2. Lumbricals
Origin: The tendons of flexor digitorum profundus
Insertion: Extensor expansion near the metacarpophalangeal joint
Action: Flexion of the metacarpophalangeal and extension of the interphalangeal joints
Innervation:
- First two lumbricals – Median nerve (C8/T1)
- Third and fourth lumbricals – Ulnar nerve (C8/T1)
Needling
Position: Various (supine/prone or sitting) with arm supinated
Palpation: Palpate between the metacarpals
Technique: Needle between the metacarpals approximately ½-1 cun deep
Caution: Low – interdigital nerves are vulnerable when needling these muscles
Video 11.2 Needling lumbricals, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.
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