Brachioradialis

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 Brachioradialis is a superficial posterior muscle of the forearm.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the lateral supracondylar ridge at the distal end of the humerus.
• Insertion: Attaches to the styloid process of the radius.

Action: Flexes the forearm.

Synergist: 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.

Antagonist: Pronator teres, Flexor carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Flexor carpi ulnaris, Flexor digitorum superficialis, Flexor digitorum profundus, Flexor pollicis longus, pronator quadratus.

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Nerve Supply: Radial Nerve (C5, C6).

Vascular supply: Radial recurrent artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the wrist, the web of the thumb and the thumb; additionally it can refer to the lateral epicondyle.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Supinator, Extensor carpi radialis longus, Triceps brachii, and Extensor digitorum.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is an expressed weakness in grip strength especially when the hand is either in flexion or extension. The pain is initially noted at the epicondyle thus making it easy to misdiagnose as epicondylitis “tennis elbow” or tenosynovitis, the pain is exacerbated with forceful supination or pronation of the hand. If the cause of pain is triggers in the brachioradialis, they will be relatively unresponsive to anti-inflammatory medication. If the primary cause is inflammation, there should be a favorable response to rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Repetitive forceful hand gripping, e.g. gardening, using hammers, writing for long periods, sewing by hand or knitting.

Differential Diagnosis: Epicondylitis, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C5 or C6 radiculopathy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tenosynovitis (De Quervain’s Disease), Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Neurogenic Arthropathy (Charcot’s Joint), Sprain/Strain of the elbow wrist or thumb, Bone fracture, Bone cancer, Ganglion Cyst, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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