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

Kaspar B

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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

Zenith Performance and Wellness was created and is operated by Jesse Klein, DPT, OCS, CSCS. He has experienced athletics, training, and rehabilitation from both sides of the injury and has vast experience working with people of all ages and athletic levels. Jesse earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; where he was a a 4-year letter earner, 2-year captain of the soccer team, a tutor, and was involved in multiple extracurricular committees and councils. He then earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from St. Catherine University; where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA. During his second year, he was one of four program Teaching Assistants and was selected by faculty to serve as the sole Program Tutor. As a physical therapist, Jesse enjoys getting to know his clients beyond their primary complaint, and utilizing a combination of education, manual therapy, and exercises to help them recover. He enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities, but does especially enjoy working with those establishing or returning to a work out program, and those pursuing endurance sports. Jesse has extra training in the realms of wellness and can help with strategies to create a more well balanced life. In 2022, he became a Certified Barbell Rehab Method Therapist- focusing on helping those with pain continue to exercise and train through their issues. ​Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two cats (the cutest cats in the world, objectively), running, reading, and generally hanging out.

Jesse Klein

Owner, Physical Therapist, Eugene, OR

Ropheka grew up being active outdoors and playing recreational sports but had never stepped foot in a gym. After being sidelined by several sport related injuries herself, she was inspired to gain a better understanding of how to properly train for the activities she loves, and be able to stay active and strong for a lifetime of adventure. Ropheka earned her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Exercise & Movement Science at Lane Community College. She is a certified personal trainer and exercise therapist through ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association). Her passion is to equip others with the tools they need to thrive physically and create a healthy lifestyle for themselves. Outside the gym, she loves to surf, hike, float the river, and have picnics on paddleboards. She also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes from different countries -especially Thai food!

Ropheka Gershom

Strength Coach, 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

July 14, 2026

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.

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.

Zenith Takes PT to the Next Level — Running Pain-Free

I started experiencing a persistent pain in my right hip after returning to running after several years. I am active and participate in sports and the pain was keeping me from my routine runs, races and my overall fitness. Mike evaluated me and got to the root of the issue. He is innovative in his approach and integrates elements of massage into the work. He is fun to work with, communicates regularly and uses humor as we approach some difficult movements that push me out of my comfort zone. After each visit, I receive a set of exercises to complete at home between sessions. As I got stronger, the pain decreased and I was able to return to my routine. We targeted goals, and he continues to tailor each session and prescribe a set of exercises to meet the unique characteristics of my body type and performance needs. I highly recommend Zenith; they take PT to the next level.

Kanoe B

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A seamless transition from PT to strength training

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.

Christina M

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I have the tools to continue with my fitness goals

As a lifelong athlete, I have had my fair share of overuse injuries. I hate to admit that I am getting older and now prone to acute injuries—like pulling my hamstring while running around the coed softball field. Working with Jesse over the last 8 months has been enlightening in ways that prior PT sessions have left lacking. In developing a comprehensive game plan—including stretching, lifting, running, and plyometrics—I have been able to recover and have the tools to continue with my fitness goals. In the event I need PT again, I know who to call.

Rebecca H

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