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Zenith is so much more than a gym

Sue H

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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 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

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

June 28, 2026

I have belonged to a number of gyms/fitness centers over the years and Zenith P&W is most certainly on the top of my list.

I have been weight training for 6 months with a couple of trainers who have been top notch. Currently, I am working primarily with Ropheka Greshom and she is an amazing trainer! She truly listens, takes the time to understand my goals, and knows exactly how to tailor every workout. She's friendly, fun, incredibly knowledgeable, and always makes the gym a place I look forward to being.

What really sets her apart is her ability to know when to encourage, when to challenge, and exactly how much to push each of us to help us grow without feeling overwhelmed or getting injured. She creates a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, motivated, and capable of more than they thought possible.

I also love that Zenith Performance and Wellness is so much more than a gym. It's a full-service wellness center not only offering exceptional fitness training, but also physical therapy, and massage therapy—all under one roof. The entire team creates a welcoming, supportive environment where people of all fitness levels feel comfortable and encouraged.

If you're looking for a place that truly invests in your health and well-being, I can't recommend Ropheka and Zenith Performance and Wellness enough!

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.

Alex’s dedication and care made all the difference

Rarely do you meet someone so well suited for their job as Alex is for physical training. His kindness, commitment, and patience to helping clients grow in strength and confidence is unmatched. The passion for his work is clear and felt by everyone in the gym. He worked tirelessly to find solutions to shoulder and neck issues I struggled with for over 10 years. He never gave up even when I was frustrated with my own progress. I am able to do exercises I never thought possible, and I can dance the night away harder than I did in my 20s. I will forever be grateful for his determination and genuine caring attitude. Alex is a special human and I can promise your life will be better for it if you choose to work with him. I would give him 10 stars if it was possible. Thank you Alex and the Zenith team!

Candy L

Energized & Inspired Every Week

Alex is so energizing and attentive during our strength training sessions. I am inspired to continue great workouts and reach new goals each week. I look forward to my workout sessions with Alex. His guidance is much appreciated and invaluable to me.

Maureen W

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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