Whole-Body Wellness starts with the way you Sleep, Swallow, and Breathe.
At LaRocca Wellness, we treat the cause, not just the symptoms, through a three-part approach.
Non-invasive Myofunctional Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy (CST), and Breathwork.
We specialize in transforming your health for life. Taking a holistic approach to improving head and neck pain symptoms and sleep complications.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a unique treatment that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to support better oral health and function. Through a series of targeted exercises, this therapy aims to correct improper habits such as oral breathing, teeth grinding or clenching, and incorrect swallowing patterns.
Myofunctional therapy balances the facial muscles, allowing the body to heal itself. It works to address the underlying muscle dysfunctions that can lead to a range of issues, including poor posture, sleep-disordered breathing, and headaches. By strengthening and rebalancing these muscles, myofunctional therapy can help prevent future dental and sleep issues while improving overall well-being. Imagine a life with no tension in your face.
“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 Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that helps the body tap into its own ability to heal. Five grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel) to sense and ease restrictions in the skull (cranium) and the base of the spine (sacrum). Because these areas are deeply connected through membranes, fluid pathways, and connective tissues, CST is really a whole-body approach, not just something limited to the head or neck.
CST aims to support pain relief (headaches, neck pain, back pain), improve mobility and ease tension, help with multiple symptoms that seem disconnected (e.g. digestive issues, vertigo, chronic stress), promote a sense of balance, calm, and better overall function
“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 Buteyko Breathwork?
Developed in 1952 by Ukrainian Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, 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.
Oxygen is carried through the blood by a molecule called hemoglobin and then converted to energy in the cells. In order to release oxygen from the blood, hemoglobin requires an increase in body temperature and the presence of carbon dioxide. The way we breathe determines the amount of carbon dioxide present in our blood, and therefore how well our bodies are oxygenated. By breathing calmly and quietly, you will retain healthy levels of carbon dioxide and your blood vessels and airways will remain open and clear, even during sleep.
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.
The Process
Assessment
First, we need to evaluate how you use your tongue, how you breathe (nose vs. mouth, upper chest vs. 360 degrees, silent vs. audible), your swallowing patterns, and other oral habits like nail biting, clenching, or grinding.
Personalized Excercise Program
Integration of a series of simple, targeted exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles and correct improper habits. These may include tongue positioning, lip seal, nasal breathing training, and swallowing techniques.
Repetition & Habit Formation
Just like building strength at the gym, consistency is key. With daily practice, the body begins to form new muscle memory, which helps reinforce healthier patterns—like keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth, breathing through the nose, and swallowing properly. Why do new habits matter? This is how you control your pain.
Integration with other Treatments
LaRocca Wellness’s three-part approach aims to treat your symptoms in one place. When that’s not possible, we work hand-in-hand with neuromuscular therapists, massage therapists, holistic physicians, airway orthodontists, ENTs, orthodontists, and allergists. By addressing the root muscular or airway dysfunction, you’ll create support for more predictable, longer-lasting results from other modalities.
FAQ
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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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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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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.
Who are We?
Hi, I’m Jen! And I’m obsessed with helping people feel better. Becoming a myofunctional therapist/craniosacral therapist/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!