Meet Dr. Mariel Hammond, DPT

A key contributor to The Zenith Journal and an integral part of the Zenith Performance and Wellness team, Dr. Mariel Hammond is deeply committed to fostering a healing environment where patients can truly understand their diagnoses, take an active role in their care, and achieve meaningful, lasting results. Known for her thoughtful, holistic approach, Mariel is passionate about empowering individuals to discover the incredible resilience and strength of their bodies.

Dr. Mariel's expertise spans a wide array of physical therapy assessment techniques, including Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) methods, McKenzie Therapy, Maitland techniques, and Sahrmann concepts. She also incorporates Functional Range Systems into her practice, crafting comprehensive, full-body assessments and treatments. By leveraging movement screening tools like the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Mariel ensures that her patients not only recover but reduce their future risk of injury.

Education has always been central to Mariel’s practice. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a focus on anatomy, biomechanics, and fitness training before earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University. There, she trained with some of the most accomplished physical therapists in the world. Inspired by this foundation, she continually advances her knowledge in evidence-based practices, exploring areas like sports performance, pain science, and orthopedic injuries. Mariel’s treatments often touch on a range of wellness pillars, such as sleep, nutrition, mental health, and overall performance.

Dr. Mariel works with a diverse group of clients—from weekend warriors to elite athletes—tailoring her approach to meet each individual's fitness level and goals. She has a particular passion for youth athletic development, drawing on her extensive experience as a coach for athletes ranging from elementary to collegiate levels. Her sessions focus on helping patients move appropriately and progressively load their bodies, instilling a deeper understanding of how resilient and powerful our bodies can be.

Beyond the clinic, Mariel is an avid adventurer who loves exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Florida, she found her love for sports through basketball before transitioning to Ultimate Frisbee, where she has achieved extraordinary success. Mariel is an Elite Level Ultimate Frisbee player, representing Team USA at the 2020 World Ultimate and Guts Championships and competing nationally with Oregon Schwa, placing third in the nation last year. Her passion for movement, teamwork, and peak performance extends to her writing, where she shares her insights and expertise in The Zenith Journal.

With a blend of professional knowledge, personal passion, and a collaborative approach, Mariel brings a unique perspective to the Zenith Performance and Wellness community. Her articles inspire readers to push their boundaries while respecting their own unique journeys to achieve their zenith. Keep an eye on The Zenith Journal for more expert advice and actionable tips from Dr. Mariel Hammond!