The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of connective tissue injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched .beta.-(1,3)(1,6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched .beta.-(1,3)(1,6) glucan and non-glucan components.