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The best cross-training habits of my life

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Matt S

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 Zenith

From pain relief to peak performance, our clients share how Zenith’s expert physical therapy, strength training, and recovery services have helped them stay active. Read their stories ›

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Aleksandra S

"Amazing experience with Zenith"

Vartan S

"Achilles recovery + knee rebuild with Zenith"

Morgan C

"Game-Changing Knee Injury Rehab"

Zakkai M

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

Andrew K

"Meniscal tear rebuilt to running again"

Debra L

"Upbeat, friendly, deeply supportive during hip replacement"

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Get expert physical therapy in Eugene, OR - no referral needed. Rehab PT, performance PT, car accident recovery, and bike fitting for active adults.

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Sports massage, yoga, and recovery sessions for active adults in Eugene. Led by one of 6 MMTs in Oregon, integrated with PT and strength training.

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