Reviews
Madhuri Dutta2024-06-01I went to Russell for a soft tissue massage for a painful back and neck. He not only helped to reduce the pain but also advised me on exercises for long term. I definitely recommend him.Roland (Scalaface)2023-05-08Had Russel over to help me with a long standing injury to my knee that keeps relapsing. The guy really knows his stuff. Massaged the area thoroughly and also gave me a couple of simple exercises that massively improved how it feels. Can't recommend him enoughgashead 952023-04-14I had struggled with back and neck pain for several years and went to see various chiropractors and osteopaths without a long lasting solution. Since I have seen Russell my symptoms have almost totally vanished and I get long lasting relief. I would highly recommend Russell to anyone looking for permanent relief from pain!David Pearson2023-03-22Worked with Russell Kingston for over a year to help me manage a some issues with my lower back and return to sport. He has always been a first rate massage therapist. Would recommend.Adel Moin2020-10-27Russell is extremely skilled. I have the opinion that those with actual experience with athletes are miles ahead of most massage therapists out there, and Russel definitely proves this. He helped me get rid of nagging pain in my scapula that was bothering me for years, which other therapists, orthopaedic specialists, and whoever else I could find could not fix. This man is in a category of his own with his knowledge and expertise. And to make things even more amazing, his attitude, social skills, and just the general experience that he gives is really wonderful. I am so grateful I could find such a great practitioner here. Can only recommend. He is at the top for sure.Tammie Norton2020-09-08Russell has recently treated me as I often have shoulder tension and lately stiffness in my neck. I really appreciate someone who listens and is able to apply the right pressure to make a difference. Since seeing him I've got full movement back in my neck and feel a lot more free. I will be treating myself on a regular basis.Stuart Parker2019-10-29Went to see Russ as a substitute for the acupuncture that I’d been having . Was suffering with hip and calf pain all down my right side. Russ got in where it hurts and has really helped my pains in just two sessions . Very knowledgeable bloke and easy to get in with too . Really works the soft tissues which is just what I’ve needed . Will definitely go back . If your suffering with aches and pains it just fancy a sports massage to prevent injuries then I’d highly recommend RussNeill Crump2019-09-30Russ has provided a great massage service for years now and got me through hard training blocks as well as kept my body in good shape when doing little training and requiring more of a maintenance rub during the off season. As well as being very knowledgeable with a considered approach, Russ is also a very personable guy. I would recommend him whether you need a sports massage or need to ease some aching muscles after working too hard in an office !Connor Swift2019-08-20I have had sports massages from Russ prior to road races for more than 2 years now and you can rely on a good rub to ensure your feeling recovered/ ready to go before your race. He knows his stuff addressing any tightness or dealing with previous injuries. I would highly recommend Russ for his services even if it’s general day to day issues non related to sport and you just want to relieve some tension/ stress. 5 Stars and I’ll carry on using him when I’m in the same area!Joey Walker2019-08-19Had Russell as the team Sports Therapist for the last year on team Madison Genesis. Very professional, kind, funny bloke. Knows how to give a very good quality massage and treatment to get the body ready for race day. Whether that's working on an existing injury or just simply to loosen the body up so you're as good as you can be on the start line. Would definitely recommend. 5*
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Deep Tissue massage is simply a general term for a 'firm' massage thus differentiating it from a 'relaxation' massage. A Deep Tissue massage therapist doesn't investigate the causes of your symptoms or offer a plan going forward. A Sports/Remedial Massage Therapist is trained in Anatomy and Physiology and has a greater understanding of the muscular and skeletal system, soft tissue injuries, rehabilitation, repair and recovery and is better qualified to diagnose and advise.
If you're sporty person with an injury or fatigued from competition or training you may want to refer to your treatment as 'sports massage.' If you're suffering from back and neck tension due to sitting at a desk all day you may want to refer to your treatment as 'remedial massage'. The techniques used are often the same but the approach, assessment and treatment plan going forward will be different.
If we are dealing with an acute or overuse injury you may need a number of appointments in quick succession. Expectations and timescales will be discussed during the initial assessment.
If we are dealing with general, or chronic, build up of tension (rather than an injury) due to work or lifestyle then bi-weekly or monthly treatment may help improve your movement and wellbeing.
If you are a Sports person who wants to avoid injury and recover faster from competetion or training then treatments can be scheduled around your training plan and race schedule.
My speciality is Soft Tissue and I work closely with all 3 above. If you come to me and I suspect your condition is not soft tissue related, or goes beyond my knowledge as a therapist, then I will refer you to one of the above who are medical professionals. Likewise I receive referrals from them when their patients require need soft tissue therapy as in many cases they are not trained in massage and often prefer to avoid doing it.
A brief history is taken prior to the treatment including questions regarding your lifestyle, work, training, goals or event deadlines. I may do some standing tests and no doubt will review your posture (this we do with your clothes on). After we have done this the rest of the session will be hands-on treatment using various techniques that address your condition. We will also discuss a plan moving forward and if necessary schedule further treatments.
I use towels during the treatment and would require that you keep your underwear on. If you feel more comfortable then lose fitting shorts (rather than tight lycra) is best, especially when treating legs and glutes. If I need to treat the back, neck and shoulders then ladies should ideally wear a back fastening bra.
Sports/Remedial Massage is not a test of your pain threshold. Some therapists and patients think you need to be black and blue after a treatment. That is not the case! I will use appropriate pressure that I feel is necessary to fix your problem. And I always explain that it is important for you to give me feedback and if the pressure is too great don't be afraid to tell me. Likewise if I find a spot where I can apply a bit more pressure then tell me. However, it's s not unusual to feel a bit tender in the days following a treatment, and in some cases, especially if you bruise easily, you may have some bruising.