Restore Rehab

I had never experienced Bowen work until I worked with Karen. I’m so thankful for the introduction and her very helpful treatment. She has helped me recover from a back injury and a shoulder injury. I keep going back for monthly maintenance. She creates a very soothing treatment experience , creating a safe nourishing environment. Bowen work with Karen became my go to even before a massage or chiropractor. Instead of my body being bullied back into alignment Bowen work seems to remind my body where it wants to be and soothes my nervous system like no other bodywork I’ve had. Karen’s experience as an OT is invaluable in her treatment as well she is so knowledgeable!! I’m a healthier person because of my work with her .

I am a physical therapist and have been to different physical therapy providers trying to help relieve my pain, weakness and postural issues in my right shoulder that have progressed down into my back and hip over the last 3 years. I searched out Restore Rehab because Karen specialized in myofacial release. I felt my issues might not be be getting better because of myofacial tightness through my whole body vs one part of my body having an issue. After 2 treatments I noticed a significant difference and the pain went away completely for 3 days. Each treatment I left better and it lasted longer and longer. My posture has improved and I now I feel like my exercises can actually be effective since my alignment has improved. Karen took videos of me to show the changes in my posture and alignment from the first visit to my last visit and the change was significant and helpful to see how I was substituting. I would highly recommend her as a provider.

For the better part of two decades I have needed specialized massage treatment to control lymphedema that emerged after breast cancer surgery. I am new to Karen, but have found in just two sessions that she has the particular touch I need to control this chronic condition. As an OT, she's right on point and up to date with current thinking on therapeutic lymph management (the practice and science changes frequently). Karen is a no-nonsense person, coupled a compassionate and empathetic soul - a fine and rare combination. Karen incorporates her Bowenwork into my massages, which has generated some "aha!" moments regarding my shoulders and neck. A revelation! A less experienced therapist can jeopardize the benefits of lymphatic drainage by introducing massage techniques that go deeper into the musculature of the body. Karen takes great care with this; I feel great after her sessions.

After months of chronic low back pain I went to see Karen and felt better after the first Bowen work treatment! I went a few more times to work on tightness in other areas and always left feeling relief. With her occupational therapy background she also gave me some ideas for easy things to do at home. She is wonderful, her studio is very calming and I would highly recommend her!

I was having neck, right shoulder and elbow pain after caretaking for my late husband. Karen not only addressed my pain but also helped support my entire body through Bowenwork. I had no idea how depleted I was both emotionally and physically. I slept so much better even after my first treatment with Karen. She took the time to listen to my story and thoughtfully worked on my neck and arms which are now feeling so much better. She also did lymphatic work which I also had no idea would be so helpful. I was also taught how to lift and move differently and some gentle stretches which will help prevent me from re-injuring myself. I am planning on scheduling a monthly "tune up" with Karen for Bowenwork. Bowen, which I had never heard of, was a game changer in getting me out of pain, feeling calmer in general, and helping me sleep. If you ever need help with an injury, or just a better quality of life, I strongly recommend you see Karen for some Bowenwork.

Karen has been treating me for about three years and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She has a deep knowledge of the body and a keen insight as to how to bring it back into balance and full function. Her approach is gentle yet effective, so no painful, rote "exercises" here. I always come out of her sessions feeling amazing, any pain diminished or altogether gone, and extremely relaxed (she does a lot of parasympathetic nervous system work). Her holistic approach blends with her extensive training and credentials and culminates in a uniquely effective healer. And her use of essential oils creates such a beautiful experience, you'll think you've gone to a spa!

I had a very positive experience at Restore Rehab. Karen is very skilled, personable, and conscientious provider. Her work space is also very beautiful and serene. She effectively treated my neck and shoulder pain that I have struggled with for years. I have had relief of discomfort in that area and have been able to return to activities that I love. Karen is highly recommended!

I just had to write a review to sing the praises of Karen Sziel, the owner/practitioner at Restore Rehab. I was a patient of hers for 7 years when she lived in Seattle. There simply aren't the words to explain how wonderful, kind, caring, and knowledgeable she is in the field of Occupational Therapy. I have a severe case of a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. It causes me to sublux or dislocate well over 100 bones per day on a good day. Many occupational therapists I've seen in the past literally told me they didn't know where to start with me, as my case is so complex and overwhelming. But not Karen! She truly understands my condition, as well as how it impacts my body, and specifically how my muscles react to all the dislocations. Using a variety of techniques including Bowenwork, myofascial massage, kinesiotape and more, she helped me live a much better quality of life. She's an exceptionally qualified hand therapist, and was never overwhelmed even when I showed up in any number of casts and braces. By addressing my muscles, she reduced the number of muscle spasms I had a day, as well as impacting established muscle patterns to reduce dislocations and subluxations before they even happened. I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to change insurance, and was no longer able to see her. I've seen three OTs since then, and none can compare to her level of skill and compassion. Regardless of whether you are a "normal" person or a zebra, do yourself a favor and schedule an appointment with Karen. Your body will thank you.