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QUESTIONNAIRE TO PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM PHYSICIANS
Team physicians from professional athletic teams were solicited for their experi-
ence with DMSO. Of the 39 who responded, only 7 had used the drug for such
conditions as inflammation of joints, sprains, swelling, tendonitis, bursitis, muscle
bruises and contusions, and gout. An additional five team physicians has seen the
drug used for the same conditions. Ten of the 12 physicians who had used or seen
the drug used, found DMSO effective in reducing inflammation, pain or other
arthritic symptoms. Most physicians who responded to the questionnaire believed
further study was warranted and necessary to determine its safety and efficacy
before DMSŎ should be legalized in the U.S. for treatment of arthritis and other
diseases in humans.
Following are comments from team physicians:
R. R., Highland Park, Ill.-"I was an early experimenter with DMSO and the only
side effect was the distasteful breath."
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R. C., Oregon City, Oreg.-"As I indicated in the responses in your enclosed
questionnaire, I feel that at least at this point in time, no ill effects have been
substantiated, at least with the topical use of DMSO, and I personally find it as
effective as most proprietary counter-irritants such as Ben Gay and this type of
readily available remedy. My principal concern about the dissemination of DMSO is
that if some of the things should happen nationally that are happening locally, I
think it would be cause for grave concern. I would like to specifically call your
attention to the fact that DMSO is being injected for treatment of a variety of
maladies, and I think that this is certainly premature and somewhat adventuresome
at this point in time. At any rate, I think that if DMSO is made generally available
to the public, it should be done so in a very regulated manner, and at this point in
time, limited to topical use only.'
D. A., Atlanta, Ga.-"If appropriate studies could be done to see if there is any
objective evidence of the efficacy of the drug, then (I) would favor selected use."
E. M., Baltimore, Md.-"Controlled studies by qualified approved investigators
have been and are being done. Would suggest you consult these people. FDA should
be able to guide you. If Congress doesn't trust or rely on the FDA, they should
improve the FDA.
E. V., Philadelphia, Pa.-"There is enough anecdotal information suggesting this
is a useful drug that I feel proper scientific studies should be carried out. I would
not use a drug until it has been so evaluated."
T. C., Houston, Tex.-"When used judiciously, this can be a very useful and
helpful drug for relieving both short and long term joint symptoms and pain."
