1. Extensor Pollicis Brevis

Origin: Posterior surface of the ulna, radius, and interosseous membrane

Insertion: Base of proximal phalanx of the thumb

Action: Extends the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint

Innervation: Posterior interosseous nerve (C7/C8)

Extensor pollicis brevis.
Figure 9.2 Extensor pollicis brevis, adapted by Engusz from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Various (sitting, supine, prone) but with arm pronated

Palpation: Palpate approximately the middle 1/3 of the dorsal aspect of the forearm – Isolate muscle by asking patent to extend thumb

Technique: Needle perpendicular between radius and ulna

Caution: Low

Needling extensor pollicis brevis.
Figure 9.3 Needling extensor pollicis brevis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 9.1 Needling extensor 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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