Abstract: One aspect of the present application relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a sulfated glycosaminoglycan having an average molecular weight ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 Daltons, a skin penetrating agent, where the skin penetrating agent promotes transdermal penetration of the sulfated glycosaminoglycan when applied to intact skin surfaces, and a pharmaceutical carrier for topical application, where the pharmaceutical carrier is mixed with the sulfated glycosaminoglycan and the skin penetrating agent. This composition is useful in carrying out a method of treating a subject for pain, joint stiffness, soft tissue injury, connective tissue disorders, and/or muscle soreness.

Abstract: Surfaces of a structure are treated from a walkway within an enclosure suspended from the structure. The enclosure has a downwardly-converging cross section terminating in a vacuum conveyor for collecting and removing particles accumulating from the blasting process. The enclosure is preferably provided in modules. The vacuum conveyor removes the particulate material for transfer to conventional separating and re-cycling equipment. the enclosure and walkway are moveably suspended from transverse guideways secured to the structure.