📞 Call to Book: 228-471-5047
TMJ Physical Therapy · Pascagoula, MS

TMJ Treatment in
Pascagoula, MS

Jaw pain, clicking, locking, TMJ headaches — treated at the source. One of the only dedicated TMJ physical therapy programs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

📞 Call 228-471-5047 Request Appointment
1–3Sessions to feel relief
6+Treatment approaches
1-on-1DPT every visit
NoReferral needed
★ 5.0 Google Rating
✓ Dedicated TMJ PT Program
✓ Medicare & Insurance Accepted
📍 Pascagoula, MS 39567

What Is TMJ — And Why Isn't It Getting Better?

Most people with TMJ dysfunction see multiple dentists and doctors before finding out that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments available.

Dry needling treatment for TMJ jaw pain at GT Physical Therapy Pascagoula MS

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. Symptoms often feel like a dental problem — but the jaw joint, cervical spine, and surrounding muscles are almost always involved. A splint may manage symptoms. Physical therapy addresses the cause.

At GT PT, TMJ treatment combines intraoral and extraoral manual therapy, dry needling to the masseter and pterygoid muscles, cervical spine treatment, and a home exercise program — a comprehensive approach most clinics don't offer under one roof.

You work directly with Dr. Austin Baskin, PT, DPT every visit. He evaluates both the jaw and the neck — because they're rarely independent — and builds a plan around your specific presentation.

Dry needling to the jaw muscles can provide relief within 1–2 sessions that dental splints often can't achieve. Many patients come to us after months on a wait list for a specialist who simply recommends another splint.

Dr. Austin Baskin reviewing anatomy with patient at GT Physical Therapy Pascagoula
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The Neck Connection Most Clinicians Miss

Forward head posture and cervical spine dysfunction are among the most common drivers of TMJ pain — yet they're rarely addressed in a dental office. Physical therapy treats both simultaneously, which is why results are often faster and more lasting.

Symptoms We Treat

If you've been told to just wear a night guard and live with it — there's usually more that can be done.

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Jaw Pain & Soreness

Aching or sharp pain in the jaw, face, or temples — especially in the morning or after eating.

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Clicking & Popping

Audible or felt clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing the jaw.

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Jaw Locking

The jaw catching, locking open or closed — making it difficult to eat or speak normally.

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Limited Opening

Inability to open your mouth fully. Less than 40mm of opening is considered restricted and treatable.

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TMJ Headaches

Headaches originating from jaw muscle tension or cervical dysfunction — often misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headaches.

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Ear Pain & Fullness

Ear aching, ringing, or a sensation of pressure with no identified ear pathology — often a referred symptom from TMJ.

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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Nighttime or daytime grinding that causes jaw fatigue, headaches, and accelerated tooth wear.

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Neck Pain with Jaw Pain

Neck stiffness or pain that worsens with jaw symptoms — a strong indicator that cervical spine treatment is needed alongside TMJ care.

How We Treat TMJ at GT PT

A comprehensive approach — not just a splint recommendation.

Treatment 01

TMJ Manual Therapy

Intraoral and extraoral joint mobilization to restore normal joint mechanics, reduce compression, and improve jaw mobility. Performed by Dr. Baskin directly — not delegated.

Treatment 02

Dry Needling for Jaw Muscles

Targeting the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles with dry needling. Reduces muscle guarding, breaks the pain cycle, and restores normal muscle tone — often within 1–2 sessions.

Treatment 03

Cervical Spine Treatment

Neck dysfunction is one of the most overlooked drivers of TMJ symptoms. Cervical mobilization, soft tissue work, and postural correction are integrated into every TMJ plan.

Treatment 04

Postural Correction

Forward head posture increases the load on TMJ structures significantly. We address the postural drivers contributing to your symptoms — not just the joint itself.

Treatment 05

Jaw Mobilization & Stretching

Guided jaw mobilization exercises and targeted stretching to restore full, pain-free range of motion and prevent recurrence.

Treatment 06

Home Exercise Program

A specific, simple program you can do between sessions to accelerate recovery and keep progress from backsliding. No generic handouts — built around your presentation.

TMJ at GT PT — By the Numbers

1–2sessions to meaningful relief with dry needling
6+treatment modalities — not just a splint
4–8total visits for most cases to full resolution
1-on-1with Dr. Baskin every single visit

What to Expect at Your First TMJ Appointment

From call to treatment — no surprises.

1

Call & Schedule Same Week

Call 228-471-5047. We'll get you in — typically the same week. No referral needed in most cases. We'll verify your insurance before you arrive so there are no surprises.

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Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation

Dr. Baskin evaluates your jaw, cervical spine, and posture together — not in isolation. He identifies the primary drivers of your symptoms and explains exactly what he's finding. Most patients leave the first visit already understanding their problem better than they have in years.

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Treatment Begins Same Day

You don't wait multiple visits to start. Hands-on treatment — manual therapy, dry needling, or both — begins at your first appointment. Most patients notice a change before they leave.

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Specific Plan With a Clear Timeline

You leave knowing how many sessions to expect, what your home program is, and what to watch for between visits. No open-ended plans, no "let's see how it goes."

Who You're Working With

Every session — jaw evaluation, manual therapy, and dry needling — performed by the same DPT.

Austin Baskin PT DPT — GT Physical Therapy Pascagoula

Austin Baskin

PT, DPT, CSCS, Cert DN · Owner & Founder

Austin founded GT Physical Therapy to bring expert, one-on-one care to the Gulf Coast. His TMJ approach integrates manual therapy, dry needling, and cervical spine treatment — a combination that most dental-referred patients haven't encountered before.

He is post-graduate trained in dry needling through AAMT and uses diagnostic ultrasound when precision guidance is needed. He is also a guest lecturer at William Carey University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. When you come in for TMJ, you see him every visit — not a rotating staff member.

DPT — Doctor of Physical Therapy Cert DN — Dry Needling CSCS — Strength & Conditioning Intraoral Manual Therapy WCU Guest Lecturer

Insurance & Payment

We'll verify your benefits before your first visit — no surprise bills.

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Major Insurance

We work with most major insurance providers. Call to confirm your specific plan and benefits.

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Medicare

We accept Medicare. We'll explain your coverage and out-of-pocket costs upfront.

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Cash Pay

Transparent cash-pay rates. Know your cost before you come in — no surprise invoices.

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Workers' Comp

Work-related injuries accepted. We coordinate directly with adjusters.

TMJ Physical Therapy — FAQs

The questions we hear most before a first appointment.

Can physical therapy actually help TMJ?
Yes — and it's often more effective than a dental splint alone. Physical therapy addresses the underlying cause: tight jaw muscles, restricted joint mobility, cervical spine dysfunction, and poor posture. Dry needling to the masseter and pterygoid muscles can provide relief within 1–2 sessions. Most patients see meaningful improvement faster than they expected.
Do I need a referral for TMJ physical therapy?
No referral needed in most cases. Mississippi is a direct access state for physical therapy. Call 228-471-5047 and we can typically get you in the same week. Some insurance plans may require a referral for billing purposes — we'll sort that out when you call.
I already have a night guard. Why isn't it working?
A night guard repositions the jaw and protects your teeth — it doesn't address the tight muscles, joint restrictions, or cervical dysfunction driving the pain. Physical therapy works on the actual tissue and joint mechanics. Many patients who've been in splints for months see improvement within their first few PT sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients notice real improvement in 1–3 sessions. Full resolution typically takes 4–8 visits depending on severity and chronicity. Dr. Baskin gives you a specific timeline at your first visit — not a vague ongoing plan.
Is the dry needling for TMJ painful?
Jaw muscle dry needling feels different from needling a larger muscle — the masseter and temporalis are dense, so patients often feel a brief deep ache or twitch. It's short-lived. Most patients are surprised how quickly the jaw relaxes afterward. Dr. Baskin will walk you through exactly what to expect before your first session.
Can TMJ cause ear pain and headaches?
Yes. The masseter and temporalis muscles are major referral sources for ear pain, temple headaches, and even tooth pain. The TMJ also sits directly adjacent to the ear canal, so joint inflammation and muscle guarding frequently produce ear fullness, ringing, and aching. These symptoms typically resolve as the jaw muscles normalize.

Ready to Schedule in Pascagoula?

Same-week appointments. No referral needed. One-on-one with Dr. Baskin every visit.

228-471-5047
GT Physical Therapy · 1408 Ingalls Ave, Pascagoula, MS 39567 · Mon–Fri 7am–5pm

Serving Pascagoula & All of Jackson County

Conveniently located to serve patients from across the Gulf Coast.

GT Physical Therapy

Address:  1408 Ingalls Ave, Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone:  228-471-5047
Hours:  Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
New Patients:  No referral needed in most cases
Call to Schedule

Areas We Serve

Pascagoula · Moss Point · Gautier · Ocean Springs · Vancleave · Hurley · Wade · Jackson County, MS · Gulf Coast Mississippi
→ Dry Needling in Pascagoula → Physical Therapy in Moss Point, MS → Pain Relief Pascagoula