The Coracobrachialis
The CoracoBrachialis muscle: Trigger Points and Referred Pain
Where is the Coracobrachialis Located?
About the Coracobrachialis
The coracobrachialis is a small muscle located deep in the upper arm, underneath the biceps. Because it is not easily seen or felt, people may overlook it as a possible source of shoulder and arm discomfort.
Trigger points may develop when this muscle is repeatedly overloaded or held under tension. Although the tender area is in the upper arm, discomfort may be felt in other areas along the arm.
Coracobrachialis Referred Pain and Related Symptoms
Trigger points in the coracobrachialis may cause pain in the front of the shoulder and along the back of the upper arm. In some people, discomfort may travel farther down the arm toward the forearm and hand.
- Pain or tenderness deep in the upper arm.
- Discomfort in the front of the shoulder.
- Pain that may travel down the back of the arm.
- Discomfort when raising the arm or reaching behind the body.
- A feeling of tightness or restriction during shoulder movement.
These symptoms may overlap with those associated with the biceps, rotator cuff muscles, or other shoulder and nerve-related conditions. Referred-pain patterns can provide useful clues, but they cannot confirm the cause of pain.
The image above shows possible locations of Coracobrachialis trigger points.
What May Contribute to Coracobrachialis Trigger Points?
- Repetitive lifting or reaching with the arm.
- Carrying heavy objects with the arm hanging at the side.
- Repeated pulling, throwing, or pushing activities.
- Strength training that overloads the shoulder and upper arm.
- Holding the arm in one position for an extended period.
- Suddenly performing more activity than the muscle is accustomed to.
- Insufficient rest between demanding activities or workouts.
How to Help Prevent Coracobrachialis Trigger Points from Returning
- Increase lifting and exercise intensity gradually.
- Take regular breaks from repetitive arm movements.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects with the same arm for long periods.
- Use comfortable shoulder positioning while working or exercising.
- Include gentle shoulder movement and stretching in your routine.
- Allow enough recovery time between demanding activities.
- Continue occasional self-massage if the area begins to feel tight or tender.
Pay attention to the activities that repeatedly bring back your symptoms. Reducing or modifying the aggravating movement may be just as important as massaging the tender area.
Coracobrachialis Self-Massage
Self-massage may help reduce tension and tenderness in the coracobrachialis muscle.
Coracobrachialis Massage Instructions
To massage the right coracobrachialis, raise your right arm slightly. Make a loose fist with your left hand and rest your thumb against your curled fingers for support. This supported position helps protect your thumb while applying pressure.
Use your supported left thumb to locate the muscle along the inner part of the upper arm. Apply steady, comfortable pressure, then massage the area using small, slow movements—up and down and from side to side. Reverse the hand and arm positions to massage the left side.
Use caution: Do not press deeply inside the armpit. Stop immediately if the massage causes sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort traveling down the arm.
Sources and References
- Clair Davis & Amber Davis. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief..New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook,2013.
- The Coracobrachialis: Anatomy and Function — TeachMeAnatomy.Com
- Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb — NIH
I hope you find this information helpful.
Thank you for reading,
Michel Bourgeois
Licensed Massage Therapist
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment.