Flexor Pollicis Longus

Pointer Plus The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

The Flexor Pollicis Longus is a deep muscle of the anterior forearm.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the anterior surface of the radius and the interosseus membrane.
• Insertion: Attaches to the distal phalanx of the thumb on the palmar surface.

Action: Flexes the distal phalanx of the thumb.

Synergist: Pronator teres, Flexor carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Flexor carpi ulnaris, Flexor digitorum superficialis, Flexor digitorum profundus, Pronator quadratus.

Antagonist: Brachioradialis, Supinator, Extensor Carpi radialis brevis and longus, Abductor pollicis longus, Extensor pollicis brevis and longus, Extensor digitorum, Extensor digiti minimi, Extensor carpi ulnaris, Extensor indicis.

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Nerve Supply: Volar Interosseus of the Median Nerve (C8, T1).

Nerve Entrapment: Entraps the ulnar nerve.

Vascular supply: Volar interosseus of the ulnar artery.

• Primary: The pain refers through the volar tip of the thumb.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is difficulty with refined motor skills such as using a pincer motion with the thumb to grasp objects, braiding hair, buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces, or grasping cups or silverware.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Sustained pincer gripping, writing for long periods of time. The persistent counting of money as would be required of a bank teller or cashier, may cause a condition that Travell and Simons refer to as “weeder’s thumb”, which is the result of persistently using pincer force between the thumb and pointer finger in pulling a weed. Some therapist, chiropractors, and physicians use pincer compression frequently to palpate and treat trigger points, therefore spasticity and trigger point formation in this muscle may be frequently observed within these professions as well.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C8 or T1 Radiculopathy, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Thumb fracture, Sprain/strain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Frostbite, Diabetic neuropathy, Paronychia (Ingrown thumbnail), Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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