TreatmentGT Physical Therapy, Pascagoula
Dry needling in Pascagoula, MS
Dry needling treats tight, irritable spots in muscle that add to your pain. At GT Physical Therapy it's done by Dr. Austin Baskin, PT, DPT, who holds a post-graduate dry needling certification, as one part of a plan that also includes hands-on treatment and exercise.
- Insurance
- Coverage for dry needling varies by plan. We check yours before your visit.
- Referral
- Not needed in most cases. See how it works
- Self-pay
- Cash rates are available. Ask when you call.
What dry needling is
Dry needling uses thin, solid needles placed into specific spots in muscle that are tight, tender, and contribute to local or referred pain. When the needle reaches one of these spots, you may feel a quick twitch in the muscle. That twitch is a normal response.
When it will help, Dr. Baskin connects the needles to gentle electrical stimulation. The current produces steady muscle contractions, which can help settle pain and get the muscle working normally again.
Needling calms things down. The exercise and movement work that follows is what makes the change last.
How it differs from acupuncture
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian lines. Dry needling targets muscles, tendons, and the tissue around them, based on Western anatomy and current pain science. The needle looks similar. The reasoning and training are different.
How it works
What the needle actually does
The old explanation was that needling breaks up knots in the muscle. Current research points to the nervous system instead. The needle gives your body input that changes how pain is produced and processed.
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At the needle site
Levels of the chemicals that make tissue feel sore and sensitive go down.
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In the nervous system
Your body's own pain-dampening pathways switch on, without medication.
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The result
Pain eases for a while, which makes it easier to move and strengthen the area.
“The needle creates a window. What you do with that window is the clinical skill.”
Problems we use it for
Dry needling is used when your evaluation shows it will help. These are the conditions where it comes up most.
Knee osteoarthritis
To ease joint pain and stiffness so you can strengthen the leg, including for people who haven't done well with injections.
Patellar tendon pain
Pain below the kneecap, paired with a gradual loading program for the tendon.
Achilles tendon pain
Heel and ankle pain that hasn't improved with stretching or shoe inserts.
Rotator cuff and shoulder pain
Impingement and shoulder pain that limits reaching, lifting, and sleep.
Tennis elbow
Forearm and elbow pain that makes gripping and lifting hard.
Low back and neck pain
Including back and neck pain that stopped improving with exercise alone.
Jaw pain (TMJ)
Jaw pain, clicking, locking, and TMJ-related headaches. More on TMJ care
Chronic pain
Combined with education about how pain works, for pain that has lasted months or years. More on chronic pain
Your first appointment
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Call to schedule
Call 228-471-5047. We'll answer your questions and verify your insurance before your first visit.
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Evaluation with Dr. Baskin
He finds the specific structures and movement patterns behind your pain, using diagnostic ultrasound when precision matters.
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Treatment can start that day
If dry needling is right for you, it can begin at the first visit. How you feel over the next 24 to 48 hours guides the next session.
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A clear plan
You'll leave knowing roughly how many sessions to expect and which exercises to do between visits.
After a session
- Expect soreness like after a workout for a day or two.
- Drink water and keep moving gently.
- Skip hard exercise for the rest of that day.
Your physical therapist
Dr. Austin Baskin, PT, DPT
Austin owns GT Physical Therapy. He does your evaluation, builds your plan, and treats you at every visit. Most of that time is one-on-one.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mississippi license #PT 7623
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Post-graduate certification in dry needling (Cert DN)
- Guest lecturer, William Carey University Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Dry needling questions
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel a brief muscle twitch or a mild cramp when the needle reaches the tissue. That's the response we're looking for, and it passes quickly. Dr. Baskin keeps track of how you respond after each session.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem and how you respond. Dr. Baskin goes over the expected timeline at your first evaluation, measures your progress as you go, and adjusts the plan based on what he finds.
Do I need a referral for dry needling in Mississippi?
Not in most cases. Mississippi allows direct access to physical therapy. If you have Medicare, you can start without a referral, and a physician or qualified provider signs your plan of care within 30 days. We coordinate that with your doctor.
Does insurance cover dry needling in Pascagoula?
Coverage varies by plan. We accept Medicare, most major insurance, and workers' comp, and we offer cash-pay rates. Call us and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.
How is dry needling different from a cortisone shot?
A cortisone shot reduces inflammation. Dry needling works on the muscle and the nervous system activity behind your pain, and it's paired with exercise to build strength in the area.
What should I do after a session?
Drink water, move gently, and expect mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours, similar to after a workout. Avoid intense exercise the day of treatment. Dr. Baskin will give you specific instructions and exercises for between visits.
Call, visit, or ask a question
We schedule by phone. If you're not sure physical therapy is right for your problem, call and ask.
Hours
| Mon–Thu | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Sat–Sun | Closed |
Patients come to us from Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier, Ocean Springs, Escatawpa, and across Jackson County.