Injection Site Atlas

Proper injection site selection is critical for ensuring:

• Effective compound delivery
• Reduced post-injection pain (PIP)
• Avoidance of nerve and vascular injury
• Long-term scar tissue management

This guide details the most common intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SubQ) injection sites used in performance-enhancing drug (PED) use.

• Rotate injection sites regularly to avoid scar tissue buildup
• Use the correct needle gauge and length based on site and body fat
• Inject into relaxed muscle, not flexed
• Never inject into inflamed, bruised, or previously infected areas

Pros: Very safe, low nerve/vessel risk, ideal for larger volume injections Needle: 23G, 1.5” (leaner users may use 1”) Volume Tolerance: Up to 3–4 mL

How to Locate:

• Lay on your side or stand with relaxed glutes
• Place the palm of your opposite hand on the greater trochanter (bony part of hip)
• Index finger goes on anterior superior iliac spine
• Middle finger fans out to form a “V” shape
• Inject in the center of the “V”

Pros: Commonly used, large muscle Cons: Higher risk of hitting sciatic nerve or blood vessels Needle: 23G, 1.5” Volume Tolerance: Up to 3 mL

How to Locate:

• Divide buttock into 4 quadrants
• Inject in the upper outer quadrant (top corner, away from centerline)

Note: Many clinicians avoid this site due to sciatic nerve proximity.

Pros: Easy access, ideal for self-injection Cons: May be sensitive for some users Needle: 23–25G, 1–1.5” Volume Tolerance: Up to 3 mL

How to Locate:

• Sit down or lie flat
• Divide thigh into thirds from hip to knee
• Inject into the middle outer third

Tip: Massage after injection to minimize stiffness.

Pros: Accessible, fast absorption Cons: Small muscle, limited volume tolerance Needle: 25G, 1” Volume Tolerance: 0.5–1 mL max

How to Locate:

• Find the acromion process (bony point of the shoulder)
• Measure about 2–3 finger-widths below it
• Inject in the thickest part of the lateral deltoid muscle

Note: Not suitable for high-volume injections.

=== 5. Ventral Quadriceps (Rectus Femoris) Pros: Alternative to lateral thigh Cons: Higher nerve concentration; risk of twitching or burning Needle: 23–25G, 1–1.5” Volume Tolerance: Up to 2 mL How to Locate: * Sit with legs relaxed * Target front-center of upper thigh, halfway between hip and knee Note: Use cautiously—some users experience more nerve hits here. ===== Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection Sites ===== Used for compounds like hCG, insulin, peptides, or even low-volume TRT. ^ Site ^ Needle ^ Notes ^ | Abdomen (2” from navel) | 29–31G, ½” insulin pin | Pinch skin, inject at 45–90° | | Outer thigh (fat layer) | 29–31G, ½” | Less common but effective | | Triceps (back of arm) | 29–31G | Difficult for self-injection | Tip: Pinch a fold of skin and inject into the fat—not the muscle. ===== Site Rotation Guidelines ===== * Rotate sites each injection to reduce scar tissue * Allow at least 1 week before reusing the same spot * Maintain an injection log for tracking ^ Day ^ Site ^ Compound ^ | Monday | Left Vastus Lateralis | Testosterone Enanthate | | Thursday | Right Ventrogluteal | Testosterone Enanthate | | Saturday | Left Deltoid | Masteron Propionate | | Sunday | Abdomen (SubQ) | hCG | ===== Tips for Reducing Post-Injection Pain ===== * Warm vial before injection (run under warm water) * Inject slowly and steadily * Massage injection site post-injection * Use filtered gear** and ensure sterility

• Avoid injecting cold oil or with blunt/dull needles

• “Ventrogluteal is king—safe, deep, and pain-free if you do it right.”
• “Thigh shots are easy but twitchy. Use a mirror to stabilize.”
• “Delts are okay for small shots but never pin more than 1 mL.”
• “Rotate everything. I didn’t and developed a hard lump after 2 months.”

• Use large muscles (glutes, quads) for high-volume IM injections
• Use smaller muscles (delts) for low-volume compounds
• Use SubQ for ancillaries and peptides with fine insulin pins
• Locate injection sites using anatomical landmarks
• Rotate consistently to avoid scar tissue and injection fatigue

Injection site mastery prevents complications, improves comfort, and enables long-term success with PED protocols.