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

Jenna G

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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

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

June 9, 2026

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.

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.

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

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Felt like I could finally breathe and move comfortably again

I had an incredible deep tissue massage experience and cannot recommend Jesse enough. I came in with severe tension and knots throughout my neck and shoulders, and by the end of the session I felt like I could finally breathe and move comfortably again. What really impressed me was how knowledgeable and intuitive they were with body alignment. They were able to work through tightness that was affecting my hips and SI joint, and for the first time in a long while, I left without that constant pain. My body felt more balanced, aligned, and relaxed instead of just temporarily loosened up. You can tell they genuinely understand anatomy and how everything in the body connects together. Professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I already booked my next session.

Victoria S

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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

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