EXPERT
Nancy Rolnik, M.D.
Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Nancy Rolnik is a Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine Specialist who attending Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago before relocating to the Bay Area. Her approachable and compassionate bedside manner is a great value to her patients. She works with athletes to establish practical treatment plans, incorporating up-to-date medical resources and treatment options including injections when appropriate or more innovative treatments such as PRP, exosomes, or stem cell therapies.
Dr. Rolnik has a firm understanding of the athlete’s balance between healing fully and returning back to their sport as soon and safely as possible. She opened her intergrative sports medicine practice in Walnut Creek in 2018 where she addresses the whole person to help each patient get back to the activities they love and stay active for life. As a Sports Medicine Specialist, she has served on several medical teams covering large endurance events including the Chicago Marathon, LA triathlon, CaliforniaMan Triathlon and the X-Games. Over the past decade, she has been on our sidelines covering both soccer and basketball games as one of the St. Mary's College team physicians. She herself is an athlete who enjoys tennis, skiing, running, hiking and cycling and has participated in several endurance races. Her free time is spent mostly with her children and husband and enjoying outdoor activities.
Dr. Rolnik has a firm understanding of the athlete’s balance between healing fully and returning back to their sport as soon and safely as possible. She opened her intergrative sports medicine practice in Walnut Creek in 2018 where she addresses the whole person to help each patient get back to the activities they love and stay active for life. As a Sports Medicine Specialist, she has served on several medical teams covering large endurance events including the Chicago Marathon, LA triathlon, CaliforniaMan Triathlon and the X-Games. Over the past decade, she has been on our sidelines covering both soccer and basketball games as one of the St. Mary's College team physicians. She herself is an athlete who enjoys tennis, skiing, running, hiking and cycling and has participated in several endurance races. Her free time is spent mostly with her children and husband and enjoying outdoor activities.
25 years
Experience
Nancy Rolnik, M.D.
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Northwestern University,Feinberg School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Can I play after inguinal hernias surgery?
This is definitely a question for your general surgeon as only your surgeon knows the size and extent of repair that was done. Usually they limit weight lifting and core exercises READ MORE
This is definitely a question for your general surgeon as only your surgeon knows the size and extent of repair that was done. Usually they limit weight lifting and core exercises and since tennis and cricket both involve reaching and twisting at your torso, I assume they will be more strict with these 2 sports. Yoga or gentle stretching and walking should likely be ok now but check with your surgeon.
Is it safe to take a child to a chiropractor for back pain?
It's best to see a sports physician who can properly diagnose your child. Many times there are behaviors that can be modified - like correctly poor posture or lightening the load READ MORE
It's best to see a sports physician who can properly diagnose your child. Many times there are behaviors that can be modified - like correctly poor posture or lightening the load of a backpack to ease the discomfort. Physical therapy is often very helpful to correct for weakness and imbalances to get her back to feeling good!
Can chiropractors help with tennis elbow?
Some chiropracters have special added training in sports injuries and soft tissue injuries. No adjustment will heal a tendon injury so you're best seeing a sports physician who READ MORE
Some chiropracters have special added training in sports injuries and soft tissue injuries. No adjustment will heal a tendon injury so you're best seeing a sports physician who specializes in treating athletes and you often will be referred to a good local physical therapist. If the injury is chronic, you may benefit from PRP injections.
Is knee massage good for knee pain?
You can massage the area which increased blood flow. You do have to see a physician who can diagnose your actual problem to determine a customized treatment plan for your recovery. READ MORE
You can massage the area which increased blood flow. You do have to see a physician who can diagnose your actual problem to determine a customized treatment plan for your recovery.
When can my daughter play sports again?
So sorry your daughter had this injury. Many times after a first dislocation the recovery includes rest then aggressive physical therapy. You doctor will guide the duration of READ MORE
So sorry your daughter had this injury. Many times after a first dislocation the recovery includes rest then aggressive physical therapy. You doctor will guide the duration of this treatment but most players can get back to play after they demonstrate strength and stability of the shoulder so they don't have another dislocation.
My son has dislocated his shoulder twice from playing baseball. Will this have an effect on him in the future?
It's so important that your son maintains really good strength guided by a physical therapist - it's not just the kind of strengthening he does at the gym. The rehab exercises READ MORE
It's so important that your son maintains really good strength guided by a physical therapist - it's not just the kind of strengthening he does at the gym. The rehab exercises focus on stabilizing the shoulder using very targeted strength and neuromuscular retraining.
Are there any anti-inflammatory medicines I can take after running?
If your knees are swelling, you should schedule an appointment with a local sports medicine physician to assess why they are swelling. Ice and any of the over the counter anti-inflammatory READ MORE
If your knees are swelling, you should schedule an appointment with a local sports medicine physician to assess why they are swelling. Ice and any of the over the counter anti-inflammatory pills (like Aleve or Advil) can bring down the swelling typically. I recommend the www.incrediwear.com knee sleeve to my patients.
How can I increase my strength to play cricket?
For cricket you’ll need to focus on strengthening you core, shoulder and legs. A full body strengthening program should be done 3 days a week to build strength. You can start with READ MORE
For cricket you’ll need to focus on strengthening you core, shoulder and legs. A full body strengthening program should be done 3 days a week to build strength. You can start with a local personal trainer to make sure form is correct so you don’t end up hurting yourself. If you’d like virtual training you can get great at home programs with www.theprehabguys.com. Good luck!
How long should I wait before eating after finishing a game?
Typically you want to get in some protein and carbs in 1:4 ratio within an hour of your practice, game or workout. Think ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato or a bagel with READ MORE
Typically you want to get in some protein and carbs in 1:4 ratio within an hour of your practice, game or workout. Think ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato or a bagel with peanut butter. You can restore glycogen stores by eating fruit. Good luck.
Nancy Rolnik, MD
Nancy Rolnik, MD
How long does a torn ACL take to heal?
The ACL is a very strong ligament and does not heal on its own. That doesn’t mean that all people will choose to have an ACL reconstruction surgery but if your son is an athlete READ MORE
The ACL is a very strong ligament and does not heal on its own. That doesn’t mean that all people will choose to have an ACL reconstruction surgery but if your son is an athlete who makes cutting moves like in football, soccer and lacrosse, he will need surgery to get back to play. He’ll miss a season while in recovery. Some choose to focus on physical therapy without surgery. Contact a local sports medicine or orthopedic surgeon for guidance.
What happens if tennis elbow goes untreated?
Tennis elbow doesn’t typically get better on its own. It’s possible to tear the tendon if you continue playing tennis or whatever brought on the tendinitis in the first place. READ MORE
Tennis elbow doesn’t typically get better on its own. It’s possible to tear the tendon if you continue playing tennis or whatever brought on the tendinitis in the first place. A good hand therapist can help a lot!
Can working out too much be bad for my health?
There’s a balance between working out all the time and recovery. If you work out so much that you end up with an overuse injury then you’ve done too much. You can start with READ MORE
There’s a balance between working out all the time and recovery. If you work out so much that you end up with an overuse injury then you’ve done too much. You can start with an every other day program and consider working with a qualified trainer to make sure you are using the weights correctly. There have actually been studies that show there is no top limit to exercise unless you get hurt. Good luck. Being fit will be a huge benefit to your long term health!
Can I get a six pack through diet alone?
The simple answer is no. You need to develop your rectus abdominus and other muscles to get that sequential bulge that you’re looking for. However, if your diet is bad, fat will READ MORE
The simple answer is no. You need to develop your rectus abdominus and other muscles to get that sequential bulge that you’re looking for. However, if your diet is bad, fat will cover up muscles. You need to follow a healthy eating plan to get to your optimal weight plus core strengthening. Good luck. You can get there but it takes diligence!!
What are the most common injuries in volleyball?
Volleyball players typically have traumatic injuries like ankle or knee sprains or overuse injuries like rotator cuff injuries. Having good strength is always best for prevention! READ MORE
Volleyball players typically have traumatic injuries like ankle or knee sprains or overuse injuries like rotator cuff injuries. Having good strength is always best for prevention! I hope your daughter has fun and doesn’t get hurt!
Should PT be recommended in any sport for any age?
Have you heard of the term "prehabilitation". It's rehabilitation before you get hurt. The goal is to assess areas that could benefit from a balanced strengthening program. READ MORE
Have you heard of the term "prehabilitation". It's rehabilitation before you get hurt. The goal is to assess areas that could benefit from a balanced strengthening program. For you that could mean addressing glute and leg strength to help you pivot and skate quickly. Many injuries in hockey are trauma based but overuse issues can happen too. Seeking out a trainer would be a great idea pre-season!
Is ankle surgery painful?
Any surgery will result in some pain. As I don't know what type of surgery he is having it's hard for me to answer specifically. I would address your concerns with he surgeon. READ MORE
Any surgery will result in some pain. As I don't know what type of surgery he is having it's hard for me to answer specifically. I would address your concerns with he surgeon. Be sure to rehab well afterwards especially if he is immobilized in a cast or boot afterward. Good luck to your son!
How long is the healing period of a torn ACL?
Most athletes take a minimum of 9-12 months to get back to pre-injury ability. That's a hard surgery for a teen or really anyone to recover from. Make sure he is committed to READ MORE
Most athletes take a minimum of 9-12 months to get back to pre-injury ability. That's a hard surgery for a teen or really anyone to recover from. Make sure he is committed to a long rehabilitation program. Best of luck to him!
What kind of surgery is done for tennis elbow?
I rarely recommend surgery for tennis elbow. Over time with rehab and modifications in your day to day activities can heal many. If you have a tear, you can consider PRP or a READ MORE
I rarely recommend surgery for tennis elbow. Over time with rehab and modifications in your day to day activities can heal many. If you have a tear, you can consider PRP or a stem cell therapy.
How do you shower after elbow surgery?
Hop onto Amazon and you can buy a plastic cover that you can wear in the shower. Hang in there!
I feel dizzy while swimming. What could be the reason?
There are a lot of potential sources of dizziness - dehydration, poor nutrition, anemia, heart issues. I'd see your primary care doctor ASAP to address your dizziness.
