Post-Operative Fear Avoidance Behaviors Following a Shoulder Arthroscopy in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Case Report
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Shoulder arthroscopy is frequently performed to treat shoulder pathology and typically produces favorable outcomes with postoperative rehabilitation. Psychosocial factors, including fear-avoidance behaviors, may negatively influence recovery by limiting participation in therapy. There is limited evidence describing these effects in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation.
Purpose: To describe the physical therapy rehabilitation process applied to a patient following multiple complex should er pathologies and highlight a patient-centered approach for navigating psychosocial and fear-avoidance behaviors following a shoulder arthroscopy.
Methods: A 40-year-old female presented to outpatient physical therapy two days after left shoulder art hroscopy including labral debridement, subacromial decompression, acromioplasty, capsular release, and manipulation. The patient had a history of multiple shoulder injuries and surgeries and demonstrated anxiety and fear-avoidance behaviors limiting parti cipation. Examination included range of motion, manual muscle testing, and PROMIS outcome measures. The patient planned to complete 8 weeks of improving neuromuscular control, increasing shoulder range of motion, promoting scapular and rotator stabilizati on, and progressing to full participation in functional tasks.
Results: Shoulder passive range of motion improved from 150° to 180° in flexion and abduction. Strength improved from 3/5 to 4–4+/5. PROMIS scores improved in mobility, physical function, pain interference, and upper extremity function.
Discussion: Addressing psychosocial barriers alongside progressive physical rehabilitation may reduce fear-avoidance behaviors, improve engagement in therapy, and support functional recovery following shoulder arthroscopy.
Recommended Citation
Fisher, Meredith, "Post-Operative Fear Avoidance Behaviors Following a Shoulder Arthroscopy in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Case Report" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 34.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/34
Post-Operative Fear Avoidance Behaviors Following a Shoulder Arthroscopy in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Case Report
Introduction: Shoulder arthroscopy is frequently performed to treat shoulder pathology and typically produces favorable outcomes with postoperative rehabilitation. Psychosocial factors, including fear-avoidance behaviors, may negatively influence recovery by limiting participation in therapy. There is limited evidence describing these effects in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation.
Purpose: To describe the physical therapy rehabilitation process applied to a patient following multiple complex should er pathologies and highlight a patient-centered approach for navigating psychosocial and fear-avoidance behaviors following a shoulder arthroscopy.
Methods: A 40-year-old female presented to outpatient physical therapy two days after left shoulder art hroscopy including labral debridement, subacromial decompression, acromioplasty, capsular release, and manipulation. The patient had a history of multiple shoulder injuries and surgeries and demonstrated anxiety and fear-avoidance behaviors limiting parti cipation. Examination included range of motion, manual muscle testing, and PROMIS outcome measures. The patient planned to complete 8 weeks of improving neuromuscular control, increasing shoulder range of motion, promoting scapular and rotator stabilizati on, and progressing to full participation in functional tasks.
Results: Shoulder passive range of motion improved from 150° to 180° in flexion and abduction. Strength improved from 3/5 to 4–4+/5. PROMIS scores improved in mobility, physical function, pain interference, and upper extremity function.
Discussion: Addressing psychosocial barriers alongside progressive physical rehabilitation may reduce fear-avoidance behaviors, improve engagement in therapy, and support functional recovery following shoulder arthroscopy.