Here’s another outstanding read:
Question for Medical Professionals…. Question for Medical Professionals….
In the second post, Sunshinekid, a physical therapist, shares her perspective and affirms much of what has been cover here.
“I’ll start. Tension/time is the best method of stretching, that is why hanging works so well. Low load over a long period of time will result in better lengthening. As far as the amount of weight some of the hangers achieve, the body does adapt to the weight and soon 6 pounds isn’t enough, so they increase the weight to 8 pounds and so forth to achieve the same results that 6 pounds use to give, and when 8 pounds doesn’t work, well you get the idea.
Forceful stretching, IMHO is NOT a good idea simply because of the injury risks involved. There is this little thing called the GTO (Golgi (sp) Tendon Organ) that will automatically kick in if the tissue is stretched too hard which would inhibit gains, it is a system used to protect the tissues from injury. Now, I’m not for certain that the penis has one of those, but it would limit gains if activated. In my field of medicine, we never force a stretch (I do Physical Therapy for a living, I’m a PTA) We do however hold stretches for upwards of 120 seconds (2 minutes). Now I do realize that stretching a hamstring is much different than stretching a penis, however the same principles apply.
What I suggest Wad, is this, use heat to loosen the tissues before stretching, then use moderate force to stretch allowing those tissues to elongate. You may have to hold that stretch for upwards of 5 minutes to achieve the desired effects. That is why many guys go to hanging. I wish to put a disclaimer in here, I was the most anti hanging person you would have ever wanted to meet, until one night Bib was in the chat room discussing hanging. He was able to convince me that it is a safe method, as long as you use your brains, to increase the length. And the reason for that is the t/t aspect of hanging; maintaining that stretch for a longer period of time. I would also suggest using heat during the stretching process to keep those tissues loose. I have no real opinion on the use of cold directly after stretching to keep the elongated state.
Wad, I hope that helps, I hope I answered the question. Personally, I would feel that vigorous/forceful stretching would inhibit gains.”
Started: 2/03, Finished: 5/06, Total Gains: 1.375” BPEL 1.5” EG, Details: Progress after a year or longer off?
Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible—M. C. Escher
