The Elbow

The patient sits, with the arm resting on the couch

The elbow is held in 90° of flexion and extension and in nearly full supination.

The therapist sits next to the patient, and palpates with the thumb and index finger for the radial head and neck.

The muscular mass superficial to the radius is palpated with a pinching grip; palpation is performed at different depths and level throughout the muscle belly.

It is important not to squeeze the muscle against the radius in order not to irritate the n. interosseus dorsalis, which can be quite painful.