Usually when there’s a discussion about massage, muscles are the main topic. Whether sore, stiff, tight, knotted or achy, muscles can be the cause of much physical discomfort. Yet, people know surprisingly little about this physical component. How many muscles are there in the body? Good question. Depending on the source, there are between 640 and 850 muscles in the human body. In massage, we focus on various muscle groups to relax, soothe, work, stretch and warm them. Limbs are frequently very prone to exhaustion and pain. Oddly, many people are familiar with some of the muscles in the leg (eg. calf muscle), but how many people can name a single muscle in the forearm.

In massage, we work the muscles but rarely talk about the specifics. We should probably do more of this. Can you name any of the forearm’s muscles? For a few of them, see the answer below.

Lowry McFerrin, CMT

Answer:  Supinator Longus, Palmeris Longus, Flexor proturdis digitorum, Brachioradialis