4. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

Origin:

  • Humeroulnar head: Medial epicondyle of the humerus and coronoid process of ulna
  • Radial head: Proximal half of the anterior radius

Insertion: Sides of the middle phalanges of D2-5

Action: Flexes the fingers (specifically the proximal interphalangeal joint

Innervation: Median nerve (C7/8/T1)

Flexor digitorum superficialis.
Figure 11.9 Flexor digitorum superficialis, adapted by Mikael Häggström from the original image 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 superficialis.
Figure 11.10 Needling flexor digitorum superficialis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 11.4 Needling flexor digitorum superficialis, 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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