3. Flexor Digitorum Profundus

Origin: Upper 3/4ths of the anterior and medial aspect of the ulna and adjacent interosseous membrane

Insertion: Palmar aspect of the base of digits 2-5 distal phalanx

Action: Flexes the fingers (specifically the distal interphalangeal joint

Innervation: Median nerve (C8/T1)

Flexor digitorum profundus.
Figure 11.6 Flexor digitorum profundus, by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Supine or sitting with arm supinated

Palpation: Palpate the anterior forearm and resist finger flexion

Technique: Needle perpendicular to this muscle using the ulna as a bony backdrop if needed

Caution: Low

Needling flexor digitorum profundus.
Figure 11.7 Needling flexor digitorum profundus, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.
Needling flexor digitorum profundus.
Figure 11.8 Needling flexor digitorum profundus, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 11.3 Needling flexor digitorum profundus, 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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