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Running stronger, transparent pricing, out-of-network experience

Zakkai M

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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

March 9, 2026

After getting injured running last year, I was referred to Zenith from a friend and couldn't be happier with my experience. Due to scheduling conflicts on my end, I've seen almost every PT there, but have especially enjoyed my appointments with Mariel - she's very fun to chat with and super helpful at figuring out the puzzle of what underlying issues are causing my injuries.

We've worked together to figure out a path forward that has gotten me back to running feeling stronger than I ever have before.

From the cost side, the appointments are more expensive than you'd get at an in-network PT place, but because there's no insurance critiquing everything you can actually figure out what the root cause of your injuries are. I was able to work on my ankle, foot, hip, and low back all within the same appointment which has been a challenge for me at other PT places. Zenith's pricing is also very transparent so you know what everything costs up front, and my insurance still reimbursed a good chunk of it as an out of network claim.

What Clients Are Saying About Our Performance 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 Performance PT—tailored support that helped them move, train, and feel their best.

The trip was a success — pain free!

I have had a great experience working with Mike @ Zenith! I sought PT after experiencing knee pain while on multiday backpacking trips.

Sarah M

This place has changed my quality of life

This place has changed my quality of life a million times over! I met Mariel when I had severe shoulder pain and could barely open a door—this had lasted a few years. Part of the reason I initially went with Mariel is because we talked about my long-term fitness goals, and Mariel said all this was possible through Zenith. My crippling shoulder pain is now well in the rearview mirror, and we've been well on my way to being the strongest I've ever been. If you're looking for people that can help from recovery and then onto your fitness goals, Zenith is definitely the place you'll want to be. This is very high quality care that I would highly recommend.

Megan T

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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