Testimonials
BackinMotion works to ensure that athletes of all levels have the highest quality of care both preventative and post recovery from the demands of their sport.
Colleen Carney, principal therapist and owner, has managed the soft tissue wellness of some of the best competitive athletes in sport. Here is what her work has meant to them.
” CSA Men’s Individual Champion
I met Colleen during my first season with Harvard Squash and I have used her services and benefited from her talented hands (and elbows!) during my entire college career. She is very knowledgeable, skillful and enjoyable to work with and I highly recommend Colleen to anyone looking for both one-time and/or regular treatment.”
– Victor Crouin
“Sam Scherl Harvard Men’s Squash Captain 2021 and 2022 with Colleen of Back in Motion – At CSA Individuals. Philadelphia, PA
Sam Scherl: Captain 2021 and 2022 – First-Team All-American 2022 – First-Team All-Ivy League 2020, 2022 (Unanimous Selection). – Second-Team All-American 2019, 2020 Undefeated Seasons 2019, 2020, and 2022 Most wins of any player in Harvard Men’s Squash History.
“Throughout my time at Harvard, Colleen has been absolutely critical in keeping the team healthy and preventing injuries before they become serious. Colleen’s knowledge of the body and how to treat muscles is second to none, and we value her opinion just as highly as we do the training staff at Harvard. As captain of the team, sessions with Colleen were regularly mandated before and after tough matches to allow us to recover as quickly as possible. Colleen is our secret weapon to performing at the highest levels, contributing to the fact that no one on the team has had a major muscular injury over my tenure.”
— Harvard Men’s Squash – Captain Sam Scherl 2021-2022
“24-7 overall in singles play (15-3 dual, 4-2 Ivy, 9-4 Fall) 23-13 overall in doubles play (12-10 Dual, 4-1 Ivy, 8-2 Fall) Received the ITA Most Improved Senior Award Named to the All-Ivy Second Team in singles and doubles Named ITA Scholar-Athlete Highest rank No.n24 in singles Highest rank No.11 in doubles (Shi/Milavksy).
“Colleen has been an incredibly crucial part of my collegiate tennis career. She is by far the best sports massage therapist I have ever worked with. Whether I came in with hip pain or shoulder discomfort, her vast knowledge always left me in better shape. I highly recommend her to anyone who’s in need of a sports massage. Thanks for everything these past few years Colleen! – Best, Brian”
— Brian Shi – Harvard Men’s Tennis – Senior | 2021-22
“Colleen in the most skilled massage therapist I have ever worked with… I highly recommend her to anyone from the weekend warrior to the highly trained elite athlete. I will be relying on Colleen to help me get to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”
— Alex Meyer, 2012 US Olympic open water swimmer
“I had the pleasure to work with Colleen for three consecutive seasons (2011-2014). She helped me immensely throughout my college career. I do not think I would have made an entire season without her. Her work is just of the very highest quality. She is eminently qualified to execute massage assignments of various kinds due to her outstanding experience. She is a rare talent and so to be massaged by her was a great privilege. Knowing Colleen and her dedication for her work, it is without hesitation that I recommend her to anyone who wants to loosen up any type of muscle!”
— Ali Farag, Harvard Squash Captain, 2014
“Colleen has been instrumental to the success of the squash program here at Harvard. Colleen understands which parts of the body are worked in squash, and uses here experience to work on these areas that are vulnerable to injury. She’s effective and extremely good at what she does, and it is hard to describe in words how much she contributed towards our match preparation and match recovery! Thank you Colleen!”
— Nigel Koh, Harvard Squash Team, 2014
“My experience with Colleen’s work was very positive in a number of different ways. First and foremost, she knows how to handle top level collegiate athletes and give them the sport and therapeutic massage they need. She understands how to prepare the athlete for competition, but probably more importantly can provide the expertise in recovery in a single or multiple day event. Her ability to communicate to both the coach and athlete is trusted and appropriate. I highly recommend Colleen’s work and believe you will find her a pleasure to work with. Her expertise, professionalism, and personality are all excellent.
—Tim Murphy, Head Swimming Coach, Penn State, Former Head Men’s Swimming Coach, Harvard University, and 2012 US Olympic Open Water Swim Coach
“Colleen’s massage is just perfect. She helps a lot with the recovery in between matches, which is very important for any professional athlete in different kind of sports. She has helped me a lot during TOC for my recovery in between matches, and I hope she will be able to be with us again especially at the big tournaments where we need her the most. Bought the Recovery Pump from Colleen after the TOC. Highly recommend it!”
—Mohamed El Shorbagy, Professional Squash Player
“Colleen’s massage is great, and her list of impressive clients in all sports tells the story of her ability. She really helps you recover between tough matches. And watch out for her elbows on those IT bands! [I] enjoyed using the Recovery Boots as well.”
—Nick Matthew, Pro Squash Player
“Colleen [provided] the physiotherapy during the 2013 Tournament of Champions, and her work helped me a lot, even before the tournament started. I did quite a bit of traveling, and my body was quite tired and stiff. Her treatments everyday made my body feel much better and helped to prevent injuries as our sport is really intensified at a high level. Her services made a big difference. Hopefully she will be back at future tournaments to help all of us out.”
—Greg Gaultier, Professional Squash Player
“Colleen has been an integral part of the Harvard Varsity Squash program over the last 2 years, helping our players compete in their best physical condition for each match. Colleen is unique in the field of massage therapy—a real talent with a deep background in sport specific treatment for a variety of different sports. Colleen has an innate ability to identify causes of pain and immediately begin treatment on those affected areas to moderate symptoms and improve performance. Anytime spent with Colleen is well worth your while, and you will leave ready to compete at the highest level.
—Jason Michas, Harvard Squash Team Captain, 2013
“Colleen was an integral part of the Harvard Women’s Squash team’s success in our 2013 National Championship-winning season. She treated each player’s specific needs so that we were in the best physical shape to compete in strenuous back-to-back matches. Colleen’s treatments not only alleviated chronic pain, but also prevented future injury. The Recovery Boots also proved to be a valuable resource. Colleen clearly understands the needs of a competitive athlete, and I highly recommend her expertise to anyone who pushes their body to the limit—whether in the competitive arena or recreationally.
—Natasha Kingshott, Harvard Squash Team, 2013
“Colleen is an absolute wonder. As one of the more injury prone players on the Harvard Women’s Squash Team, [I found] Colleen essential in loosening up my back and treating any other injuries that popped up. Her humor and quick wit made every session, however painful, more enjoyable. She’s simply a gem.”
—Laura Gemmell, Harvard Squash Team, 2013
“I had the pleasure of working with Colleen during the 2012-2013 swimming season while serving as captain of the Harvard swimming & diving team. Having swum competitively for 17 years, I got to work with several sports massage therapists, but Colleen’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled. Colleen made a big difference in my performance, especially during grueling championship meets where I competed morning and evening for three days in a row and had no room for error. She knows what athletes need to rehabilitate and recover so that they can perform at their best. I highly recommend Colleen to any athlete who is trying to gain a competitive edge, no matter the sport or ability level.”
—Gregory Roop, Harvard Swimming & Diving, 2013
“I’ve had shoulder problems for years, but after a thirty minute massage, I was nearly pain free and had a personal best performance at the last meet of my career (2013). I am grateful to have had Colleen as a massage therapist.”
—Michael Stanton, Harvard Swimming & Diving, 2013
“I worked with Colleen throughout the 2012-2013 Harvard Men’s Varsity Swimming and Diving season. From my experience with her, I can assert with confidence that Colleen is an excellent professional. She is competent and knowledgeable about the world of physical therapy and aptly tailored her work to the needs of each individual team member. More importantly, she consistently conducts herself with class and integrity. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I recommend her with enthusiasm.”
—Owen Wurzbacher, Harvard Swimming & Diving, 2013
“I met Colleen at the Tournament of Champions 2013. When I arrived at the event, I was suffering from significant muscular issues; I truly didn’t feel I could play. I immediately went to see Colleen, and she worked aggressively and effectively to elevate my muscle tightness. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have played. Thank you, Colleen!”
—Heba El Torky, Professional Squash Player
“Colleen is a fantastic sports massage therapist. When I was home from traveling on the tennis tour, Colleen was the first person I called to help me recover from training workouts. She is extremely knowledgeable, and someone you want around to help you perform your best.”
—Siobhan Finicane, Former Pro Tennis Player
“Thank you, Colleen, for treating me during the Tournament of Champions in 2013. I really liked the RecoveryPump boots. My legs felt really fresh, and I was fully recovered after just one session! With the continuation of your treatment using your elbow, my stiffness and pains melted away.”
—Ong Beng Hee, Professional Squash Player
—Hisham Ashour, Professional Squash Athlete and Coach
“I have had lower back pain for a while and after getting ONE treatment, I just felt amazing. Prior to my treatment with Colleen, I felt my issue was getting really serious. Now my back feels amazing. After ten days, I was back for a tune up, and I know it kept me going for at least two more weeks if not more.”
Reviews
EXCELLENT23 reviews on
Joan McCabe2021-04-08I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Colleen! Having just had 2 knee replacements and a difficult recovery, she has been so helpful with muscle spasms, tightness, flexibility, and pain relief. She is professional, friendly, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND her! My massage therapy with her has made a huge difference in my healing and well-being. Do yourself a favor, and contact Colleen Carney, to get you Back in Motion!
Emily Woodworth2020-03-23Colleen is by far and away the best massage therapist I have ever worked with. Her vast knowledge of the body and massage therapy skills have kept me healthy throughout my high school and collegiate athletic career. I am eternally grateful to her!
Kenny Small Jr.2020-01-22Colleen has such an amazing touch with the human body and does such a great job of working on areas of soreness and stiffness. Her intellect in the field not only helped me with a better understanding of my body but also helped me with ways I can prevent and withstand injury. I am always super relaxed and pleased after a massage session with her. If she can’t help you she will always recommend you to someone in the field to better your progress.
Daniel Cosio2020-01-21I've seen Colleen in the past and had great result. My recent issue have been nerve pain that was pretty bad. Colleen had to do some heavy work to start unlocking the knotted muscles. The first two session were pretty tough but I was getting the relief I was hoping for. I'm continuing to see her to get workout the issue.. I would recommend Colleen to everyone
Paige Peabody2019-12-23Colleen is a special find. Her knowledge of the body and trigger points for pain is exceptional. I have trusted her for years with chronic pain in my back and neck. Besides that she is funny and kind! A gem of a person
Christina Brownell2019-12-21Back in Motion quite literally gets me back in motion! Any and all sports injuries I've incurred always involve getting some form of massage with Colleen. She is fantastic at sports massage and I have referred many of my athletes and friends to her. No one has been disappointed! If you are looking for someone to get you back on court or help you stay on court, Colleen ought to be in your game plan.
Thomas Gold2019-12-20I have been seeing Colleen for a variety of aches and pains, larger or smaller, over many years. Not only has she always provided me with much needed relief, she has never sought to over-treat me or suggest more visits than were truly needed to address a concern. Colleen is caring and engaged, as demonstrated during our sessions and in follow up communication from her, and has provided many helpful suggestions regarding matters related to my well being. Her A List clientele only confirms the excellence of her skill, manner and approach. Most highly recommended, provided your appointment does not interfere with mine! :)
Amanda Sobhy2019-10-02Colleen is by far the best massage therapist I've ever worked with- and I've seen a lot. Her knowledge of the body is unreal and she is able to get rid of any issues/soreness that I have. Once you have a session with Colleen you have no desire to see any other massage therapist.
Michael Fiori2019-09-12Colleen has huge experience working with neuro-muscular and musculo-skeletal problems. She's curious about figuring out what the problem is, and asks the right questions--then she's able to get deeply into the cracks and crevices of your pain--she's an experienced healer. Dr. Michael Fiori
Michael Gattis2019-06-19Colleen is the absolute best! Playing tennis tournaments can take a tremendous toll on a body. Colleen's amazing talent has me up and on the court again in no time. I'm not sure if it's skill or magic, but what she does, to fix the body, can't be done by anyone else.
