Fear-avoidance model explains how individuals with pain can develop worsening pain through vicious cycle of having maladaptive/hypervigilant attentional processes and anxiety-driven responses to pain (e.g., pain catastrophizing, fear, depression, anxiety) 

Prevents necessary physical activity engagement, therefore reinforcing pain and disability (1). Fear-avoidance model emphasizes improvement their baseline function and daily activity by reducing pain-related fear (2). 

In current literature, fear-avoidance model can predict post-operative outcomes (3,4). 

Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy and physical therapy are primarily employed to address fear-avoidance cycle within context of pain. However, CBT and PT only focus on specific concepts within fear avoidance model. 

Dance movement therapy (DMT) has potential to be form of treatment by addressing various issues emphasized in fear-avoidance model of pain.