Elite-level care, for everyone.
At Ascension Physiotherapy & Performance, we are dedicated to making elite-level physiotherapy and performance expertise available to everyone, giving every individual the opportunity to be treated with the care of an athlete.
A dream, realised.
Ascension Physiotherapy & Performance is dedicated to making elite-level physiotherapy and performance available to everyone. Founded by long-time friends and colleagues, Dave Hunt, Paul Doherty, Michael Morrison and Lukas Jutkiewicz, who have over a decade of experience with Birmingham City.
During their time at Birmingham City, Dave and Paul used their expertise to support the performance of international players, including an extensive period in the Premier League. For many years, they spoke about their dream of creating a clinic that offers the same level of care to everyone, not just elite athletes. Now, they are making that dream a reality by bringing their expertise to everyone.
Dave is a highly skilled physiotherapist while Paul has extensive experience as a professional masseur. Together, they have provided elite physiotherapy and performance care to professional athletes, and now they bring that same level of service to our clinic in Earlswood, Solihull.
"We aim to give everyone the opportunity to be treated with the care of an athlete."
It was at Birmingham City that Dave and Paul first built the friendships that would shape Ascension, with fellow founders Michael Morrison and Lukas Jutkiewicz. Between them, Michael and Lukas made over 500 combined appearances for Birmingham City and have both served as Blues captain. Michael worked closely with Dave and Paul over many years, with their care extending to his wider family too. Lukas, who spent 9 seasons at Birmingham City and made over 350 appearances across a 20-year professional career, first came to rely on their expertise after reconstructive ACL surgery early on in his career, an injury that gave him a lasting appreciation for the difference the right physiotherapy can make to recovery, performance and longevity.
Having experienced firsthand the standard of care Dave and Paul provided, both Michael and Lukas were drawn to the same vision: making that same elite-level treatment available to everyone, not just professional athletes. What started as friendships built in the dressing room at Birmingham City is now a shared mission, with all four founders bringing their combined experience to our clinic in Earlswood, Solihull.
Our mission at Ascension Physiotherapy & Performance is to give everyone the chance to be treated with the care of an athlete. Whether you're recovering from an injury, aiming to enhance your performance, or seeking preventative care, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
Meet the TeamFounded by Dave Hunt & Paul Doherty, with over a decade delivering elite care at Birmingham City FC, including an extensive period in the Premier League.
All about our team.
Beyond our four founders, Ascension is home to a wider team of physiotherapists and performance coaches, each bringing their own elite sport and clinical experience to every client.
Gavin Fernandes
A HCPC-registered physiotherapist with over 5 years' experience across elite sport and clinical settings, Gavin currently works as Professional Development Phase Physiotherapist at West Bromwich Albion FC, holding an MSc in Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football) from the University of Birmingham.
Rachel Lightfoot
A chartered physiotherapist with 14 years' experience across the NHS and private sector, Rachel also works at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, where she specialises in lower limb injuries and rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery.
Luke van Zyl
A sports physiotherapist with over ten years' experience in elite football, including time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Luke also works as a Client Success Manager at VALD, supporting clients across the UK.
Oli Lowe
A Strength & Conditioning Coach currently working with players at Birmingham City FC, Oli holds a Master's degree in Sports Science and is UKSCA accredited, leading Ascension's performance team and personal training, as well as our elite performance and youth performance programmes.
Dave Hunt
A physiotherapist, certified Sports Scientist and strength and conditioning specialist with 17 years' experience in elite sport, Dave supports Ascension's performance team as Clinical Director, alongside Oli.
Get started with Ascension, today.
It's easy to get in touch and book your first visit. Just head to our booking page and we'll look forward to welcoming you.
Book NowRecognised By
