frequently asked questions

Q: Do you have spa amenities like showers, steam rooms, or a hot tub?

A: Margaret Indiana Massage Therapy is a private massage practice, and does not have spa amenities. There is a private restroom for clients to use before and during the session if necessary.

Q: How much do services cost?

A: All of Margaret’s pricing can be found on the pricing page here

Q: Am I expected to tip?

A: Not at all. At spas it is customary to tip 20% or more, but Margaret Indiana Massage Therapy is a personal practice and tips are not expected or necessary.

Q: Should I arrive early?

A: Clients are asked to arrive no earlier than five minutes before their scheduled appointment time. As this is a private massage practice there is no waiting area, so if you arrive with time to spare there are many coffee shops one block away on Columbus Avenue.

Q: What happens if I am running late?

A: If you are running late please let Margaret know as soon as possible, and Margaret will do her best to accommodate you in the time you have left without penalizing the following client.  

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

Margaret Indiana offers a 24 hour cancellation policy.  

Any appointments canceled outside of the 24 hour time frame will be charged the full amount of the scheduled service.

Q: This is my first massage ever! What should I expect?

A: Margaret is honored you have chosen to work with her for your first massage experience. Below is some basic information about what to expect at your first session. If you have further questions or concerns please feel free to email Margaret directly.

Please arrive no earlier than five minutes before your appointment. Margaret will greet you upon arrival and show you into the studio, where you can put your things down and use the restroom if needed.

You will then have a few moments to speak with Margaret about your particular needs, what brought you in, and what you would like to accomplish, as well as ask any questions you may have.

For Signature Massage sessions, Margaret will then step out of the room leaving you to undress and get under the massage table covers. Once you are ready on the table and completely covered by the sheet and blanket you can say aloud you are ready, and Margaret will reenter the room, and the work will begin.

For Reiki sessions, after checking in Margaret will then show you how to lie on the mat or the table, and the work will begin.

Q: Should I undress completely?

A: You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a Signature Massage full body session, most people get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session leaving your underwear on, that's absolutely fine. Your comfort is paramount.

During the massage session Margaret will undrape each body part one at a time, with the rest of your body remaining covered, so you will never be fully uncovered all at once. All areas usually covered by a bathing suit (breasts, pubic area, genitals, and gluteal cleft) will remain, by law, completely covered at all times.

Q: Is it appropriate to talk during my session?

A: Absolutely! Margaret is happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have as the work progresses. She will usually refrain from initiating conversation in order to allow you the space to relax where needed, but if you would like to speak with her you are absolutely welcome to. However, you are under no obligation to do so. Margaret doesn’t require small talk :)

The important thing to remember is that this time is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. In many instances, people feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quieter states of bliss.

One important thing to note, however, is that if at any time during your session you become uncomfortable for any reason, you should let Margaret know immediately. For example: if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you - speak up! This session is for you and Margaret will do everything within her power to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Q: When should I NOT get a massage?

A: As a general rule, Margaret DOES NOT recommend receiving a massage when you are at the beginning of an illness (scratchy throat, chills-cold, flu, etc.). Though it may seem like a massage would help you feel better, the truth is there is an increased risk that your illness will perpetuate faster, making you feel worse, longer. The risk of spreading the infection is higher too. Margaret also does not recommend receiving bodywork when you have a contagious skin condition.

There are many ways which Margaret can adapt her techniques to accommodate (or avoid) cuts, bruises, stitches, minor injuries and burns. With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (most specifically cancer, and certain heart conditions).

Q: What is the recommended session length?

A: For specific issues or problems that need to be addressed, Margaret recommends a 90 minute session or longer. Margaret is very methodical with her work and a longer session gives her ample time to address your body without rushing. For basic maintenance and general wellness, 60 minutes is appropriate.

If this is your first time seeing Margaret and you are unsure how much time to book you can email her directly and she will be happy to discuss your needs with you.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Reiki sessions are performed through your normal clothing, but no need to bring anything along with you, unless you would like to bring something comfortable to lie in for the session length.

Signature Massage is performed with oil directly on your skin. Margaret uses 100% shea butter, and provides towels for you to wipe any excess off your skin when the session is completed. Shea butter tends not to stain fabrics, but if you are at all concerned about staining Margaret recommends you bring a change of dark clothing along with you.

Q: What kind of oils or scents will be used during my session?

A: Margaret uses 100% shea butter for all Signature Massage sessions. She sometimes blends in essential oils of peppermint, lavender, and clary sage into her sessions as well. Palo Santo is sometimes burned between each appointment to clear the space.

Margaret’s studio is not guaranteed scent free, but if you have any allergies or sensitivities to any of the elements listed above please notify her before your session and she will do her best to accommodate.  

Q: If I don’t like oil can I request massage cream?

A: Margaret does not offer Signature Massage using massage cream. Shea butter is a tool Margaret uses during her sessions and its efficacy cannot be replaced with a cream.

Shea butter is non-greasy and tends to absorb completely into the skin. In most cases clients report leaving the oil on their skin post-massage for its skin-softening benefits. You will also be provided with a towel at the end of your session to wipe the oil off of your skin if you prefer.