REGINA – When you’re on Shalla Riemer’s table, you’re in good hands.
It might be why the registered massage therapist’s clientele over the last ten years has included some significant star power.
There’s nothing like a good massage to ease the tension when your muscles are tight – particularly, if you’re a touring musician.
“The first phone call was to massage Britney Spears,” Riemer said. But she thought it was simply a prank. “I thought it was a joke. I deleted it.”
Luckily, another call came. Her new clients? None other than the members of Motley Crue.
“In that moment, shaking hands, sometimes I’m like, ‘Woah, this is cool.’ ”
“She’s one of the best.” – Randy Bachman
Since 2006, Riemer has taken her deep tissue treatments backstage for dozens of acts, including the likes of the Backstreet Boys, The Tragically Hip and Keith Urban.
Most recently, she worked with Shania Twain during her visit to Regina.
It’s common for performers to have a massage therapist behind-the-scenes, either before a show or after. Large-scale acts often have someone along for the tour.
Despite the star-status, Riemer says there’s not much different about her popular clients.
“They ask me questions about my family, my kids, where I live,” she said. “You just talk, it’s neat.”
What keeps them coming back to Riemer? Just ask Canadian music icon Randy Bachman.
“She’s one of the best,” Bachman told Global News from his home in Toronto.
Tour buses and nightly performances aren’t exactly easy on the body. Bachman has even gone on stage with dislocated bones.
“The show must go on,” he said. “When you have somebody like Shalla, making the show go on is easier.”
The pair have even developed a close relationship over the last decade – similar to writing a song with someone, Bachman says.
“You kind of sit down and share personal items. There’s like a lawyer-client confidentiality.”
Bachman used to only meet Riemer backstage during his visits to the Queen City. Now, the Healthy Roots studio in Arcola East has become a must-stop when the rocker is in town.
“Patients sitting in the waiting room are like, ‘That’s Randy Bachman! What’s he doing here?’ ” Riemer said.
She is quick to note, however, that you don’t have to play sold out arenas in order to get the celebrity treatment.
“I don’t think she treats any of her patients differently, one from another, just ’cause of who they are,” said Candice Dillon, a regular client for about a year.
Though Riemer’s wall-of-fame does make for a few good memories.
“The funny part is my patients the next day,” Riemer said. “They’re always like, ‘How was it, who’d you massage?’ ”
“They think it’s pretty cool.”
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