Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis

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 Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis is a superficial posterior muscle of the forearm.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
• Insertion: Attaches to the posterior surface of the base of 3rd metacarpal.

Action: Extends the wrist and hand, abducts the hand.

Nerve Supply: Radial nerve (C6, C7).

Nerve Entrapment: Entraps the radial nerve.

Vascular supply: Radial and radial recurrent artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the medial posterior aspect of the hand and the wrist.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Supinator, Brachioradialis and Triceps brachii.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Pain is the chief complaint. Grip strength is diminished. This weakness is exacerbated with the hand in ulnar deviation. Pain is exacerbated with forced supination or pronation, such as twisting a butterfly nut, screwdriver, or door knob.

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: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C6 C7 or C8 radiculopathy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Tenosynovitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Neurogenic Arthropathy(Charcot’s Joint), Sprain/Strain injury of the wrist, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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