2. Abductor Pollicis Brevis

Origin: Scaphoid and trapezium

Insertion: Base of the palmar proximal phalanx of the thumb

Action: Abducts the thumb

Innervation: Median nerve (C8/T1)

Intrinsic muscles of the hand superficial.
Figure 10.4 Abductor pollicis brevis, by CFCF, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Needling

Position: Various (sitting, supine)

Palpation: Palpate the thenar eminence and resist thumb abduction to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle perpendicular to this muscle using digit 1 metacarpal as a backdrop

Caution:Low

Needling abductor pollicis brevis.
Figure 10.5 Needling abductor pollicis brevis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 10.2 Needling abductor pollicis 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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