Regulate your nervous system. Breathe for lasting change. Restore your health.
A holistic, multi-disciplinary therapy located in Lakeview, Chicago.
Craniosacral therapy, breathwork, and myofunctional therapy to find the root cause of jaw, head, and neck tension.
When your body and breath are in harmony, tension dissolves and balance becomes effortless.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a hands-on therapy designed to put ease back into your life. Personally, this is one of my most favorite therapies, to give and receive.
See research below for more in-depth information and the link at the top of the page for details of how it works at LaRocca Wellness.
“Jen was so great and professional. She walked me through the steps and always checked in on me to see how I was feeling. The room I had was very clean and organized. It smelled great and the environment was very relaxing. I definitely fell asleep a few times during my treatment. I will be coming back for more.”
- Paul G.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is like a personal trainer for your mouth. The focus is to strengthen functional patterns such as swallowing and breathing for lifelong change.
Please follow the link above for more details.
“I had a sprained jaw as the result of a tooth being pulled. I couldn’t even get one finger between my teeth. I struggled for 6 weeks.
Once I was referred to Jen, it was a gamechanger! We did facetime calls. She was always pleasant and encouraging. The main excercises she gave me to do worked! I’m so thankful I found her!”
- Penny
What is Buteyko Breathwork?
The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique designed to improve functional breathing patterns, health, and well-being. By practicing Buteyko Breathing, you can experience more open airways, improved blood circulation, and a greater sense of calm within minutes.
By breathing slowly and quietly, you will retain healthy levels of carbon dioxide and your blood vessels and airways will remain open and clear, even during sleep.
Restorative sleep not only gives you the energy to tackle the day, it also rejuvenates your appearance.
Why LaRocca Wellness?
By retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth, it helps optimize essential functions like breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. When these muscles work in harmony, the benefits ripple throughout the body—supporting better sleep, enhanced focus, improved posture, and even reduced tension and pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
Improve Breathing & Airway Function
Support Nervous System Health & Function
Buteyko Breathing and Craniosacral Therapy (CST) approach your nervous system from two directions, both placing heavy emphasis on the body’s self-correcting and healing capabilities. Together, CST provides the therapeutic “reset,” while breathwork empowers you to maintain that sense of balance every day.
LaRocca Wellness Services
Level 1: Reset & Regulate
Foundational nervous system support. Craniosacral therapy sessions, foundational breathwork guidance, and tongue positioning prompts.
Optional Upgrade:
Add jaw stabilization exercises specifically focused on reducing a pop or click in the TMJ.
Level 2: Sleep & Breathing Restoration
Natural support for snoring, anxiety, and restless sleep. Complete breathwork guidance in addition to craniosacral therapy sessions.
Level 3: Functional Rehab / Tongue Tie Prep
Myofunctional therapy for oral function and release prep. Customized exercise program, breathwork, and craniosacral therapy sessions.
Who are We?
Hi, I’m Jen! And I’m obsessed with helping people feel better. Becoming a myofunctional therapist/craniosacral practitioner/breathing instructor, all with the intention of helping people breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more at ease. With a background in dental hygiene and my own experience with jaw tension and sleep issues, I understand how frustrating it can be to search for answers.
My approach is supportive, personalized, and focused on lasting results. Whether you’re dealing with TMJ pain, a ruminating mind, or chronic tension, I’m here to help give your nervous system a big hug so it can get back to living its best life.
Let’s start your path to feeling better!
FAQ
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LaRocca Wellness is located in Chicago’s beautiful Lakeview neighborhood, near Lincoln and Belmont. The exact address will be shared after your complimentary discovery call or when you book a craniosacral therapy session.
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Myofunctional therapy is a type of neuromuscular re-education for the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. We focus on improving how you breathe, chew, swallow, and rest — all of which play a huge role in overall health. Think of it like physical therapy, but for your mouth and airway. The myofunctional therapy package is designed to include breathwork and craniosacral sessions to provide lasting results and life-long tools for you to reference.
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Children, teens, and adults! Currently, I mainly work with teens & adults. I plan to include children in the future. Common reasons people seek therapy include:
TMJ pain, clenching or grinding
Orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting after braces)
Mouth breathing or snoring
Chronic fatigue or poor sleep
Speech challenges or feeling like your tongue gets tired sooner than it should
Tongue/lip ties (before or after release)
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We’ll dive into your health history, symptoms, and goals. I’ll take photos and videos to identify areas of concern or compensation. I’ll also perform a functional exam of your tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles, and we’ll talk about your goals with therapy.
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Everyone is different, but most therapy plans run 3–6 months, with weekly or biweekly sessions. The goal is lasting change, so we work at a pace that allows your muscles (and your involuntary habits) to adapt and stick.
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Yes! If you are wanting to ease into controlling a clenching or grinding habit, this is an easy place to start. If you have received craniosacral therapy in the past and are looking for a new provider - I’d love to meet you and see if we connect. Click on the “Book Now” links, then choose the craniosacral therapy option.
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The practitioner uses a very light touch (no more than the weight of a nickel).
You are lying down, fully clothed. The practitioner “listens” with their hands—feeling for tension, restriction, or subtle rhythms and treats by promoting cerebral spinal fluid motion. Treatment is slow and gentle; it may take multiple sessions to fully release tension. The goal is release and invite rather than force.
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Buteyko breathing exercises benefit suffers of many sleep disorders and associated conditions such as insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea and chronic fatigue, as well as poor concentration and focus. By controlling how you breathe during the day, you train the brain to breathe similarly throughout the night.
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Practicing Buteyko breathing techniques regularly ensures a switch from mouth to nasal breathing. If this is a struggle, myofunctional therapy strengthens the muscles that keep your mouth closed and tongue up. By learning to stop over-breathing and improving our CO2 sensitivity, we can help with conditions including asthma, anxiety and panic disorders and sleep issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and snoring. Additionally, the Buteyko Breathing Method is effective for managing high blood pressure, COPD, rhinitis, and promoting overall mental well-being.
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If you have suffered from tension in your jaw, find yourself clenching and/or grinding, own a nightguard (or a few), and experience headaches - it’s most likely going to take all three modalities to get you comfortable. When we meet, we will discuss your goals and the ideal approach needed to make those goals a reality.
I will meet you where you are to get you on the path to less pain and dysfunction.
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I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill with diagnostic and treatment codes that you can submit to your insurance company at the end of treatment.
I do accept HSA/FSA cards, which many clients use for therapy.
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Yes! Myofunctional therapy and breathwork can be done virtually or in person, depending on your needs and location. We’ll discuss what works best for you.
Craniosacral therapy is experienced in person.
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Easy — just book an initial consultation! We’ll figure out what’s going on specifically with you and if myofunctional therapy, jaw stabilization, or CST is the right fit. No pressure, no hard sell — just answers.