Christine is a true master at what she does. She has such an extensive knowledge of the human body and really takes the time to understand your patterns and movements to get to the root cause of your issues, not just the symptoms. I am so amazed at how she can figure out how to undo all the damage I have done to myself over the years, even things I didn't realize. She's a real master detective with incredible intuition and an amazing healing touch. Her approach to body work is extremely special and unique, combining advanced techniques and principles from a variety of disciplines, like structural integration, myofascial release, energy work, and Neurovascular Release. Incredibly effective and unlike anything I've ever experienced before! I've seen acupuncturists, massage therapists and chiropractors for years and have seen more results in just a few sessions with Christine. She is really passionate about her work and it definitely shows. Christine is a true healing partner and so pleasant to work with. She has helped provide me the tools and understanding for me to be more mindful, and feel better in my body far beyond the sessions. I'm very grateful for her. Thank you, Christine! We are so lucky to have you in the Bay Area! read more

I started seeing Christine years ago. It began as a birthday present to get a massage but what I didn't realize is that was just the tip of the iceberg. Fast Forward to the beginning of last year, my lower back demanded my attention: it went from fine to f*cked in just one a day. I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes nor stand longer than five minutes. Riding on BART was excruciating and going to work became impossible. That's when I reached out to Christine. Quickly, she helped me realize the old, unhealthy patterns I developed in my body were at their breaking point. The delayed cause and effect of not having proper posture, over years, finally caught up to me. I was completely unconscious of the patterns I developed - sitting, standing, walking - you name it, it all needed attention but I didn't feel overwhelmed. Step by step, Christine worked on my body and gave me exercises and tools to create lasting change. I became more mindful of my posture, my body was healing, and I began having more positive energy. Mind you, this was pre-covid and we accomplished so much in less than three months - I felt 70% healed. During the shutdown, I continued the exercises she gave me, the suggestion to do Hatha Yoga (I already had a yoga practice but unknown to me, Hatha Yoga is what I needed), and I created a healthy desk setup - all based on Christine's suggestions. When it became permittable to see Christine again, I returned feeling 80% better. I was proud of the work I did and I felt empowered to stay healthy. It was at this point we began, the 12 step series. Twelve sessions to truly align the body with its natural state of being. Here we addressed any acute issues as they showed up and did _deep_ work that ultimately created more space in my body. I experienced improvements in the cramps associated with my moon cycle, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and I grew an inch! Sometimes during the sessions, I would have past~life releases. The healing that took place on Christine's table was multifaceted. Now, as the series becomes complete, I understand the necessity of structural therapy; the transformation it can have on acute issues and deep patterns is profound. Beyond just a birthday gift, it's a form of self-care that heals old wounds and creates new ways of being for a strong future. Further, Christine became my partner in healing. She cared and supported me in my darkest hour with such love and grace; I am forever grateful and forever changed. Thank you, Christine, for caring about my well~being as much as I do! read more

Thank you so so much for all your work and knowledge It has been a pleasure working with you I could barely walk without limping as I met you Your head is like a library of anatomy And thanks to you I am able to live my life again Yuhu to you and your great work read more

Absolutely phenomenal and in depth care. As stated by the other reviews here, Christine truly is a master of her craft! Her intake is very in-depth, and her output shows it in it's entirety. Back and jaw pain for a majority of my life, relieved constantly after a single session. Thank you Christine read more

I wanted to experiment Christine's bodywork for a bit and the opportunity finally came. I have a lower back injury that I usually can manage on my own pretty well. A month ago, I carried my daughter for about one minute, and I immediately knew this was bad idea and bad news. My back started to hurt - day and night. I called my chiropractor, and he could not see me for another week. I knew I needed some bodywork and didn't want to wait, so I went to see Christine. Christine was very thorough in her initial check-in with me. She examined my posture, and because we were both looking at the mirror, I could really see what she was talking about. It made me more conscious about my posture and the way I carry my body. The bodywork she gave was exactly the way I like it - no forcing, just listening to the body and following the areas of constrictions or pain. She checked-in with me during her work. I felt relaxed, at ease. After the session, I felt better but it's really the day after that my pain was gone. I think my body just needed a bit of time to adjust and integrate Christine's wonderful work. I really enjoyed my session with her. Christine will listen to you, she is always positive, and has AMAZING bodywork skills. read more

I've worked with Christine for a few years now. When I was training for my Ironman race and my 50miler; my body was definitely taking a beating. With all the training I needed help in the recovery department. Christine's work isn't your typical massage where the therapist rubs you down with oils - her work is more like structural body work. Repairing the damage of the years of abuse (or my case training and of course being a desk jockey) takes time, knowledge and passion. This isn't a one time quick fix (tho I've prayed it was before many a races when I was injured) it does set your body up to reprogram itself to become better - centered, balanced and happy. I've gone in with certain injuries and walked out able to compete in my races or simply go back to work relaxed and aligned. I think after many discussions with Christine you really need to be committed to fix your body on your own time (stretching, resistance exercises etc) as her work will help develop and reinforce positive changes in your body. Her fixes aren't band aids - she really wants to find the root of the problem and fix it! I look forward to working with Christine at her new spot - my desk jockey career is not over and I do not need to look like a hunch back when I'm retired. If you have chronic pain, injuries from working out or just injured from life itself then Plava is a def worth a shot to the road to recovery. read more

I'm always happy when I leave Christine, whom I call "Dr. Doo" because she is better then any doctors for holistic pain management. Dr. Doo was also very instrumental in helping my daughter correct her super flat feet that were causing her a lot of problems with walking and messing up her back (ouch)...She's out of pain and can correct her own stance. As the owner of Kimberly Jones Esthetics I refer all my clients to Christine when they need body work. You are the best Christine, thanks for all your hard work and dedication! read more

I've been coming to Plava Bodyworks for several weeks now. Not only do I feel more aligned but I also walk away with an overall sense of well being. Christine has a healing approach that is kind to my body; I was feeling better immediately. Several weeks ago I was in a bike accident and felt that my body was misaligned. Christine assessed the situation with my body and noticed that my shoulder and sacrum were out of line. She was spot on and as we started the session I felt relaxed and comfortable. Her technique was successful in helping my recovery time. I'm back on the saddle and riding again without the pain. I'm impressed by Christine's healing body work skills and highly recommend seeing her if you feel out of alignment and want to find your center again. read more

Healing hands. Extensive knowledge of the anatomy. Chris understands how parts of the body work together. In other words, don't be surprised if while she is working on one area of your body, you feel something in another part of your body. It's working! Chris has worked on me off and on for a few years. I have always benefited from the work she has done. Her passion in what she does come through. I like to write short reviews when others are more eloquent. Read on! Remember, healing hands! read more

Have you ever watched Star Wars and wished those cool healing devices existed? Well they do actually, and Christine is it. I've gone to her for help from shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, muscle aches, etc. and she's always been able to focus on the source of the problem and fix it, rather than addressing the symptoms. So for instance, when I went to see her for the first time regarding my shoulder, she focused on the muscles in and around my shoulder that all connect together and not necessarily the exact point of pain. At first I thought "oh no, she's a nut job. Why isn't she working on my shoulder! This is a total waste of time and money". However, I went with it and the next morning when I woke up, I couldn't believe how my range of motion improved as well as the lack of pain. I think I strutted around like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever that day. Her approach is unlike any other and she definitely fixes me up right. She's very transparent on her approach, technique, and goals. Highly recommended. read more

Christine offers such a unique bodywork experience. I have never had someone work on me the way she did. She is very intentional and intuitive with her work and it's fascinating how she will find the right places on your body in order to help you heal. I did the 12-series with her and it was an amazing experience and I even learned more about myself and my body in the process. :) read more

I came to Christine through a referral. I have been having this lower kink in my lower right lumbar to a point where my walking felt irritated. Christine had me do some deep breathing exercises while "pulling apart" my muscles. Kind of weird, but somehow my lower back was starting to feel normal again. Christine made sure to calmly explain each of the movements she was working on, while also providing advice on preventative steps I could take for my back. I would definitely go back to see her again, as she has been an amazing healer. read more

If you are searching for bodywork it is most likely because you are in pain. I allowed Christine to teach/coach me on the root of the pain, rather than focus on the local area. I suffer from shoulder pain for over a decade. Christine studied the big picture and is currently treating it very well. read more

I normally don't write Yelp reviews but I can't stop telling people about how amazing Christine is. This is NOT your typical "pound away at your muscles" massage - Christine has an intimate knowledge of the human body and will target the CAUSE of your pain rather than treating the SYMPTOMS. I remember the first time I went to her because I had been experiencing numbness in my fingers. She explained that the muscles in my neck were restricting the flow of blood to my extremities and spent an hour loosening and opening up those muscles. I have never had any recurring problems since then! She's extremely passionate about her work and her clients, professional yet super easy to talk to, and backs her techniques with scientific data/facts. I've learned so much about how to self-care from her (she will always give me stretches/foam rolling techniques that I can do at home) and I am now much more aware of how the simple things I do (stand with all my weight one leg, look down at a computer screen, sling my backpack over one shoulder) can adversely affect my body. I've never had a better massage/physical therapy/healing session in my life. I love, love, love Christine's work and would highly recommend her to anyone. read more

Christine has a magical touch that is so amazing that one can't label it as "just a massage". I've had all kinds of massages before: Thai, Swedish, athletic, etc. I've had two massages from Christine and immediately I could tell this was different from all the rest. Somehow she uses the most gentle touch to relieve the deepest tension... I'm not sure how she does it, but it's incredible. The first 15 minutes were bliss and I'm embarrassed to admit I was so relaxed that I passed out, which never happens with any other type of massage. While passed out she continued to work on me which I was vaguely aware of since my body would twitch, responding to her putting me back in alignment and engaging my body on a deep level. Finishing the massage was like waking from the most rejuvenating sleep I've ever had in my life. If your experience is anything like mine you will not be disappointed. read more

Christine is one extremely gifted, wise and compassionate healer! One can call her work massage, but that term comes nowhere close to describing her integrative approach and vast toolkit of deeply intuitive care and gentle unwinding relief that she brings to stressed and wound bodies. She is like the treasured auto mechanic who knows how to deeply diagnose the deeper levels of body wear & tear that needs to be better aligned and balanced. Like a first-rate doctor, she takes the time to really listen and investigate the troublesome everyday body habits we all can lapse into, and how to be more mindful with insightful tips and exercises to take home. I have a long history of working with massage, acupuncture, chiro, rolfing and other bodywork practices, and was referred to Christine by another wonderful SF healer. Christine will save you time and money with traditional doctors and physical therapists, as her practice is deeply restorative & preventative.Two thumbs way up!! read more

Christine is fantastic! I so look forward to my visits with her. I get "wound tight" from daily life and when I finish a session with her, I feel like I can breathe again. She literally opens up my rib cage and unwinds my tight neck/shoulders/back and legs. It is not only an incredibly relaxing experience, but very informative as she holds vast knowledgeable about the body. I'm so happy to have found her! read more

I have been going to Christine for the last five years, and I always feel rejuvenated afterwards. Her knowledge of anatomy is encyclopedic, and she is forever cheerful and a delight to visit. It is amazing how much my posture and range of motion improve, and the aches and pains abate afterwards. read more

I feel a huge debt to Christine... I came to her about half a year ago, I was depressed because I had been in bad back/hip pain for more than a year. I had seen various healers, tried acupuncture, massage, yoga, various recovery regimens, but nothing was helping (in fact, some made it even worse). I was feeling hopeless, but decided to go see Christine on a friend's suggestion. Such a happy relief. In the very first session, I was moved to tears because I had finally found someone who *got it*, who actually listened and understood what I was going through, who had the patience to work *with* me to see how my body was reacting, who had the insight to find and apply what was healing and helpful. Over the past six months, I've watched as the pain has left my body, my body has become more resilient and flexible, I'm able to do things that I haven't done in more than a year, my mood and general sense of well-being has improved, I feel like I finally have my life back. Thanks so much Christine! read more