Muscle Breakdown: Brachioradialis
Table of Contents
What Is the Brachioradialis
The Brachioradialis is a muscle in the forearm that helps to produce different movements and the elbow and wrist. The Brachioradialis is considered to be a fusiform muscle, and is part of the superficial layer of muscles in the forearm.
Brachioradialis Muscle & Cadaver
Brachioradialis Function
The main function of the Brachioradialis is to produce flexion of the forearm at the elbow. The Brachioradialis also assists in pronation and supination of the forearm.
Brachioradialis Muscle Origin And Insertion
Brachioradialis Origin
The origin of the Brachioradialis is the Lateral Supracondylar Ridge of the Humerus and the Lateral Intermuscular Septum of the arm.
Brachioradialis Insertion
The Brachioradialis inserts into the Styloid Process of the Radius.
Brachioradialis Innervation
The Brachioradialis is innervated by the Radial Nerve.
Brachioradialis Action
Some examples of actions that the Brachioradialis contributes to includes,
Anytime your raise a cup to drink
Hammering
Rowing or Paddling
Shaking hands
Turning a doorknob
Brachioradialis Pain
Pain can occur in the Brachioradialis for a number of reasons. The most common cause of pain in the Brachioradialis is overuse of the muscle. This can happen from performing lots of manual labour, weightlifting or even playing tennis. Symptoms of pain in the Brachioradialis include,
Extreme tightness of the forearm that gets worse with movement
Pain in the back of the hand, index finger of thumb
Actions like opening a door or turning a screwdriver
Treatment for Brachioradialis Pain is conservative, and includes rest, ice, heat, compression and elevation. Once Brachioradialis pain has subsided, it is recommended to perform strengthening and stretching exercise for the Brachioradialis in order to avoid pain from reoccurring in the future. If you try these treatments at home, and the pain still persists, you should see your physician immediately.
Brachioradialis Reflex
The Brachioradialis Reflex is part of the testing of deep tendon reflexes to see if pain in the limbs is caused by peripheral or central tissue. This neurological exam is conducted by a physician, and involves tapping the Brachioradialis tendon at its point of insertion. A normal reflex would produce supination and flexion of the forearm. Abnormal reflexes can indicate hyperreflexia of the Brachioradialis.
Brachioradialis Tendon
The Brachioradialis Tendon begins roughly in the middle of the forearm and ends at the insertion point of the Brachioradialis. The Brachioradialis Tendon can often become inflamed, resulting in pain in the Brachioradialis.
Brachioradialis Stretch
Stretch 1
Straighten one are directly out in front of you and form a fist. Wrap the opposite hand on top of the fist. Use the top hand to point the wrist downwards so the knuckle of the first are turning upwards to face the body. Maintain this position for 30 seconds and then switch arms.
Stretch 2
Cross your right wrist on top of the left wrist and clasp your hands together. Use your right hand to pull the left hand up, so that the back of the left hand is facing the floor. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch hands.
Stretch 3
Sit down on the floor with your torso upright and your legs extended on the ground in front of you. Place your palms on the floor behind you so that your fingers are pointed behind you. Lean the torso back until you feel a stretch in the Brachioradialis. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Brachioradialis Exercises
Hammer Curls
Hammer Curls are a fantastic way to target the Brachioradialis, especially because they directly involve flexion of the forearm at the elbow. For a complete step by step tutorial of how to perform the Hammer Curl, click here.
Preacher Curl
The Preacher Curl is another curl variation that will engage the Brachioradialis. You can learn how to perform the Preacher Curl, along with other curl variations here.
Brachialis And Brachioradialis
The Brachialis is located in the upper arm, while the Brachioradialis is located in the forearm. Both of these muscles work to flex the forearm, however, it is only the Brachioradialis that is involved with pronation and supination of the forearm. The Brachialis is frequently injured, especially if the arm is hyperextended.
