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Brachioradialis Muscle Pain

The brachioradialis is a muscle located in the front of the forearm. It contributes to elbow, forearm, and hand pain.

Contents of Article

    Where Is The Brachioradialis Muscle?

    Brachioradialis Muscle Showing Trigger Point Location

    The brachioradialis is located on the thumb side of the forearm. It connects the upper arm (humerus) to the lower arm (radius).

    What Movements Does It Control?

    • Bends the forearm at the elbow

     
    For detailed muscle anatomy: Brachioradialis Anatomy

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    What Pain and Symptoms Are Associated With The Brachioradialis Muscle?

    Brachioradialis Referred Pain Pattern
    • Pain in the back of the forearm near the elbow
    • Pain in the back of the hand at the base of the thumb extending into the web of the thumb and up toward the wrist
    • Pain is noticeably pronounced when you twist your hand
    • Numbness on the thumb side of the hand
    • Noticeable weakness in grip strength

    What Causes Trigger Points In the Brachioradialis?

    • Repetitive and forceful hand gripping
    • Tennis
    • Throwing a frisbee
    • Opening a jar
    • Using a hammer
    • Gardening
    • Writing for extended periods
    • Sewing by hand
    • Knitting

    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 I do not recommend this 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.

    Brachioradialis 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.

    Clinical diagnoses to which the brachioradialis muscle symptoms may contribute:

    • Lateral Epicondylitis
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
    • Tenosynovitis
    • C5 or C6 radiculopathy
    • Ganglion Cyst

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    Other muscles that should be considered and examined in conjunction with the brachioradialis:

    Satellite trigger points associated with the brachioradialis

    If you find trigger points in the brachioradialis you will want to check these muscles for additional trigger points.

    • Extensor carpi radialis longus
    • Extensor digitorum
    • Triceps Brachii
    • Supinator

    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. 

    Muscle That Contributes To These Conditions:

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    Muscles With Similar Pain Patterns

    Supinator Muscle
    Anconeus Muscle