Triceps: Pain Pattern and Treatment
The triceps covers the entire back of the upper arm and straightens the elbow. Its documented pattern is an ache flowing down the back of the arm that concentrates at the point of the elbow, with spill toward the outer elbow and the back of the forearm.
Attachments and action
Origin: The infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula (long head) and the posterior surface of the humerus above and below the radial groove (lateral and medial heads).
Insertion: The olecranon process of the ulna.
Action: Extension of the elbow; the long head also assists extension and adduction of the shoulder.
Where the pain is felt: Down the back of the upper arm, concentrating at the point of the elbow, with spill toward the outer elbow and a band along the back of the forearm.
Common causes: Pushing exercise loads, prolonged leaning on the elbows, racket sports, repetitive hammering or pressing work.
Patients say: “A deep ache in the back of my arm.” Elbow soreness after a pushing day. Pain pressing up from a chair.
When to get evaluated: Sudden weakness straightening the elbow after a forceful load gets assessed for tendon injury before needling.
How this muscle is examined and treated
Examination tests elbow extension under load and maps the three heads along the back of the arm for the bands that reproduce the familiar ache. Needling addresses the muscle through the safe posterior arm. Assessment and treatment happen in the same visit.
Related conditions
Shoulder DysfunctionTendinitisSports & Performance Injuries
This page is educational. It describes muscle referral patterns commonly associated with pain; it does not diagnose your condition. Individual patterns vary. For evaluation of your specific pain, see a licensed clinician. Seek immediate medical care for emergencies. Eugene Baek, L.Ac. · New Jersey License 25MZ00080600