The Palmaris longus muscle is a wrist flexor and takes its origin from the common flexor origin from the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle. In most practical ways, the wrist flexors tend to act together as a group of muscles. The insertion is into the superficial (front) surface of flexor retinaculum and apex of palmar aponeurosis. Trigger points in the Palmaris longus tend to present with pain and “soreness” into the palm of hand, tenderness in hand/palm and a functional loss of power in grip. Trigger points mainly develop as a result of overuse and or after direct trauma such as a fall on an outstretched arm.
MUSCLE COMMENT
Part of the superficial layer, which also includes the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris. The palmaris longus muscle is absent in 13% of the population. Trigger points in the Palmaris longus tend to cause a very specific pain map in the region of the carpal tunnel, for this reason it’s worth checking for trigger points in the Palmaris longus in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. The Palmaris longus muscle also tenses the palmar fascia.
How do you treat trigger these trigger points? We’d be delighted if you want to share your own best practice.