3. Opponens Pollicis

Origin: Flexor retinaculum, scaphoid tubercle, trapezium, and tendon of abductor pollicis longus

Insertion: Radial aspect of base of digit 1 proximal phalanx

Action: Opposes thumb with digit 5

Innervation: Median nerve (C8/T1)

Intrinsic muscles of the hand superficial.
Figure 10.6 Opponens pollicis, by CFCF, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Needling

Position: Various (sitting/supine)

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

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

Caution: Low

Figure 10.7 Needling opponens pollicis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 10.3 Needling opponens pollicis, 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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