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The best cross-training habits of my life

Matt S

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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

June 10, 2025

After two years with a recurring foot injury, I had very little hope before I started with Zenith and particularly Dr. Mariel Hammond. Her expertise was immediately obvious and her approach was thorough as we worked over the weeks to problem solve and return my entire body to running readiness. Best of all Mariel is one of the most fun and easy to work with people I can imagine.

I'm back to running and have established the best stretching and cross-training habits of my life. My only regret is not starting sooner. Thank you Mariel!

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.

Meniscal tear rebuilt to running again

I came in with a meniscal tear with no great surgical solutions. I hadn't run for several months and was worried that my running days might be behind me. But after a year of both PT and personal training help, I've built back to being pretty much where I was before. Actually, probably better. There was no rush and no pressure on my rehab. Just a steady progression that pushed me forward. Ropheka was super supportive and caring!!!

Andrew K

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Achilles recovery + knee rebuild with Zenith

I have been working with Jesse at Zenith Performance and Wellness to rebuild strength in my knees after dealing with ongoing issues from an old Achilles tendon rupture and surgery. From the start, he helped me understand how everything in the lower body is connected and created a plan that addressed the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. Jesse paid close attention to form and strengthening, explained the purpose behind each exercise, and adjusted things for me based on how my knees, legs, and back were responding. In every session, he listened, evaluated my progress, and pushed me just enough to improve, but not to a point where it felt unsafe or too much. His knowledge and focused approach made a big difference. My strength and stability have improved (and continue to improve). I appreciated the care he put into each visit. I highly recommend Jesse and Zenith Performance and Wellness to anyone looking for quality physical therapy.

Vartan S

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

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.

Zakkai M

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