Muscles

Triceps brachii

Extends the elbow; long head extends the shoulder.

Referred pain map

Triceps brachii — four classic trigger points across the three heads: TrP1 (long head, upper posterior arm) refers up the back of the shoulder and down the back of the arm; TrP2 (medial head, distal posterior arm near the elbow) refers to the posterior elbow and dorsal forearm; TrP3 (lateral head) refers to the posterolateral upper arm; TrP4 (medial head near the medial epicondyle) refers focally to the medial elbow — a frequently overlooked cause of 'tennis elbow / golfer's elbow' pain and posterior shoulder pain that mimics rotator cuff pathology.

Overview

Extends the elbow; long head extends the shoulder. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Three heads across the posterior arm.

Referred pain pattern

Posterior shoulder, lateral epicondyle, and dorsal forearm — a hidden cause of 'tennis elbow' pain.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Push-ups, dips, sustained overhead writing, sleeping with arm overhead.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Cross-body stretch, scapular control. Clinically: needling each head.

Symptoms commonly linked

Triceps pain
Lateral elbow pain (tennis elbow)
Posterior shoulder pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction