DMSO helps to reduce the swelling, which is a result of inflammation of tissues and cartilages that have been injured. It go directly in to the blood stream, making it an effective transdermal. https://dmso.com.au/

DMSO has the unusual ability to depress the freezing point of water dramatically, while maintaining viability with many cell and tissue types. It is a sulfur-containing organic compound that is derived from MSM, and can be used internally or externally. 

DMSO is a potent antioxidant, scavenging the highly reactive molecules that contribute to disease and aging, known as free radicals. It  is used as a topical analgesic to block pain signals.