Brachialis

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 Brachialis is a muscle of the arm.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the distal 2/3 to 1/2 of the anterior surface of the humerus.
• Insertion: Attaches to the coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna.

Action: Flexes the forearm.

Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous Nerve, Radial Nerve (C5, C6).

Nerve Entrapment: In conjunction with the brachioradialis, the brachialis can entrap the radial nerve resulting in a neuropathy experienced over the dorsum of the thumb.

Vascular supply: Radial Recurrent Artery, Brachial Artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the back of the carpometacarpal joint at the base and to the dorsal web of the thumb, and it may refer to the antecubital space cephalad towards the shoulder. Simons, Travell and Simon’s reference that through experimental injection of normal saline into the TrPs; the pain was referred from the elbow and over the radial aspect of the forearm.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Deltoid, Biceps brachii, Brachioradialis, Supinator, Adductor pollicis.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Tenderness, pain and soreness of the thumb, paresthesia of the thumb.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Mechanical overload of the forearm, flexion during heavy lifting or engaging in an activity where the forearm is flexed for a prolonged period of time.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C5 or C6 radiculopathy, Thoracic outlet syndrome, Bicipital tendinitis, Supraspinatus tendinitis, Subdeltoid bursitis, Diabetic neuropathy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Bone Fracture, Sprain/Strain injury, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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