Muscles
Supinator
Supinates the forearm; primary mover when the elbow is extended.
Overview
Supinates the forearm; primary mover when the elbow is extended. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Around the proximal radius, deep to the brachioradialis.
Referred pain pattern
Lateral elbow and the dorsum of the thumb — a frequent driver of stubborn 'tennis elbow'.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Repeated supination (screwdriver, racquet sports).
Self-care & clinical treatment
Eccentric supination work, grip retraining. Clinically: needling is often immediately decisive.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction