Max Fish's path to physical therapy was shaped by years of competitive athletics and a growing passion for helping others perform at their best. As a Division I swimmer at the College of Charleston, he developed a deep appreciation for sports performance, movement, and the training process. During college, he began coaching swimmers and working with athletes in the weight room — and quickly realized he found just as much fulfillment in helping athletes develop as he did in competing himself. What ultimately drew him to physical therapy was the opportunity to combine problem-solving, relationship building, and performance into a single career.
Max earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the College of Charleston and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Max brings just over six years of experience in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. His clinical training included internships at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, and several UPMC outpatient facilities. He began his professional career with OrthoVirginia before joining Cleveland Clinic, where he treated a wide range of orthopedic conditions, post-operative patients, and athletes throughout the rehabilitation process. In addition to his clinical work, Max has served as a strength and conditioning coach and performance coach, training athletes of all ages and competitive levels across a variety of sports — a background that gives him a unique perspective on bridging the gap between rehabilitation and high-level performance.
Max specializes in sports rehabilitation, with particular expertise in ACL rehabilitation, knee injuries, return-to-sport testing, and performance-based rehabilitation. As a former Division I swimmer and swim coach, he also has a special interest in working with swimmers and overhead athletes. His goal is not simply to help someone return to sport, but to help them return better prepared for the demands of their sport and training. Max is an active member of the NSCA and the Clinical Athlete Provider Network, and is committed to ongoing professional development through continuing education in sports rehabilitation, performance training, and strength and conditioning.
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