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Intimate, welcoming, and genuinely caring

Elise G

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Colorado. Always striving for the highest level of care, he became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) in 2024. This commitment to continual learning is central to his approach. Michael particularly thrives when working with challenging, complex injuries—the kind that might not have gotten results after trying other treatments. He understands the frustration of persistent pain or lingering issues and is dedicated to digging deeper to find the root cause. His goal is not just temporary relief but sustainable rehabilitation to get people back to feeling their best and, crucially, staying at their best long-term. 

Michael's treatment philosophy is simple yet powerful: Movement is Medicine. His approach is highly tailored, utilizing both advanced manual therapy skills to restore mobility and reduce pain, alongside progressive, activity-specific exercise to build lasting strength and resilience. He focuses on empowering patients, whether high-level athletes or everyday individuals looking to move through life without pain, to take control of their recovery. As a specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, he enjoys working with:

Athletes looking to return to peak performance.

Persistent pain cases that haven't responded to traditional care.

People from all walks of life seeking to improve their daily function and quality of life.

Michael's professional passion is deeply rooted in his personal interests. He is a lifelong sports enthusiast and understands the demands and joys of an active lifestyle. In his free time, you can find Michael playing soccer, basketball, or trail running. He also enjoys traveling and exploring the beautiful state of Oregon with friends and family.

Michael Duffy

Physical Therapist, Eugene, OR

Jesse Burlingham brings presence, precision, and purpose to his work as a Licensed Massage Therapist at Zenith Performance and Wellness. He is one of only six certified Master Myoskeletal Therapists (MMT) in Oregon and among just 300 globally to hold this elite designation. His approach blends advanced manual therapy with a deep passion for helping people feel and move better—whether they're athletes, outdoor adventurers, or managing long-standing pain.

The MMT certification, developed by renowned educator Dr. Erik Dalton, requires over 210 hours of advanced training in structural alignment, biomechanics, and pain neuroscience. This methodology targets the root causes of dysfunction—not just the symptoms—by combining principles of osteopathy, physical therapy, and soft-tissue mobilization.

Jesse’s journey is grounded in service. A U.S. Army veteran and former law enforcement officer, he returned to massage therapy in 2018 with renewed purpose: to deliver results-driven, recovery-focused care that supports both physical performance and long-term resilience. At Zenith, he often collaborates with physical therapists and strength coaches to provide fully integrated care.

Clients come to Jesse for more than massage—they come for trusted partnership in their wellness journey. He customizes every session to support mobility, reduce pain, regulate the nervous system, and restore functional movement.

Outside the clinic, Jesse is deeply connected to Eugene’s cycling and outdoor communities. He finds renewal through time in nature, backpacking, long distance bicycling, motorcycling and the companionship of his dog, Journey.

North Star:
To create meaningful connection through healing touch—helping people move with less pain, more confidence, and deeper awareness. Rooted in service, nature, and community, Jesse brings presence and purpose to every session, honoring the human behind the body and the journey behind the pain.

Jesse Burlingham

Licensed Massage Therapist #24529

February 19, 2026

I can’t recommend this place enough! The environment is incredibly intimate and welcoming. Had a spectacular massage from Jesse, and have been working with Michael and they’re amazing. The team here doesn't just see you as another client; they genuinely care about your well-being and want the absolute best for you. It’s rare to find a place that balances high-level performance with such a close, personal touch.

If you’re looking for a community of people who are dedicated to taking care of you and helping you reach your goals in a space that feels like home, this is it. Super grateful for my zenith fam.

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.

I had given up on running—then I found Zenith

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!

Sara S

Would give Zenith 10 stars if I could

I can't recommend Mariel enough! She is incredibly kind, patient, and thorough-- truly the best PT I've ever had. She takes the time to explain the biomechanics behind my injuries and how each exercise or technique would help. Mariel is really flexible and intuitive. If something didn't quite work for my body, she always had an alternative ready. She listens, adapts, and genuinely cares about your progress and really tailors your treatment to your personal goals/lifestyle. She also makes herself available outside of sessions in case something goes wrong when doing the regimens on our own which was so helpful. Mariel is also just so easy to talk to-- I genuinely looked forward to my PT sessions! When I first came in, I couldn't run due to a hip and ankle injury and now thanks to her, I'm running pain-free and am stronger and more mobile than I was pre-injuries! Would give her/Zenith 10 stars if I could.

Arwa A

PT helped strengthen more than just my knee

Mike has been so helpful in rehabilitating my knee. Not only did he help me with exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knee, but also showed me stretches and exercises for my hips and low back, which made a big difference. I'm now able to go on longer walks and hikes with limited knee pain, and I look forward to continuing to use the tools he gave me to keep my knee in top shape. Highly recommend!

Sarah O

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