Plaatjes is married to Mark Plaatjes, the 1993 world champion in the marathon. Mark Plaatjes is a physical therapist, and he shares an office with his wife called In Motion Rehabilitation. Massage is one of the treatments Mark uses when patients come to him with acute injuries. Some recreational athletes seek massage therapy only when they are injured, but massage before a big race improves flexibility in a way that might translate into a better time. Massage after a race also can reduce recovery time.
Some serious runners regard massage as regular maintenance.
Keeley received a bachelor's degree in exercise science, then went through a 1,000-hour program of massage training, but not all massage therapists are as qualified. Some begin practice after only 200 hours of training. Keeley recommends 1,000-hour therapists. The Denver Post or other copyright holders. All rights reserved.