7. Biceps Brachii

Origin:

• Long head: supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula
• Short head: coracoid process

Insertion: Radial tuberosity and bicipital aponeurosis

Action:

• Flexes elbow
• Supinates the forearm
• Assists with shoulder flexion

Innervation: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5/6/7)

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Palpate on the anterior aspect of the upper arm and resist elbow flexion in full supination to isolate this muscle. Palpate the brachial artery to ensure you are anterior to it.

Technique: Pick up the biceps brachii in a pincher grip pulling the muscle away from the neurovascular structures and needle medial to lateral or lateral to medial into this muscle

Caution: Moderate – the brachial artery (along with the median nerve) will pass deep to this muscle along the medial aspect of the humerus – Ensure that you are needling transversely into this muscle and not directly towards the humerus – Avoid the brachial pulse