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WHY MUSCLE ATROPHY (WASTAGE) AND HYPERTROPHY (GROWTH) IS COMMONLY PAIRED?

GRACIE EXLER | 27 JULY 2025

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TISSUE TYPES...

  • Hypertrophy: The general increase in muscle size due to growth of individual muscle fibres (myocytes) which is seen to increase muscle mass and cross sectional areas. 

  • Atrophy: Reduction in muscle size leading to decreased muscle has and strength which can lead to partial or complete atrophy. 

There are typically two types of atrophy, disuse and neurogenic. Disuse atrophy generally takes weeks and months to become noticeable. If non-weight bearing is sever then it can speed up the process causing initial signs to develop within 10-14 days. Neurogenic atrophy likely effects more than one muscle, for example muscles in the forearms, pectorals or cervical regions are commonly effected. 

Hypertrophy on the other hand occurs when the body builds muscle tissue faster than it breaks down and there is 2 types of hypertrophy. One being myofibrillar which involves the increase in the number and size of muscle fibres which function in muscle contraction to improve strength and density. Whilst the other is sarcoplasmic which leads to an increase in the volume of sarcoplasm, the fluid within the muscle cell which helps provide energy to the muscle and primarily works to increase muscle size.  

The reason why both tissue types are seen alongside each other is due to compensation. For example, if the animal has a left forelimb lameness and not weight bearing on the limb like usual, the opposing limb will take on more strain. In this case more weight will be placed through the right forelimb and over time leads to more muscle being built on this side. 

WHY BOTH TISSUE TYPES CAN BE BAD..

Atrophy leads to weakness, increased risk of injury and joint instability. Whereas, hypertrophy can lead to injuries due to overuse, increased muscle fatigue and restricted range of motion (ROM). However, it is important to remember that a suitable amount of hypertrophy is healthy to help improve an animals strengthen and performance. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECTIFYING THE ISSUE!

Without treatment injury is more than likely to occur due to compensation. Once compensation occurs within locomotion (movement), over time it can lead to pain which ends up in a viscous cycle. Reduced performance, injury, changes in posture as a result of compensation will leave owners with a bigger problem than what was occurring in the first place. 

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