Condition we treatGT Physical Therapy, Pascagoula
TMJ and jaw pain treatment in Pascagoula, MS
Jaw pain, clicking, locking, and jaw-related headaches. Dr. Austin Baskin evaluates both the jaw and the neck, because they work together, and treats what's driving your symptoms.
- Insurance
- Medicare and most major plans. We check your benefits before your first visit.
- Referral
- Not needed to start in most cases. See how it works
- Google reviews
- 5.0 from 49 reviews.
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 an effective treatment option.
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 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 may be incorporated when clinically appropriate to help reduce muscle tension that dental splints alone don't address. Many patients come to us after months on a wait list.
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.
Jaw pain & soreness
Aching or sharp pain in the jaw, face, or temples — especially in the morning or after eating.
Clicking & Popping
Audible or felt clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing the jaw.
Jaw Locking
The jaw catching, locking open or closed — making it difficult to eat or speak normally.
Limited Opening
Inability to open your mouth fully. Less than 40mm of opening is considered restricted and treatable.
TMJ Headaches
Headaches originating from jaw muscle tension or cervical dysfunction — often misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headaches.
Ear pain & fullness
Ear aching, ringing, or a sensation of pressure with no identified ear pathology — often a referred symptom from TMJ.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Nighttime or daytime grinding that causes jaw fatigue, headaches, and accelerated tooth wear.
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.
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.
Dry needling for jaw muscles
Targeting the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles with dry needling. Reduces muscle guarding, breaks the pain cycle, and supports normal muscle tone as part of your plan of care.
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.
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.
Jaw mobilization & stretching
Guided jaw mobilization exercises and targeted stretching to restore full, pain-free range of motion and prevent recurrence.
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.
What to expect at your first TMJ appointment
From call to treatment — no surprises.
Call & schedule same week
Call 228-471-5047. We'll get you in — typically the same week. We accept Medicare and most insurance. We'll verify your benefits before you arrive — no surprises.
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.
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. Dr. Baskin rechecks your jaw motion and symptoms before you leave.
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."
Evidence & clinical references
Manual therapy, jaw and neck exercises, and postural retraining are safe, conservative interventions commonly used for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Care is individualized to your evaluation, and outcomes vary from person to person.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individual evaluation.
- Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, Neto F, Thie N, Michelotti A. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Physical Therapy. 2016;96(1):9–25. View study
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.
TMJ physical therapy — questions
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 may be incorporated when clinically appropriate. Your response is measured throughout your plan of care.
Do I need a referral for TMJ physical therapy?
Most commercial insurance plans don't require a referral — Mississippi is a direct access state. Medicare does not require a referral to start physical therapy; it requires your plan of care to be certified by a physician or qualified provider within 30 days of your evaluation, which we help coordinate. Call 228-471-5047 and we'll verify your benefits and coordinate any referrals needed.
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?
Your response to treatment is measured throughout your plan of care and depends on severity and chronicity. Dr. Baskin reviews your expected timeline with you at your first visit.
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.
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.