ABOUT

Westside Massage is downtown Grand Rapids’ premier destination for relaxation, couples and medical massage by exceptionally skilled therapists, located inside McKay tower in a truly unique space.

OUR MISSION

  • COMPASSION

    We strive every day to reach out to our clients with compassion, kindness and an open heart.

  • SAFETY

    We use only the highest quality products in an always-sanitary environment, tailoring our services to the unique needs of each client.

  • EXPERTISE

    We encourage and value our therapists by establishing a culture that promotes diversity, continuing education and fair treatment.

CORE VALUES

  • TREAT EVERY CLIENT WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY
  • PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR EVERY ‘BODY’
  • WHOLE-CLIENT-CENTERED TREATMENT PLANS
  • GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
  • OPERATE WITH INTEGRITY
  • CONSERVE, RECYCLE & REUSE

Meet Our Massage Therapists…

URSULA THOMPSON

Ursula is the Owner and Specializes in Body and Energy Work

“I remember as a small child, a couple of times a week my mother would leave work and drop me off at grandmother’s. Volunteering was her second job. Growing up in this environment, I realized the impact that a gesture; no matter how small, could have on someone’s life.

I realized that my purpose here had a deeper meaning. I have always been an empath and believed in the power of touch. It seemed natural that I would let go of the conventional by pursuing an education and ultimately, a career in Massage Therapy.

After being a caregiver for my mother, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s, I became exhausted and depleted. It was then I became inspired to do something that could impact the community in an amazing way.

Westside Massage is about giving back and reaching others though tough, a listening ear, and a smiling face. It is a safe place to escape and get pain relief, energy work or just a relaxing massage.

It is also about being stewards in our community and doing the right thing. It is about more than massage and healing, it is about a woman that instilled in me to always do my part to assist those that are not as fortunate as myself.”

JOHN L. SHIPMAN

John is a Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in Manual Massage

“I grew up in Warsaw, IN. Being the son of a Minister and a Nurse, the worlds of healing and hospitality were a part of my everyday life. Watching my mom and dad work to better the lives of those around them not only inspired me to do the same, but to make a special effort to help those who help others in our community.

Following this path, the act of healing through touch came naturally. Rubbing my mom’s feet when she would get home from work was one way I knew I could help. It always amazed me how little time and touch helped her not only feel better, but sleep better also. As I grew, this gentle passion grew too, and eventually led me here to Grand Rapids, MI and the Blue Heron Academy where I learned how to hone my instincts and talents into the therapist I am today.

Working together with my clients, my goals are to help every “body” onto a path of healing, less pain and better mobility.

To help do this, I am always continuing my education and looking for new techniques I can use to create a path of least resistance to your health goals. To me, this is what healing is about. Using the skills and talents we have to help one another.”

John specializes in Medical Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Pre- and Post-Natal Massage and he is also a Reiki Practitioner 1 and 2.

ERIC CAMPOS

Eric is a Licensed Massage Therapist Focused on Overall Wellness

“I graduated from Blue Heron Academy completing the Medical Massage program in 2021. It has been an amazing journey up to this point. I’ve always been involved in multiple sports as well as worked in a variety of hard labor jobs.

Therefore, I fully understand the aches, pains and stress that the body goes through. This has helped me appreciate the importance of taking care of our physical wellness.

I strive to provide quality bodywork that is suited to your individual needs. I am determined to help my clients feel their best in performance, achieve pain relief and overall health. Whether it be relaxing from stress, a specific injury or an area of tension; I am ready to assist you in your journey to improve your overall wellness.

My goal is to give the very best of myself by being professional, supportive and informative.

Any opportunity that allows me to serve you as well as our community is what motivates me. I am excited to share this journey with you as well as be a part of your own wellness journey!”

Eric specializes in Medical Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage, Prenatal Massage and Dynamic Stretching

COURTNEY HILES

Courtney is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Our Events Coordinator

“Growing up in rural Indiana, I dedicated most of my childhood to a pre-professional, competition dance company. I was surrounded by beautiful artistry, creativity and very strict discipline. This path gave me the opportunity to travel all over the country with my team taking classes from new teachers and competing.

Not only did dance spark my wanderlust for travel, but it also sparked a huge interest in the human body and its abilities/functions.

After a long and twisting path of college and experiencing the world, I finally landed in Grand Rapids, MI where I attended the Blue Heron Academy to gain my secondary education in Medical Massage Therapy. During my time at the school, I gained not only an understanding of massage and how it physiologically affects the body, but the human body as a whole and each system’s functions.

It is my goal as a massage therapist to use my skills and knowledge to reduce pain, improve function, and to educate my clients within my scope on ways they can take part in their own healing journey at home.

I will continue to further educate myself on different techniques and pathologies so that I may serve my community to the best of my ability.”

Courtney specializes in Medical Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage and Prenatal Massage