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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.

Always in my corner

Mariel was always in my corner supporting and encouraging me and providing excellent care. I valued her expertise and knowledge but also her heart for listening to and helping others. Highly recommend!

Helen H

They didn't just help me manage my pain, they gave me my life back

I came to Zenith with crippling back pain caused by lumbar arthritis, a weak core after a C-section, and a body that was completely out of shape. As a former athlete, I felt like I had run out of options. My only goal when I started was to avoid lumbar fusion surgery and get my back pain down to a tolerable level. What I got was so much more. After two years of consistent physical therapy with Mariel and regular massages with Jesse, my life has completely changed. Today, I race my gravel bike, lift weights, swim, work full time, and recently completed my first triathlon in 15 years—all completely pain-free. Thank you isn't enough, and five stars aren't enough. Mariel, Jesse and the team at Zenith are true experts in helping people overcome pain or injury and return to the activities and sports they love. They didn't just help me manage my pain—they gave me my life back. If you think no one can help you, think again. They can help.

Jenna G

A Year of Knee Setbacks, Finally Moving with Less Pain

Great knowledgeable trainers. After a year of setbacks due to a knee injury, I'm finally able to move with less pain.

Joy T

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