The discovered potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has culminated in the launch of MESCAMS (MEsenchymal Stem cell therapy for CAnadian MS patients), a phase II clinical trial that is funded in part by the MS Scientific Research Foundation, Research Manitoba and A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. Spearheaded by Dr. Mark Freedman (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa), principal investigator (PI) at the Ottawa site and Dr. James Marriott (University of Manitoba), PI at the Manitoba site, MESCAMS is part of an international mesenchymal stem cell research effort encompassing nine The aim of this study is to determine if treatment with autologous (originating from the same person receiving treatment) MSC in people with MS is safe, can reduce harmful inflammation in the brain, and possibly contribute to repair of the central The MESCAMS study is the first Canadian clinical trial evaluating
the safety and efficacy of MSC as a treatment for multipleThis marks an important step forward in MS research and treatment, as early experiments with stem cell therapies haveOne major factor which distinguishes this study from the previously conducted Canadian bone marrow transplantation (BMT) trial is that participants are not subjected to intensive chemotherapy, which is required prior to BMT to effectively eliminate the MSC therapy, on the other hand, works by subduing the harmful immune cells that drive MS, and so the researchers anticipate that the procedure will carry a lower risk to participants, since no chemotherapy is required and the MSC have the potential of controlling inflammation in the absence of other MS medications. As well, the study design uses autologous MSC, in which each participant receives their own stem cells, thus diminishing the risk of the participant’s immune system rejecting the cells.
The MEsenchymal Stem cell therapy for CAnadian MS patients (MESCAMS) clinical trial is currently in recruitment phase. Ottawa site has enrolled patients and initiated treatment, and the Winnipeg site is in the process of screening and enrollingFor further information and for any questions, please review the MESCAMS FAQ below and ResearchPortal. The results of the MESCAMS trial will be pooled with data emerging from the concurrent international MSC trial, culminating in a rich body of information that could not otherwise be attained by individual research centres alone. contribution to the trial is poised to make Canada a leader in researching MSC therapy in MS, largely owing to the seasoned expertise of the lead investigators and other collaborators, as well as substantial investment into state-of-the-art stem cell facilities built in compliance with stringent governmentUltimately, the hope is that the findings from the
MESCAMS study will build on results seen in pioneering MSC studies and help lead to treatment options for people with MS.The clinic’s practitioners see patients with a wide range of from pregnancy and pediatric care, women’s health issues, men’s health issues, stress management, nutrition, and optimal sports performance. Our team of male and female practitioners uses a wide variety of gentle chiropractic adjusting techniques, massage therapy, physiotherapy, naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. Treatments may include one or more of the following modalities: Gentle Chiropractic care including several options for adjusting techniques Activator, Thompson Drop Technique, Diversified, Gonstead, Palmer Upper Cervical Specific, Performance for Life assessment. The Activator Method is an instrument-assisted treatment method used by some chiropractors to relieve back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Prenatal Chiropractic care During pregnancy, a woman’s body adapts with the weight of her baby.
As the fetus develops, the pelvis spreads and the ligaments loosen. The low back curves to compensate for the extra abdominal load while the midback curves with the weight of the breasts. Chiropractic care is very important during this time. It helps to ensure full nerve function to both mother and baby. Cranial Adjusting Turner Style (CATS) Developed by Dr. Roger Turner, CATS is a specific chiropractic technique to locate and correct misalignment of the bones of the skull that may have resulted from falls, accidents, blows to the head and difficult births. These cranial subluxations can be the cause of a number of symptoms including, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, blurred vision, ringing in the ear, altered coordination, speech difficulties and more. CATS treatments progressively realigns the skull, thereby improved function and healing and eliminating these symptoms Custom-fit orthotics / Custom orthotic therapy Your feet have direct impact on the rest of your body and support you with each step.
Orthotics and proper shoe fit are very important aspects of foot health. A non invasive therapy, with no known adverse effects, cold laser uses specific wavelengths of light, placed in direct contact with the skin, to penetrate tissues and enhance normal cell function. This interaction has been clinically shown to accelerate healing, eliminate pain, improve mobility and decrease inflammation. A highly effective treatment for conditions such as: Arthritis, Sports injuries, Chronic and Degenerative conditions, Wounds, Musculoskeletal problems. This form of laser therapy has no cytogenic effects and does not heat or cut tissue, unlike high intensity lasers. It treats the underlying condition or pathology to promote healing, natuarally. Our Massage Therapists are trained in Swedish massage, sports massage techniques, pediatric and infant massage therapy, prenatal and postnatal massage and more. A few of our therapists specialize in the following extensions of this modality:
Active Release Technique (ART) ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels tolymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch or about 4 kPa) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow. Reiki a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture is a blend of Eastern and Western acupuncture philosophies resulting in a treatment that allows a release of the stressors of everyday life.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy for men, women and children with any acute or chronic condition including sprains or strains, low back or neck pain, hypermobility, migraines, TMJ issues, vertigo, concussion or vestibular rehabilitation and more. Infants are also seen to help with torticollis, brachial plexus injuries, palgiocephaly and other musculoskeletal concerns. Women’s Health Physiotherapy for women at any stage in their life, including pregnancy and post-natal issues including blocked milk ducts, tailbone or pubic bone pain, back and rib pain, diastasis recti or poor core control, returning to activity post-partum, and more. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for men and women with urinary or fecal frequency, urgency, &/or incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, tailbone pain, pain with intercourse, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, painful menses, ano-rectal dysfunction, chronic constipation and more. Naturopathic Medicine Women’s and Men’s health, common cold, seasonal allergies, hormone, stress, and nutritional issues;
Pre and post natal; therapies including craniosacral therapy and acupuncture treatments Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain in arthritis and headaches, but it is also very beneficial for treating fertility and hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, anxiety and depression. As of proclamation of the Naturopathy Act, 2007 on July 1st, 2015, Naturopathic Doctors have access to order blood tests through Ontario Laboratories. This includes 194 lab tests on blood, stool, urine, saliva, hair, tissue/discharge and breath, as well as perform 16 tests in their office: Tests are still not covered by OHIP, although there is a subset of public health tests that N.D.’s may be able to order free of charge for patients in the near future. Holistic Nutrition assesses the whole person, body, mind and spirit while giving an individualized approach to each client. The primary function of a Nutritionist is to educate clients of benefits of eating whole, live, good quality foods.