit more than a month before the Century. He did a thorough assessment and made clear recommendations for exercises. This crash course to get ready for the ride was extremely helpful, and I was able to do the ride with a manageable level of discomfort and set a new personal best for the whole course.

John S

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The trip was a success — pain free!

I have had a great experience working with Mike @ Zenith! I sought PT after experiencing knee pain while on multiday backpacking trips.

Sarah M

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