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Conditions We Treat  /  Muscle Strains

Sports & Injuries

Pulled Muscle and Muscle Strain Treatment in Bakersfield

A sudden grab in the back of your thigh, calf or groin mid-sprint or mid-lift. Strains are common, and the right rehab heals them and helps stop the same muscle going again.

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Physical therapy helps muscle strains heal and lowers the chance of re-injury. Early, gentle movement followed by progressive strengthening leads to a better recovery than rest alone. Some strains, like hamstring strains, come back often without the right rehab. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist.

Does this sound like you?

✓A sudden sharp pain or pulling feeling in a muscle during activity
✓Pain when you stretch or contract the muscle
✓Bruising or swelling a day or two later
✓Weakness, or you can't run, jump or lift like before
✓You've strained the same muscle more than once
✓Common spots: hamstring, calf, groin, quadriceps, low back or shoulder

What a strain is

A strain is an overstretch or tear of muscle fibers, usually during a fast or forceful movement: sprinting, jumping, lifting or a sudden change of direction. Strains range from mild (a few fibers) to severe (a large tear).

Why rehab matters

Resting a strain until it stops hurting often leaves the muscle weaker and less flexible than before, which is one reason strains come back. Early gentle movement, then progressive strengthening, including exercises that train the muscle to work while it lengthens, helps it heal stronger. Returning to full speed should be gradual and based on strength and movement, not just the absence of pain.

What treatment at ARI looks like

1
A one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We check which muscle is involved and how badly, and look at strength, flexibility and how you move.

2
Heal and strengthen

Gentle movement and hands-on care early on, then a progressive strengthening program matched to how the muscle is healing.

3
Back to full speed

Running, jumping, lifting or sport-specific drills added step by step, plus a prevention program so it doesn't happen again.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to see a doctor first

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A pop with a visible gap or bulge in the muscle, or you can't use it at all, which can be a complete tear
  • Large, rapidly spreading bruising or swelling
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth without a clear injury, which needs urgent attention to rule out a blood clot
  • Numbness or tingling, or pain that is getting worse instead of better

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Muscle strain FAQs

A few days of relative rest helps, but long periods of complete rest aren't best. Gentle movement within comfort, then gradual strengthening, usually leads to a better recovery.
Mild strains often settle in one to three weeks. More significant strains can take several weeks to a few months. Your therapist will guide you based on how the muscle is responding.
Hamstring strains often come back when the muscle isn't fully rebuilt before returning to sprinting. Specific strengthening, especially exercises that load the muscle as it lengthens, lowers that risk.
Ice can ease pain and swelling in the first days. Later, heat may help you relax and move. Neither replaces the exercise that actually rebuilds the muscle.
No. In California you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage, so call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Common questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

Sources

  1. Hamstring Strain Injury in Athletes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (APTA clinical practice guideline), 2022.
  2. Sprains and Strains. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
  3. Muscle Strains in the Thigh. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026