partial scapholunate ligament tear

[tomv]

I partially tore the scapholunate ligament in my left wrist three months ago. I was in a wrist immobilizer for those three months and after seeing my orthopedist a few days ago he said I was mainly healed (full ROM, normal joint spacing, no pain). He said that I could take a chance and start lifting again, but he recommended that "optimally" I avoid lifting for an additional 3 months. If I have to I will, but I am going to try to what I can to rehab it first. I tried out the wrist this weekend with light bar work. I do the Olympic lifts so I did snatching/pressing with the bar and the wrist felt OK on the first few reps of a set, but I felt some pain on the fourth and fifth reps. Same with overhead squats (with the bar). Could this pain be due to fatigue, or could it be that the wrist is not fully healed? For this type of injury, is any level of pain acceptable while I strengthen the wrist? I also did some light wrist curls (3 sets, 15-20 reps) which were pain-free, it only seems to be the pressing movements which are uncomfortable.

Also, I know that one of my priorities should be to reduce ligament laxity that has developed over the last 3 months. Any suggestions?

[UConnJulie]

If you've been immobilized for 3 months, the muscles which stabilize the wrist while you bend your elbow and shoulder will be weak. You will want to do some isolated wrist strengthening exercises (with dumbbells or a hammer), but also some stabilization. DB snatches would be good. Stop before you get pain (could be from fatigue or joint strain from poor stabilization). Keep icing it after workouts.

[tomv]

Thanks Julie