Customer Reviews

Massage with Confidence [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Over the years I've collected numerous massage videos. I've been disappointed that most are either sensual in nature, or don't show enough advanced techniques. With Massage with Confidence, I found a gold mine.

The massage sequence shown was amazing. It was a wonderful combination of gentle, soothing strokes and deeper techniques. Robert (the guy on the video) even used his elbows for deep pressure. I was impressed also by the clear instruction that he gave with each technique.

This video gave me some basic anatomy and physiology to understand what I was going to massage, but even more important, it showed me the "caution" areas so I don't hurt anyone.

If you buy just one video, make it this one.

I am a professionally licensed massage therapist with 6 years experience.

I based my buying decision on reviews and the DVD description and jacket photo, which give the impression that advanced massage techniques are demonstrated. This video presents very basic Swedish massage, nothing more. The contents listed on the DVD cover claim to teach myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports massage and deep tissue techniques. Sorry to say, NONE of these is included in the massage session in the video. I'm not sure how the therapist, Robert Haase, expects to perform deep tissue therapy or myofascial release when the first thing he does is slather his client with gobs of massage oil. He does not slow down, much less pause, long enough in his massage to even remotely perform trigger point therapy, deep tissue release or MFR. The video demonstrates a good, basic Swedish massage routine but nothing advanced or unique. If you are a therapist with any experience at all there's little here that will be enlightening. The music soundtrack is annoying and a better choice could have been made.

On a positive note: the model in the video is beautiful and draping is presented in a great way. It was refreshing to see a real massage session performed without a 'first grade' mentality of over-draping. Many therapists fiddle around with draping so much during a session that it destroys vitually all continuity and is very distracting. Most therapists, once they have some experience and have established a trusting, professional relationship with their clients, end up draping as shown anyway. I'm not sure what all the negative comments are addressing-nothing presented in the video violates local laws or will offend the modesty/comfort level of most clients. Every client is different and a therapist should use common sense and drape to make his/her client the most comfortable, the video merely shows one way of doing it.

If you are new to massage this is a good video to have and you'll no doubt pick up some useful tidbits of information. If you are interested in advanced or structural massage (sports, trigger point, MFR) you'll find none of that here. Art Riggs', "Advanced Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release", is an excellent choice for serious therapists.

I am so impressed with your video, Massage with Confidence. To finally find a video that teaches so many wonderful techniques is refreshing. Although I've been a massage therapist for several years, this video showed me great techniques that I was never taught in school. Thank you for such a well-done production with so many useful tools. I am recommending this video to all of my clients as well as other massage therapists. Great job, Mr. Haase!

I was skeptical at first, and thought that this would just be "another" standard massage video. Boy, was I soon proved wrong!!! This is indeed, a high quality video, including not only the live demonstration, but also the information, contraindications, and muscle knowledge. I watched this video at least 3 times, to make sure that I was getting the techniques down correctly and quickly added various new techniques to my massage.

Mr. Hasse was clear, concise, and right on the mark with all of his information. I am a stickler for details and found that the camera angles were excellent and one could quickly pick up on any of the techniques. I was also impressed with his method of draping that was less cumbersome than what I was used to.

I highly recommend this video to the novice as well as to the experienced therapist.

I am currently attending massage school and I have been introduced to a variety of techniques! (More than I care to mention!) Take it from me, the most wonderful thing about this video is that Robert does not focus solely on one modality. Instead, he incorporates a variety of techniques. I have purchased other videos on massage - as learning tools - and have found the majority of them to be mundane and perfunctory. I love the fact that Robert is not afraid to "work the body". Meaning that he is not so concerned with practicalities of draping, etc. It is amazing how people can loose their modesty if they feel that they are in the hands of a professional with professional intent; and once they realize the wonderful feeling (not to mention value) of incorporating several body parts at once, that their massage experience is all the more satisfying. I highly recommend this tape to beginners and to those who have been practicing for some time. Sometimes, we think that we have the recipe for a perfect massage, but seeing someone else's techinque can really make a profound difference in our application. Don't skip over this one!

My husband and I bought this tape to take our massage exchanges to a higher level. We were pleased with the professional quality and instruction presented in the tape. We love the way this tape breaks down each area of the body, showing areas for work and areas to avoid. After years of receiving professional massages, it was interesting to see some new approaches. The instructor is obviously an experienced professional!

Our whole family watched this tape first on a Sunday afternoon, cuddling up on the couch (including our 3-1/2 yr old). The music was very nice and it was very relaxing. We found ourselves wishing that Robert Haase worked in our area of the country so we could have him as our massage therapist!

All in all, we feel we learned a lot from the tape. We will be watching it over and over to learn more. We recommend it highly to anyone wishing to learn more about massage. If we could ask for any additional instruction, it would be for more extensive instruction on how to use hands and fingers in different strokes. Alas, no one tape can do everything.

This video is for home use only. It does not cover deep work, trigger points, sports massage or myofascial release like it claims. It is a good relaxing swedish routine for home use only.

I bought this video because I was looking for a new technique to add to my routine.I didn't find any, sorry. I wouldn't recommend the draping techniques if your a male therapist like myself and you're working on a female client (unless you don't care for a tip or a return customer). The whole video was fast pace (except the beginning) and pretty much just basics. Picture quality was good and the model was beautiful. I guess I did gain confidence though by watching this video, it made me realize that I know alot more than I thought. Beginners video only.

I am a professional massage therapist, and have purchased several of the massage instruction tapes offered on Amazon.
(I find it's helpful to watch other therapists work---I've picked up several new techniques this way.)
This tape is the best out there, period. It's not a substitute for professional training, but to get you going, it's very good.

Finally, a professional massage video that is informative and easy to understand. I knew nothing about massage, now I feel like a professional. Thanks you. I have recommended the video to all my friends. P.S. My wife thanks you also!