TreatmentGT Physical Therapy, Pascagoula
Shockwave therapy in Pascagoula, MS
For plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, calcific shoulder and other stubborn tendon problems. Medicare and most insurance accepted, and cash-pay rates are available.
- Insurance
- Coverage depends on your plan. We check yours before your first visit.
- Referral
- Not needed in most cases. See how it works
- Self-pay
- Cash rates are available. Ask when you call.
What is shockwave therapy — and why does it work?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic pressure waves directly into injured tissue — triggering the body's own repair process without surgery or injections.
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to reach tissue that manual therapy and exercise alone cannot fully address. When those waves reach the injured area, they stimulate blood flow, break down calcifications, disrupt scar tissue, and activate the body's natural healing cascade at a cellular level.
It's particularly effective for chronic tendon injuries that haven't responded to stretching, bracing, or cortisone injections. It is often used for long-standing tendon and heel pain, typically as a course of about 3–6 sessions combined with a loading program.
At GT PT, shockwave therapy is delivered by Dr. Austin Baskin, PT, DPT every visit — combined with a targeted exercise program to maximize and maintain results. The same clinician who evaluates you treats you.
GT Physical Therapy offers shockwave therapy (ESWT) on site in Pascagoula, MS.
Why shockwave instead of another Cortisone shot?
Cortisone reduces inflammation temporarily but does nothing for the underlying tissue degeneration driving chronic tendon pain. Shockwave actively stimulates tissue repair — the mechanism that actually fixes the problem. Many patients come to us after 2–3 cortisone shots that provided only short-term relief.
How shockwave therapy actually works
The mechanism is well-researched and well-understood — this isn't experimental.
Chronic tendon injuries often reach a state called tendinosis — the tissue stops healing on its own and instead fills with disorganized collagen and pain-sensitizing nerve endings. Standard treatments manage symptoms but don't restart the healing process. Shockwave does.
Stimulates collagen production
Acoustic waves trigger fibroblast activity — the cells responsible for laying down healthy collagen. Degenerated tendon tissue begins to remodel toward normal, load-bearing structure.
Restores blood flow to avascular tissue
Many chronic tendon injuries are avascular — poor blood supply stalls healing. Shockwave promotes neovascularization (new vessel formation), flooding the area with the nutrients and growth factors needed to repair.
Breaks the chronic pain cycle
Shockwave temporarily desensitizes pain nerve fibers and disrupts the neurological pain signals driving your symptoms — giving the tissue a window to heal without the constant pain feedback loop.
Dissolves Calcifications
For calcific tendinitis (especially shoulder), shockwave mechanically can help break down calcium deposits in the tendon, which often eases pain without surgery.
"Most patients who come to us for shockwave have already tried everything else. That's exactly the patient it's designed for. "
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy
If you've had this pain for months and nothing has worked — shockwave is often the turning point.
Plantar fasciitis & heel pain
The most common shockwave indication. Chronic plantar fascia pain that hasn't responded to stretching, orthotics, or injections is one of the best-studied uses of shockwave, combined with a loading program.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Chronic Achilles pain and stiffness — whether mid-portion or insertional — responds well to shockwave combined with progressive loading. Often effective where eccentric exercise alone has plateaued.
Tennis elbow & golfer's elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylitis that limits gripping, lifting, and daily tasks. Shockwave targets the degenerated tendon tissue at the elbow that just won't heal on its own.
Calcific shoulder & rotator cuff
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff cause severe shoulder pain that often doesn't respond to injections. Shockwave is a studied option for calcific tendinopathy, used alongside exercise.
Low back pain
Chronic low back pain with a muscular or soft tissue component — particularly when it's been present for months and hasn't fully resolved with standard physical therapy.
Neck pain & cervicogenic headaches
Chronic neck pain, muscle tightness, and headaches originating from the cervical spine and surrounding musculature — shockwave reduces muscle hypertonicity and restores normal tissue quality.
Knee pain & patellar tendinopathy
Jumper's knee, chronic knee pain, and patellar tendinosis that limits activity. Shockwave restarts the healing process in degenerated patellar tendon tissue.
Chronic tendon injuries
Any chronic tendinopathy that has failed to respond to rest, stretching, bracing, or injections. Shockwave is specifically designed for the tissue that has stopped healing on its own.
What to expect at your first shockwave appointment
Clear, no-surprises process from first call to treatment.
Call & get scheduled fast
Call 228-471-5047. Medicare and most insurance accepted. We'll get you scheduled same week, verify your benefits upfront, and answer every question before your first visit.
Full evaluation with dr. Baskin
Dr. Baskin performs a thorough assessment — identifying the exact structure causing your pain, how long it's been present, and whether shockwave is the right tool for your case. You'll leave knowing exactly what's going on and why.
Shockwave treatment — often same day
Treatment typically begins on your first visit. Sessions last 10–20 minutes. You'll feel a tapping or pressure sensation during treatment — intensity is adjusted to your comfort level. Most patients tolerate it well with minimal discomfort.
Progressive loading & home program
Shockwave works best when combined with a targeted exercise program. Dr. Baskin will give you specific at-home exercises to reinforce the tissue remodeling happening between sessions.
Results & clear milestones
You'll have a specific treatment plan, measurable milestones, and a clear discharge target. Your response is measured throughout the treatment course — no open-ended plans.
Evidence & clinical references
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is one option among conservative treatments for chronic tendon conditions and plantar heel pain. Current physical therapy clinical practice guidelines emphasize stretching, manual therapy, and progressive exercise as first-line care, and treat shockwave as an adjunct that may be considered when first-line treatment has not provided enough relief. We use ESWT selectively, when clinically appropriate — it is not suitable for every condition or every patient.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individual evaluation.
- Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy & American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, APTA. Heel Pain–Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(12):CPG1–CPG39. View guideline
- Heel Pain–Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2014. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014;44(11):A1–A33. View guideline
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
Insurance and payment
We check your benefits before your first visit, so you know your costs up front.
- Medicare
- BlueCross BlueShield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Workers' comp
Self-pay rates are available. Don't see your plan? Call and we'll check it for you.
Shockwave therapy questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients feel a tapping or pressure sensation during treatment — some areas may feel more intense than others. The intensity is always adjusted to your comfort. Any soreness after treatment typically resolves within 24 hours. The treatment is well-tolerated by most patients and takes only 10–20 minutes per session.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
A typical shockwave course is about 3–6 sessions, usually spaced one week apart. Response varies by condition and how long you've had it. Dr. Baskin will give you a specific treatment plan after your evaluation — not a vague estimate.
Who is a good candidate for shockwave therapy?
Shockwave is best for chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries — pain that has been present for 3+ months and hasn't responded to rest, stretching, bracing, or cortisone injections. It's also highly effective for calcific tendinitis. If you've been managing symptoms without lasting relief, you're likely a good candidate.
Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy in Pascagoula?
No referral is needed in most cases. Mississippi is a direct access state for physical therapy. Call 228-471-5047 and we can typically schedule you the same week.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Many insurance plans cover shockwave when delivered as part of a physical therapy plan of care. We'll verify your benefits before your first visit so you know exactly what to expect. Cash-pay rates are also available if needed.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with dry needling?
Yes — and the combination is often more effective than either treatment alone. Shockwave addresses tissue-level healing and calcification, while dry needling targets the neuromuscular component of the pain. Dr. Baskin will determine the right combination for your specific presentation.
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.