top of page

Return to sport stronger and more confident than before

Jacob H

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

June 9, 2026

I have had a very positive experience with all the physiotherapists at Zenith over the past year. They have helped me recover from injuries and return to sport stronger and more confident than before. In particular, Mariel's breathing exercises have had a huge impact on my day-to-day life, allowing me to participate in sport pretty much pain-free. I highly recommend Zenith Performance and Wellness to anyone looking for expert physiotherapy and support to achieve their health, recovery, and performance goals.

What Clients Are Saying About Our Sports Physical Therapy

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 Sports Physical Therapy—tailored support that helped them move, train, and feel their best.

Back on the trails feeling strong and healthy

I've been working with the team at Zenith Performance and Wellness for several years and have had a great experience. I originally came in with shin issues that were keeping me from the long-distance trail running I enjoy. They helped me understand the underlying causes, not just the symptoms, and got me back on the trails feeling strong and healthy. Since then, they've been a trusted resource whenever issues come up during training, providing practical advice, treatment, and education that keeps me moving. I've also taken advantage of their strength training classes, which have been excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely invested in their clients' success. Highly recommended.

Randy B

Read More

Back to Running My First Half-Marathon After IT Band Injury

Very grateful the university PT had no space because working with Zenith and Dr. Michael Duffy was not only extremely helpful as far as my running injury was concerned, but extremely fun! I actively looked forward each session to being welcomed by Allie at the front desk and updating Michael on my progress with the strength and stretching exercises he provided. He was super reassuring when it came to diagnosing my IT band pain and made sure I was comfortable with every aspect of the treatment plan (I did the 6 session plan plus the discounted Rockin' Runner PT Evaluation session)—and let me tell you, the treatment worked! Though my training had been interrupted by my injury, with the treatment I got with Zenith I am back and better than ever to run my first half-marathon! So excited, so grateful, and so happy to have supported this local business run by damn good people.

Kayla C

Read More

Game-Changing Knee Injury Rehab

I cannot recommend Zenith enough! Their space is extremely well equipped while simultaneously being intimate and energizing. All of the staff there are incredibly welcoming and kind as well. I worked most closely with Dr. Mariel Hammond for a knee injury and it was truly game changing. Not only was she able to help me better understand my injury, she also helped me gain so much confidence in what I could and should be doing to get back to full speed as an elite athlete. After seeing multiple PT's around town, I can honestly say that my time at Zenith was invaluable. I only wish I came here sooner!

Morgan C

Read More

Struggling with something similar?

bottom of page