The Brachialis Muscle
The brachialis is a muscle that connects the upper arm to the lower arm. Trigger points in the brachialis contribute to pain in the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand, and thumb.

Where Is The Brachialis Muscle?
The brachialis connects the upper and lower arm. It attaches approximately halfway down the upper arm bone (humerus), crosses the elbow, and connects to the small lower arm bone (ulna).
What Movements Does It Control?
- Bends the elbow
For detailed muscle anatomy: Brachialis Muscle Anatomy
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What Pain and Symptoms Are Associated With The Brachialis Muscle?

- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Constant aching and/or tightness in the outside of the upper arm near the elbow
- Numbness or tingling in the forearm and thumb
- Difficulty straightening the elbow
What Causes Trigger Points In the Brachialis?
- Lifting heavy objects with a bent elbow
- Picking up children
- Holding up heavy tools
- Working at the computer
- Chin ups
- Playing the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone
TWD Recommends
The BandIT Forearm Band is worn by many professional athletes to prevent and relieve muscle pain caused by repetitive motions of the elbow and wrist. The BandIT uses selective pressure on the forearm muscles without cutting off circulation, limiting the range of motion or causing swelling around the band. Though not recommend as a long-term treatment or for long-term wear, the BandIT can help relieve pain for athletes to help get through a game or for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome that wants pain relief while typing to make a deadline. Read and follow the enclosed instructions for temporary relief from forearm, wrist, hand, and finger pain...
Brachialis Trigger Point Treatment
Trigger points in the brachialis can be self-treated with a massage ball. TWD highly recommends The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook to learn how to find the trigger points and how to use the massage ball to treat the pain. The workbook has instructions and diagrams that will teach you how to treat trigger point muscle pain throughout the body.
Many massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors have trained in trigger point therapy. They can show you how to locate and treat specific TrPs that are contributing to your pain pattern.
Brachialis trigger points need several 1-2 minute treatments spread throughout the day for an optimal outcome.
Sombra Warm Therapy Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint over-use and stiffness, and arthritis. If you have reoccurring muscle cramps or pain, you should keep Somba on hand; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)
Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel is an excellent pain-relieving gel recommend for those who have sudden onset muscle pain or recent injuries. It is better to use than warm therapy gels and creams for muscle pain caused by inflammation as it cools the area much like ice. If your pain is from a recent injury, use Biofreeze. It is excellent to use on sprains, strained and sore muscles, and joints.
The Nordic Lifting Elbow Support Sleeves provides excellent support but also because it is comfortable to wear. The sleeves do not bind or limit mobility, and they stay in place. The sleeves are available in 4 sizes. If you deal with elbow pain or need some extra support for tennis, golf, or other activities, this sleeve is what you need.
Interesting facts about the brachialis muscle
- The brachialis is known as the workhorse of the elbow.
Clinical diagnoses to which the brachialis muscle symptoms may contribute:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- C5 C6 radiculopathy
- Bicipital tendinitis
- Supraspinatus tendinitis
- Subdeltoid bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Other muscles that should be considered and examined in conjunction with the brachialis
Satellite trigger points associated with the muscle:
If you find trigger points in the brachialis you will want to check these muscles for additional trigger points.
- Brachioradialis
- Biceps Brachii
- Deltoid
- Supinator
- Adductor Pollicis
TWD Recommends
Freeze Sleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve is recommended by medical professionals to treat injury and over-use soreness. The sleeve provides total circumference cold therapy and compression that other cold treatments do not offer. The sleeve slides on and features material that can be worn on bare skin, allowing you to be mobile during treatment.
Muscles That Contribute To These Conditions:
ARM PAIN | BICIPITAL TENDONITIS | CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME | ELBOW PAIN | HAND PAIN | SUBDELTOID BURSITIS | SUPRASPINATUS TENDINITIS | THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME | THUMB PAIN