Triceps Brachii
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.
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The Triceps Brachii is a muscle of the arm.
Anatomical Attachments:
- Origin: The long head attaches from the infraglenoid tuberosity of the scapula. The lateral head attaches from the posterior and lateral aspect of the humerus. The Medial head attaches from the lower posterior surface of the humerus.
- Insertion: Attaches to the superior posterior aspect of the olecranon process of the ulna.
Action: Extends the forearm; the long head assists in stabilizing the shoulder joint; and adduction and extension of the arm.
Synergist: Anconeus, Latissimus dorsi, Teres major and minor, Pectoralis major.
Antagonist: Biceps brachii.
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Nerve Supply: Radial Nerve (C6, C7, C8).
Nerve Entrapment: Impinges the radial nerve, resulting in a neuropathy over the back and the front of the forearm and into the fourth and fifth digits, similar to C8 nerve compression.
Vascular supply: Branch of profunda brachii artery.
Travell and Simons Trigger Point Pain Referral:
- Primary: There are five (5) trigger points in the Triceps brachii. TrP 1 – refers superiorly over the posterior arm to the back of the shoulder, to the base of the neck, and occasionally, to the dorsum of the forearm, missing the elbow. TrP 2 – refers to the lateral epicondyle, and may extend to the forearm. TrP 3 – refers to the arm posteriorly, sometimes including the dorsum of the forearm, to the 4th and 5th digits. TrP 4 – refers to the olecranon process. TrP 5 – refers to the medial epicondyle, occasionally to the volar surface of the 4th and 5th digits, and the bordering palm and middle finger.
- Satellite or associated triggers: Latissimus dorsi, Serratus Posterior Superior, Teres major and minor, supinator, Anconeus, Brachioradialis, Extensor carpi radialis longus.
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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Dull, nondescript pain is experienced in the posterior arm and shoulder. To protect or guard against discomfort, the individual has a tendency to keep their arm away from their body with their forearm slightly flexed. Forceful extension of the forearm can elicit deep posterior arm and shoulder pain. This frequently is demonstrated through the actions of snapping on a bottle cap, swinging a baseball bat, or, in the case of a chiropractor or an osteopath, in the performance of a manipulation.
Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Walking with crutches, short upper arms, strain of the muscle from sports, repetitive manual gear shifting or any repetitive activity performed without elbow support.
Differential Diagnosis: Tennis elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis), Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Olecranon bursitis, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Thoracic outlet syndrome, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C6 C7 or C8 radiculopathy, Charcot’s arthropathy, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.
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