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Maxim a gokhfeld cleveland ohio

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If you’re dealing with pain, recovering from injury, or striving to push your athletic performance further, finding the right support matters. In the Cleveland, Ohio area, one name that stands out is Maxim A. Gokhfeld. He works as a physical therapist assistant and performance coach, providing hands-on care, tailored exercise plans, and coaching to help people move, feel, and perform better.

In this article, I’ll take you through who Maxim is, what he does, how he works, and why someone in Cleveland or the surrounding suburbs might consider working with him. You’ll also see examples, tips for choosing a PT or coach, and what to expect when starting. I hope this feels like a helpful guide—not a sales pitch—and makes things clear even if you’ve never worked with a physical therapist before.

Background & Journey

Early Life & Motivations

I don’t have every detail of Maxim’s early life, but from what’s publicly known, professionals in his field often begin with a passion for movement, sports, or helping people heal. Perhaps Maxim saw family, friends, or community members with injuries and wanted to make a difference.

Over time, that curiosity shifts into training: studying anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. Many PTAs start with an associate degree, clinical rotations, and then certifications. It stands to reason Maxim followed a similar path, accumulating knowledge, experience, and refining his philosophy.

Education, Certifications & Licenses

To be a competent physical therapist assistant in Ohio, one must satisfy educational requirements, complete supervised clinical experiences, and pass a licensure or registration exam. Alongside that, a performance coach often acquires additional certificates—maybe in strength & conditioning, sports performance, movement screening, and so on.

While I couldn’t verify which specific credentials Maxim holds beyond his listing as “Physical Therapist Assistant, Performance Coach” in Summit’s team page, it is fair to assume he meets—or strives to meet—the standards expected in his profession.

Growth & Experience

As in any healthcare or coaching career, growth comes through direct patient interactions, trial and error, mentorship, continuing education, and adapting to new research. Over years, a good PTA + coach learns patterns: how people compensate, how injuries heal, how to guide someone back into performance safely.

Maxim likely accumulated experience in clinics, gyms, or rehab centers around Cleveland or northeast Ohio before becoming part of Summit’s team. That hands-on experience is what gives trustworthiness.

Professional Role & Philosophy

What a Physical Therapist Assistant Does

You might wonder: what exactly can a PTA do? The short answer: a lot. Under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, a PTA:

Implements treatment plans (exercises, stretches, modalities)
Monitors patient progress
Provides feedback, adjustments, and guidance
Records documentation
Helps patients with mobility, posture, strength, flexibility
Educates patients about home exercises

A PTA does not diagnose independently or create the initial care plan (those responsibilities rest with the supervising physical therapist), but a skilled PTA helps carry out that plan and make progress.

How Performance Coaching Adds Value

Performance coaching goes beyond rehab. It’s about optimizing movement, preventing pain, enhancing athletic ability, and helping people move with more confidence and efficiency. For example, a client recovering from knee injury might, after healing, want to improve running economy or avoid future injury. That’s where coaching steps in.

Because Maxim bridges both worlds (rehab + performance), he can help transition patients from “fixing a problem” to “becoming better than before.”

Maxim’s Philosophy (Hypothetical but inferred)

Here’s what I believe (and hope) is part of Maxim’s philosophy, based on common best practices and what his listing suggests:

Patient-centered care: tailor programs to each individual’s goals, challenges, and circumstances.
Hands-on and movement-based: use manual therapy, soft tissue work, guided movement, and feedback.
Long term focus: not just to relieve pain immediately but to build resilience, strength, and sustainable habits.
Education & empowerment: teach clients why they do certain exercises, how to progress, and what to look out for.
Continuous improvement: staying abreast of new research, techniques, and integrating evidence into practice.

Services & Techniques

Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of services and methods someone like Maxim might use.

Assessment & Diagnostic Collaboration

Before starting any treatment, it’s crucial to assess. This might include:

Movement screening (how you squat, lunge, walk, run)
Range of motion measurements
Strength and flexibility tests
Postural analysis
Functional tests (can you go up stairs, walk, lift objects safely)

Based on these, the supervising physical therapist and the PTA will decide on goals, plan, and progression.

Exercise Prescription & Progression

A big part of the work is prescribing exercises that are:

Safe
Effective
Progressive

Early on, exercises focus on mobility, gentle strengthening, and control. Over time, they advance to more challenging movements, balance, stability, and sport-oriented tasks (if applicable).

The coach side comes in by refining execution, optimizing forms, and integrating performance goals into those plans (e.g. power, agility, endurance).

Manual Therapy, Soft Tissue & Mobility

Many PTAs (under supervision) perform hands-on techniques such as:

Soft tissue mobilization
Myofascial release
Joint mobilizations
Stretching
Trigger point release

These methods help reduce stiffness, increase mobility, and prepare muscles for active work.

Coaching for Performance: Strength, Movement, Endurance

As clients heal, the focus shifts to growth:

Strength training (resistance, bodyweight, machines)
Plyometrics or power work (if the client is athletic)
Endurance and conditioning
Movement pattern correction (running gait, squats, lunges)
Sport-specific drills or goals

The idea is to push beyond “normal” to “optimal.”

Monitoring, Feedback & Re-Evaluation

Performance coaching is iterative. After each session, practitioners (like Maxim) observe, record, adjust. They might ask:

Did the client feel soreness (good or bad)?
Was the exercise too easy or too hard?
Was technique maintained?
What results (strength, range, pain) are emerging?

Then they tweak the program accordingly.

Clinic & Coverage Area

Summit Physical Therapy & “Our Team”

Maxim is listed on the Summit clinic’s “Our Team” page as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Performance Coach in Lyndhurst, Ohio, which is part of the greater Cleveland region.

That means he works alongside other therapists, staff, and within a clinic infrastructure that likely supports rehab, evaluation, and care continuity.

The clinic address is in Lyndhurst, OH, and patients from nearby Cleveland suburbs could access it.

Service Area & Accessibility

While I can’t confirm the full list of towns he serves, someone in Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Beachwood, University Heights, or similar areas could potentially access Summit clinics (or have referrals). It’s common for PTAs or coaches to see clients from both the city and suburban neighborhoods.

If you live farther out, the clinic may or may not accommodate you; it’s best to call and ask, or see if there’s telehealth or remote coaching support.

How to Contact / Visit

To get started:

Visit Summit’s website and check their “Our Team” or “Contact” page.
Call the clinic in Lyndhurst, Ohio.
Ask if Maxim is accepting new patients or coaching clients.
Inquire about availability, scheduling, and first appointment procedures.

If you reach out, it’s helpful to mention your goals (pain relief, movement improvement, performance, etc.) so they can guide you to the right schedule.

Impact & Examples

Real stories are what make a practitioner feel real. Here are the types of outcomes people often share, and some hypothetical examples mixed with best practices (since I don’t have direct patient stories for Maxim).

Patient Success Stories (Hypothetical / Inspired)

Recovery from knee surgery: A client with lingering weakness and stiffness after knee surgery works with Maxim. Over eight weeks, the client regains full range, strength, and resumes daily activities without pain.
Athlete returning from injury: A runner had a hip issue. Through mobility work, glute strengthening, movement pattern correction, and gradual running reintroduction, he returns stronger and avoids re-injury.
Chronic back pain relief: Someone with chronic lower back discomfort learns core activation, posture alignment, flexibility, and gradually builds back strength. Over time, pain episodes reduce and quality of life improves.

If I had direct quotes, I would share them. But in reviews on clinic sites, people often say things like “I feel 80% better than before” or “I haven’t walked this well in years.”

Before / After Metrics

Good clinicians track measurable improvements. For example:

Increased range of motion by X degrees
Strength gains (% increase)
Pain reduction (scale 0–10)
Functional test improvements (how far someone can walk, how many stairs)

These metrics help clients see progress and build trust.

Industry Insight & Authority

To really trust someone, it helps to see their knowledge in the broader context.

PTA Licensure & Regulation in Ohio

In Ohio:

Physical therapist assistants must graduate from an accredited PTA program.
They function under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
They follow state laws, rules, and professional standards.
They must maintain continuing education to stay current.

If Maxim functions legally and ethically, he abides by these rules.

Trends: Rehab Meets Performance Coaching

A growing trend in the rehab field is blending recovery and performance. Instead of stopping at “patient returns to baseline,” practitioners aim for “patient ends better than baseline.” That means:

Integrating strength, conditioning
Emphasizing movement efficiency
Focusing on injury prevention

Maxim’s dual role fits in that trend.

Keeping Skills Sharp

To stay credible:

He likely attends workshops, certifications, conferences
He reads new research, journals on biomechanics, rehabilitation
He maybe partners with other professionals (PTs, coaches, physicians)
He solicits patient feedback

This helps him refine methods, avoid outdated approaches, and remain trustworthy.

Choosing the Right PT / Coach: What to Look For

If you’re deciding between practitioners, here are qualities you should check—qualities Maxim should ideally have or you should verify.

Credentials & Licensing

Is the PTA or clinician licensed in your state?
Do they have certifications in performance, movement analysis, etc.?
Ask to see their education, ongoing training.

Communication & Empathy

Do they listen to your goals, fears, constraints?
Can they explain techniques in understandable language?
Do they adjust based on your feedback?

Track Record, Reviews & Outcomes

Look for patient testimonials (on clinic site, Google, social media)
Ask for before/after examples or metrics
Ask about their success rate in cases similar to yours

Clinic Facilities & Approach

Does the clinic have adequate space, equipment (machines, free weights, tools)?
Does the environment feel comfortable?
Do they coordinate care (with doctors, imaging, referrals)?

How to Get Started (If You Want to Work with Maxim)

Here’s a practical guide to the first few steps.

First Appointment: What to Expect

You’ll fill out paperwork: your medical history, symptoms, prior injuries
He or his supervising PT will assess movement, pain, strength
They’ll set goals with you
You may do your first session: light exercises, manual work, education

What Questions to Ask

What is your treatment philosophy?
How long will treatment take?
How many sessions per week should I expect?
What support is there between sessions (home exercises, video, etc.)?
Do you accept my insurance or what are your payment options?

How to Prepare

Bring medical reports (X-rays, MRI, prior PT notes)
Make a list of your goals (walk pain-free, run, lift, play sports)
Note your current limitations (pain, stiffness, balance)
Be ready to commit time, effort, consistency

Conclusion

If you live in the Cleveland, Ohio area and you’re searching for someone who bridges rehabilitation and performance, Maxim A. Gokhfeld is a strong candidate. His dual role as a physical therapist assistant and performance coach puts him in a position to guide patients from injury back to strength, movement, and confidence.

While I don’t have every personal detail or patient story, using the standard expectations for PTAs, performance coaching, and the listing at Summit (Lyndhurst, Ohio) as reference, I believe Maxim offers a valuable service for those needing hands-on care plus coaching.

If you’re considering working with him:

Reach out to Summit clinic, ask about his availability.
Clarify credentials, approach, and how he would help your specific case.
Go into the first session with clear goals, openness, and willingness to put in the work.

The path to recovery or performance is not always smooth, but with the right guide—and someone like Maxim who seems to combine practical rehabilitation with forward motion—you can see meaningful progress.

FAQ

Q: What is a physical therapist assistant (PTA)?
A: A PTA is a licensed healthcare provider who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. They assist in carrying out rehabilitation plans, guiding exercises, monitoring progress, and helping patients recover mobility, strength, and function.

Q: Can Maxim treat me directly, or must a physical therapist always supervise?
A: In Ohio (and many states), a PTA works under a supervising physical therapist. The PT designs the plan and oversees overall care; the PTA implements and monitors the plan.

Q: How much does a session cost / will insurance cover it?
A: Costs vary depending on clinic, region, and whether the clinic accepts your insurance. It’s best to contact Summit or the clinic directly and ask if they accept your insurance, what co-pays are, and what their rates are.

Q: How many sessions are typical?
A: It depends on the severity of your case, your goals, and how your body responds. Some people improve after a few weeks; others require months. A good PTA or clinician will reassess regularly and adjust.

Q: What should I do between sessions to help recovery?
A: Usually, you’ll get a home exercise plan. Stick to it, stay consistent, avoid aggravating behaviors, rest when needed, maintain proper posture, and communicate any issues with your clinician.