1. Flexor Pollicis Brevis

Origin:

  • Superficial head: Trapezium and flexor retinaculum
  • Deep head: Trapezoid and capitate

Insertion: Proximal palmar phalanx of digit 1

Action: Flexes thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint

Innervation:

  • Superficial head: Median nerve (C8/T1)
  • Deep head: Ulnar nerve (C8/T1)
Intrinsic muscles of the hand superficial.
Figure 10.2 Flexor pollicis brevis, by CFCF, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Needling

Position: Various (sitting, supine)

Palpation: Palpate the thenar eminence and resist thumb flexion to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle perpendicular to this muscle using digit 1 metacarpal as a bony backdrop

Caution: Low

Needling flexor pollicis brevis.
Figure 10.3 Needling flexor pollicis brevis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 10.1 Needling flexor 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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