-The Tricep is a long, broad muscle that consists of 3 branches/heads which attach to the ulna/forearm. The responsibility of this muscle is to extend the elbow; however one of the branches (the long head), will aditionlly extend the shoulder. This is due to crossing the shoulder joint with it's origination on the infra-glenoid tubercle. Over exertion with pushing motions in sport or workplace can create trigger points in the triceps.
-There are 5 primary trigger points that are found within the triceps according to "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Clair Davies. These trigger points often send pain to the back of the shoulder and outer elbow, and when severe enough can refer into the upper trapezius (Simons, Travell, and Simons 1999).
-Here I focus on releasing the triceps; notice how I am in shoulder flexion which will lengthen the shoulder extensor AKA the long head of the triceps. I apply pressure through the ball with the tricep in a shortened position (elbow extension), then take it through it's range of motion into elbow flexion and repeat. Also demonstrated is going perpendicular to the fibers, which is another option.
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