Plava Bodyworks

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! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I had a mysterious thumb injury that was painful and forming into a bump on the joint. Christine helped me to figure out the cause based on my daily movements and worked on loosening up the "knot" explaining the origin of the injury. After she was done, I had twice as much range of movement and less pain. She also showed me things that I could do on my own and where I should focus my pressure. I really appreciated this. Thank you Christine--my thumb is on the mend. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Christine is by far the best massage therapist I've ever had. She has immense knowledge of the human body and truly cares about you and your health. She can address old injuries [that might be causing new ones], general discomfort/pain as well as overall relaxation. She also offers tips on lifestyle improvements to ensure long-lasting health.As far as her technique is concerned, it's quite perfect. It's more than a massage, it's structural and it's necessary. It's reset for life and it will change the way you think of massage.Thank you Christine for your beautiful work and continued thirst for knowledge! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Thank you so so much for all your work and knowledgeIt 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 livemy life again Yuhu to you and your great work

Reviewed on Yelp