Can DMSO help soft tissue injuries?

Could DMSO be useful and effective in helping to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries? It is definitely an alternative strategy that you may want to investigate. It has been extremely effective for my rotator cuff issues and keeps me “banging” away on the pickleball court. Yes, I am still trying to master the softer side of the game. Ha! 

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treats soft tissue injuries primarily by acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic agent that rapidly penetrates skin to reduce swelling and pain. It acts as a free radical scavenger to halt tissue damage, accelerates healing by boosting fibroblast proliferation, and reduces edema.

Key Mechanisms of Action on Soft Tissue:

Rapid Membrane Penetration: DMSO acts as a solvent that easily passes through biological membranes, often carrying other therapeutic agents with it.

Anti-inflammatory & Edema Reduction: It acts as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) by reducing swelling and inflammation in strained muscles and soft tissues.

Free Radical Scavenging: DMSO binds with hydroxide (OH) and other harmful free radicals—byproducts of inflammation—preventing them from damaging healthy cells and halting the inflammatory cascade.

Accelerated Healing: It boosts fibroblast proliferation and increases collagen turnover, which aids in healing wound sites.

Analgesic Effects: It acts as a pain reliever, often used in cases of tendon injuries (tendinopathy) to improve mobility.

Common Applications:

Topical Application: Often applied as a gel or cream, such as the DMSO Roll On 70/30 Aloe or similar preparations available on Amazon, to reduce swelling in ligaments and tendons.

Usage Considerations: While it can reduce pain and inflammation, it can cause skin irritation and a distinct garlic-like taste or odor.

Disclaimer: While used in some clinical settings and in sports medicine, its use for muscle injuries is largely off-label in human medicine, and caution should be taken.

Here’s a little scientific evidence for you on the effects of DMSO…

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7312275/

If pain, swelling, or a soft tissue injury is slowing you down, don’t wait to get the right guidance. At OrthoWell Physical Therapy, we help you recover safely with proven treatment options and personalized care.

Book your appointment today and take the first step toward faster healing, pain relief, and better movement.