Muscles
Triceps brachii
Extends the elbow; long head extends the shoulder.
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
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction