Personalized exercise rehabilitation for individuals affected by cancer diagnosis
Personalized exercise rehabilitation for individuals affected by cancer diagnosis
At Phoenix Cancer Rehabilitation & Wellness our mission is to empower those affected by cancer to rise above the challenges of the diagnosis and regain their strength, mobility, and emotional resilience, enabling them to lead fuller lives during treatment and beyond.
Through compassionate support, expert guidance, and a strong referral network of client-centred rehabilitation specialists we strive to inspire a renewed sense of confidence, purpose, and transformation in every individual we serve.
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Monika Dylewski is an enthusiastic Registered Kinesiologist and York University alumni with over 20 years of experience in fitness training, injury rehabilitation and chronic disease management. For the past 12 years she specialized primarily in cancer exercise rehabilitation and is now considered an expert in this field. She combines her knowledge of oncology with musculoskeletal and functional assessment procedures and targeted exercise prescription to actively guide people through their cancer journey, improve their health and well-being while enriching their quality of life. Her uncanny ability to gauge their effort and physical ability makes it possible for them to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
While a therapeutically beneficial exercise program is always her goal, so is cultivating meaningful relationships with the people she works with. Monika wants her patients to feel safe, well-supported, and accomplished in their efforts. They always work collaboratively to reframe situations to improve their mindset and give them a greater sense of motivation and control.
In addition to founding Phoenix Cancer Rehabilitation & Wellness and joining forces with MSM Fitness and Rehabilitation to better serve her clients, Monika continues to offer her services as a Senior Exercise Leader with Wellspring Cancer Support Chinguacousy and Program Supervisor with Active Living For Life, a Kidney Foundation program for patients living with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Research shows that exercise can greatly improve physical function, mental health and quality of life, combat the effects of cancer treatment, and even prevent recurrence of some types of cancer. Exercise is an important part of a cancer treatment plan and cancer prevention.
If you are new to exercise, a properly designed program that meets your unique needs can help you get moving safely and make a positive change in how you feel.
This is a restorative fitness program for individuals directly affected by cancer diagnosis. Our goal is to guide, support and empower participants through structured physical activity and maximize survivorship through exercise. The program is meant to improve flexibility, strength, balance and cardiovascular endurance. It will help you physically prepare for the upcoming surgery or treatment and speed up the recovery.
New program participants undergo a thorough Initial Assessment conducted by an experienced cancer exercise rehabilitation specialist, who will design an individualized exercise plan that will focus on addressing the unique needs of the participant. Exercise routines are reviewed every 6 weeks to ensure continuous progress, exercise variety, and achievement of client’s goals. Sessions are fun, uplifting and taking place in a supportive environment, offering various degrees of challenge to accommodate members at any fitness level and stage of diagnosis.
Our exercise program is safe for individuals who are currently undergoing systemic treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy as well as other treatments such as radiation and hormone therapy, and may be experiencing side effects such as fatigue, muscle loss, joint and muscle pain, peripheral neuropathy, shortness of breath, anxiety and depression.
The program can be safely offered to individuals at all stages of diagnosis, including metastatic disease to the bones and brain, in which case we would ask for a signed physician consent form. Once the participant is cleared for exercise a specialized exercise plan is designed and delivered with a high degree of caution and supervision. Individual measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are frequently taken throughout the session to ensure everyone participating is doing so according to the recommended medical and safety guidelines.
The exercise classes are led in a small group (maximum 5 participants) or private setting in a fully equipped clinic gym space, which allows us to effectively monitor each session.
Conducting an Initial Assessment before beginning the exercise rehabilitation or prehabilitation program is essential to ensure participant safety, address individual needs, and design a tailored exercise plan.
It includes a comprehensive review of:
The information gathered during the assessment is used to develop a safe, individualized, and progressive exercise program, tailored to each participant’s current capacity, goals, and treatment history.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
Many individuals facing cancer find that maintaining physical activity can be challenging, particularly due to cancer-related fatigue, treatment side effects, or feelings of isolation. Our group-based exercise program is designed to address these challenges by providing a motivating and supportive environment where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences. With small class sizes of up to 5 participants, each session ensures personalized attention and guidance from our trained cancer rehab specialist.
The program is evidence-based and carefully tailored to meet the unique needs and abilities of each participant. Structured as a circuit, sessions alternate short intervals of cardiovascular activity with strength training, mobility and balance exercises . Our program is safe and suitable for individuals at all stages of cancer, including those preparing for treatment (Prehabilitation) as well as those actively undergoing therapy or in the recovery phase (Rehabilitation). By participating, individuals can enhance physical and mental health, build confidence in movement, and foster a sense of community, all within a supportive, professionally supervised environment.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
Our Breast Cancer Exercise Programs are carefully designed for individuals navigating or recovering from breast cancer treatment. These small group sessions provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment, allowing participants to work at their own pace under the guidance of a Cancer Exercise Specialist.
What you will gain:
Each session is designed to empower you, helping you regain control of your body, build resilience, and move forward with confidence throughout your recovery journey.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
Our Advanced Exercise Class is designed for individuals who have mostly completed cancer treatment, are medically cleared for moderate to vigorous exercise, and have a good baseline level of fitness.
This class provides a more challenging, higher-intensity fitness experience with complex movement patterns, while still respecting individual differences in recovery and ability. In this class participants will further improve their strength, build muscle endurance, balance, and confidence, all in a supportive and safe environment tailored to cancer thrivers and survivors!
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
A private kinesiology session is an excellent option for anyone looking to improve physical health, function, and overall well-being through targeted exercise and personalized goal-setting. Whether you are managing an injury, postural or movement dysfunction, chronic condition, or cancer diagnosis, these sessions provide a safe, individualized approach to rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. Each session is tailored to your fitness level, energy, medical history, and physical limitations. Guided by an experienced kinesiologist, you will receive expert support that understands the unique challenges of treatment and recovery.
The focus is on helping you feel stronger, more energized, and more confident in movement—at your own pace. Exercise intensity and focus areas are adjusted based on how you’re feeling each day. Every session is designed to motivate, support, and empower you every step of the way.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
Our Virtual Exercise Sessions delivered on Zoom platform are a perfect solution for people who are going through or recovering from cancer treatment and cannot join in person due to distance, transportation challenges, mobility issues, fatigue or severely compromised immune system.
After completing a Virtual Assessment your kinesiologist will prescribe a personalized, safe, and home-friendly exercise program, which will help you reach your goals, at a pace that works for you and without leaving the comfort of your home. Each exercise is verbally cued and visually guided to ensure proper movement execution and adapted to your physical limitations, environment and available equipment.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
These corrective classes are open to anyone interested in improving posture, enhancing mobility, and restoring balanced movement in a safe and supportive environment. The small group format allows for close supervision and individualized exercise modifications tailored to each participant’s needs, limitations, and movement capacity.
What to Expect:
All classes are led by a Registered Kinesiologist, providing professional guidance, individualized feedback, and reassurance that movements are performed safely and effectively.
(Please note, all fees are subject to HST.)
Massage therapists at MSM clinic have experience working with cancer patients and can make necessary adjustments to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Massage therapy can help treat post-surgical scars in order to reduce movement-limiting and painful restrictions. Gentle massage is effective in reducing radiation fibrosis (a thickening of soft tissues as a result of radiation treatments), which over time, can result in decreased range of motion and discomfort. A massage treatment focused on stimulating blood flow and nerves in the affected areas can help reduce unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy, such as muscle ache and tension, numbness/tingling in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Massage therapy is also an effective pain management and relaxation tool.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM), also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment, surgery, infection or illness blocks the lymphatic system (lymphedema). LDM is intended to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. Manual lymphatic drainage uses a very light pressure and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow and move it from a congested area to an area with well-working lymph vessels. Regular treatments can be very beneficial for long-term health, the benefits include:
Scar tissue refers to thick, fibrous tissues that take the place of more flexible healthy ones that have been damaged after an injury, surgery or invasive procedure. The internal scar tissue that develops after a surgery can become painful over time, and can restrict and impair movement. and function. Scar management therapy can be helpful after a surgery by:
Osteopathy is a patient-centred approach to health. Skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics guide the Osteopath to assess and restore balance within and between all the systems of the body; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial and visceral. Osteopaths incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to help restore musculoskeletal balance with the goal to remove restrictions to vascular, neural and biomechanical mechanisms and ultimately support the natural healing by promoting autoregulation. Specifically, osteopaths can support the immune system, circulation, lymphatics, nervous system, joints, tissues, organs, and other body functions and can be an effective treatment approach for cancer recovery.
Cancer treatments come with an array of life altering side effects, which in turn have a huge impact on quality of life. Physiotherapists specializing in cancer rehabilitation play a critical role in individual management of these side effects and therefore improving overall wellbeing of the patients. Physiotherapy in conjunction with an exercise prehabilitation program can be started at the time of diagnosis especially while awaiting surgical intervention or systemic treatment. Prehab will help improve mobility, muscle strength and function and help prepare the body physically for quicker recovery.
Physiotherapy should be always considered following the surgery (rehabilitation phase) because like with any surgical intervention there is a risk of pain, excessive scarring, swelling, restricted movement and reduced strength and endurance. Physiotherapy treatments post-surgery will entail individualized approach to scar tissue work, mobilization of restricted joints, management of swelling and improving function of the affected area.
Physiotherapists can help their patients manage the physiological aspect of treatment side effects by working on improving range of motion and joint mobility, soft tissue treatment, managing pain levels and educating on the positive effects of the therapy. Continuing physiotherapy after cancer treatment can help patients maintain their mobility, gradually and safely increase function and confidence.
In Ontario, several extended health insurance providers offer coverage for kinesiology services, though availability often depends on the specific plan and whether the services are performed by a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin). If your plan doesn't currently cover kinesiology, you can request its inclusion during your plan's renewal period. Here’s an overview of insurers known to include kinesiology in their extended health benefits:
If your insurance plan doesn't cover kinesiology services, you can still claim these expenses on your income tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes Registered Kinesiologists as authorized medical providers, allowing you to claim their services as medical expenses.
At MSM Fitness and Rehabilitation Clinic, we listen, observe, assess, and feel before we plan, communicate, and treat. We don’t stop there—we also guide you through your progress and improvements.
Our commitment to ongoing education, clinical knowledge, and experience allows us to provide the highest level of care for our patients.
Mississauga
JENNIFER BECK
Breast Cancer Physiotherapist
ADP Authorizer
With an exclusive focus on cancer rehabilitation since 2008, Jen has worked with hundreds of people thru the various stages of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. She has extensive experience working in a non-profit cancer centre, in private community care and instructing other health care professionals and students about the field of oncology rehab. She has completed numerous courses in cancer rehab, including lymphedema massage & care. She is also approved Authorizer for compression garments under Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). At the Health Centre, Jen is currently focussed on supporting women (and men who can also get BC) manage the side effects of breast cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and reconstruction. Incorporating education, exercise, and hands on manual treatments she can help with: range of motion and safe movement, scarring and soft tissue limitations, pain, muscle strength, postural alignment, axillary cording, seroma treatment, post radiation fibrosis, and post treatment swelling and lymphedema. Jen is passionate about helping those affected by breast cancer return safely and confidently to all of their roles and the activities they love.
Hamilton Area
RINA D'AMICO
Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Rina graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy. Her additional certifications include a Diploma of Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and a Fellowship with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT). Adding to her skillset, Rina also holds a certification in Integrated Dry Needling. She has over 20 years of experience and has worked with Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation for 5 years as a senior exercise leader. She takes great pride in providing care to individuals in the community. Her compassionate nature and commitment extend to support those who are living with cancer. Rina enjoys promoting health and wellness, helping her clients reach their fitness goals. She enjoys learning current trends within the scope of physiotherapy and cancer care, as well as designing exercise programs that are client-specific, challenging, yet fun.
Oakville
JOANNA MASCARENHAS
Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Combined Decongestive Therapist
Joanna is a Toronto based registered physiotherapist and combined decongestive therapist (CDT) who provides cancer care rehabilitation for all stages and cancer disease sites through education, exercise prescription, manual lymphatic drainage massage and compression therapy. Also provides lymphedema and lipedema management as well as lymphatic therapy for the general population for issues related to tissue congestion, swelling/edema, inflammation and to support general health and wellness.
A preventative care approach is employed using education and techniques to help prevent and/or manage many of the common side effects related to cancer and its treatment. The goal is to set you up for the best possible outcomes throughout your cancer journey and survivorship.
Lymphatic Therapy + Cancer Rehabilitation
Downtown Toronto
TAFFINA MARLEY
Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Combine Decongestive Therapist
Taffina has been a physiotherapist since 1998, receiving her degree from McMaster University. She started her career in orthopedics, completing extensive education and gainig experience with manual therapy and soft tissue/myofascial release techniques. Additionally, she is certified in acupuncture from the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program, and in Gunn IMS-dry needling from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. Over the last decade, she has successfully completed numerous oncology focused courses with an emphasis on rehabilitation following side effects of cancer treatments. In addition, she is a Combined Decongestive Therapist and an Assistive Devices Program Authorizer for compression garments. She has a strong desire to assist anyone going through cancer care and does so with empathy, care, and expertise.
Cancer rehabilitation - Movement Solutions
Waterdown
EMMA FOLLOWES
Registered Massage Therapist
Combined Decongestive Therapist
ADP Authorizer
Emma is an experienced therapist and certified yoga instructor who offers her services from a home-based clinic in Long Branch (South Etobicoke). She is a graduate of the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy and has completed all levels of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage training, qualifying her to treat individuals with lymphedema. As her practice has grown, so has her passion for working with people living with lymphedema—most commonly those who have developed the condition as a result of breast cancer treatment. This area is now the primary focus of her continuing education. Emma regularly attends lymphedema conferences, participates in a Toronto-based working group of lymphatic specialists, and completes ongoing education specific to cancer-related lymphedema.
In addition, Emma brings many years of experience as a yoga instructor, incorporating therapeutic movement and exercise tailored to each client’s individual needs. She is also an approved Authorizer for compression garments under Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
West Toronto
