2. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the humerus and posterior aspect of the ulna

Insertion: Base of the 5th metacarpal

Action:

  • Wrist extension
  • Ulnar deviation or wrist

Innervation: Posterior interosseous nerve (C7/C8) – a branch off the radial nerve

Extensor carpi ulnaris.
Figure 7.4 Extensor carpi ulnaris, adapted by Mikael Häggström from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Various (prone, supine, sitting) with arm pronated to make extensor carpi ulnaris easier to access

Palpation: Dorsal ulnar border of wrist – Resist wrist extension and ulnar deviation to isolate the muscle

Technique: Perpendicular directly towards posterior border of ulna

Caution: Low

Needling of extensor carpi ulnaris.
Figure 7.5 Needling of extensor carpi ulnaris, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 7.2 Needling flexor carpi ulnaris, 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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