Raising Resilient Athletes| The Hidden Costs of Early Sport Specialization | Dr. Alan Resnik | Ep. 388
About this episode
Dr. Alan Resnik discusses the risks of early sport specialization in youth athletics and offers guidance for parents and coaches.
More training. More travel teams. More private coaching. The pressure to specialize early has become the norm in youth sports—but is it helping kids succeed? In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast , Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alan Resnik to unpack the growing problem of single sport specialization in children and adolescents. Research shows that early specialization does not increase the likelihood of making it to the professional level—but it does significantly increase the risk of overuse injuries, burnout, and mental stress. Dr. Resnik explains the orthopedic realities behind repetitive stress injuries, how early specialization affects knee and shoulder health, and what parents can do to protect both the physical and psychological well-being of young athletes. The conversation also explores long-term athletic development, sports nutrition fundamentals, and how to build durable bodies that last well beyond youth competition. If you’re a parent, coach, clinician, or former athlete navigating youth sports culture, this episode offers clarity, evidence, and practical guidance. Learn more and find The Knee and Shoulder Handbook at…
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