Advantage Physio Team
Alison Lightbody MCSP, HCPC
Alison qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2000 and is an experienced NHS Advanced Practice Physiotherapist serving East Surrey and the surrounding region. With over 25 years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal practice, she enjoys treating all conditions including sports injuries. She has a particular expertise in the assessment and management of spinal conditions, including neck and back pain with or without radiculopathy (sciatica).
As a clinical lead in Physiotherapy, Alison manages highly complex cases and plays a key role in service development. Her role has recently extended to working in Orthopaedic Spinal Clinics at East Surrey Hospital alongside the consultant. She has a close working relationship with Orthopaedic Consultants at local private and NHS hospitals, providing direct insight into the practices of the top private consultants.
She provides specialist training and clinical supervision to physiotherapy colleagues and multidisciplinary teams. She has also lectured on the Undergraduate Physiotherapy Programme at King’s College London for Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital. Alison has undertaken extensive post graduate education to enhance her clinical practice, including qualifications in Non-Medical Prescribing, Medical Imaging, Musculoskeletal Triage and Pilates. Her practice is underpinned by a strong evidence-based approach, combining advanced clinical reasoning with a holistic focus to help patients achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Helen Hingston MCSP, HCPC, MMACP, PGDip
Helen qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2000 from the University of Birmingham. She began her career at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Trust specialising in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She later gained extensive experience in private practice both in London and internationally, including New Zealand, treating a wide range of acute sport injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Helen spent 13 years at St George’s Hospital where she worked as Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) alongside Orthopaedic Consultants. She continues to work within the NHS as an APP and has developed a specialist interest in Upper Limb conditions, working closely with Orthopaedic Consultants at East Surrey and North Downs Hospital. In addition to her clinical role, Helen provides a supervision and teaching to the musculoskeletal team.
She is passionate about helping patients achieve their physical goals, whether that involves returning to high level sport or managing everyday work and lifestyle demands. Her extensive experience ensures patients receive timely, holistic and evidence-based care. Helen holds a Post graduate Diploma in musculoskeletal physio and is a member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and British Elbow and Shoulder Society. She has also undertaken additional training in Pilates.
