6. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the humerus

Insertion: Base of the 3rd metacarpal

Action:

  • Extends the wrist
  • Radially deviates the wrist

Innervation: Deep branch of the radial nerve (C7/8)

Muscles that move the forearm.
Figure 9.13 Extensor carpi radialis brevis, adapted from the original image Figure 11.25: Muscles that move the forearm, in “Anatomy and Physiology” by OpenStax, CC BY 4.0.

Needling

Position: Various (supine, prone, sitting)

Palpation: Isolate muscle by resisting wrist extension and radial deviation

Technique: Directly perpendicular to this muscle

Caution: Low

Needling extensor carpi radialis brevis.
Figure 9.14 Needling extensor carpi radialis brevis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 9.6 Needling extensor carpi radialis brevis, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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