Proper tension with DTR?

[cedicst]

Hello all,

I started using the DTR about a month ago, and I've noticed at least twice developing a small red spot along the circ scar which has caused me to have to stop for a few days to allow it to heal, and I'm fearing now (as this happened again yesterday) that I might be using the DTR incorrectly or, at the least, over-eagerly.

I am, about an CI-2 or 3, def a 3 when in my softest state, so having enough skin to use the device from the start has never been an issue, however, I started out using the device with the 4-in rod, with manual tension, just pulling the bell up as far as I could comfortably, then locking it with the tension screws, and while this would at times cause mild discomfort I assumed it was par for the course due to the pressure against the glans. However, removing the device is often quite painful, but I, again, just assumed this is just normal.

In trying to switch it up to avoid causing the same red spots to develop, as I thought this was simply due to the manual tension, I switched, in the last week, to using elastic tension, with the longer 6-in rod with two elastics. Per the regimen recently listed on the DTR site, I was wearing it normally this way for an hour, and then adding the inverted gripper against the glans as a "super-gripper" and alternating this every hour for about 5 to 8 hours a day for the last week. Taking it off last night, I noticed a red scratch mark, which is quite painful, so I will again have to wait a few days to put any tension on the skin at all.

So, that all being said, how have others (successfully) started out with the DTR?

I'm thinking of going back to just using a single elastic with the 4-in rod, still alternating it with and without the "inner gripper" every hour, for 5-8 hours a day, and see if I can have gains that way. For all my efforts over the past month, I seem to have accrued little, if any, skin, although the scar line's skin has peeled some, so any advice is very much appreciated!
Thanks,

Austin

[Dachstein]

If the marks are from the pusher against the glans you can try using round latex-free sponges made for removing makeup as padding. I find they help a lot.

I think the use of the inner gripper will best benefit someone far along in their restoration rather than beginners unless you've got quite a lot of loose skin to start with. In any case, don't measure or expect to see results in a month. The pictures on the DTR website are NOT typical and a bit misleading if you ask me.

[No-more-ste]

What you are describing sounds to me like pain I have caused myself by using too much tension, just because there is no immediate pain does not mean damage is not happening.

I had to find my own regimen I am still discovering it as I go, this restoring business is a very personal journey, I would not follow what anyone says. Chuck is very careful to describe on his website that he is just sharing his journey and not recommending anything. I thought at first this guy is just covering his butt with the law, but over time I have come to see how right he is.

That being said I have found for me it has been best to take it slow and find out what works for myself. There is a lot maybe too much info on the web, I have read everything I could find on this subject and have learned one thing above all else this process is going to take a long time, in my experience it has been worth it and I am still working on it.

Measure twice cut once always comes to mind, do not be in hurry. I have to constantly remind myself to slow down and not get in a hurry and apply too much tension.

I have caused myself problems with too much tension, the biggest issue I have faced with restoring has been determining how much tension to apply.

When I encountered issues similar to what you are describing I just bit the bullet and made myself stop restoring for 2 weeks to make sure everything was not only healed but gave the body part time to strengthen after the trauma I had caused it.

2 rubber bands And the 6 inch rod will create allot of tension too much for me I would really have to work up to that, I will not use manual tension with my DTR without marking the rod above the bell to tell where I want to be. I have found the conservative approach is best as it causes less down time waiting for painful mishaps to heal. Also the theory of skin mitosis as I understand it which is what restoring is all about is one of gentle steady pressure over time to produce results.

Keep a journal. I think the 4 inch rod with 1 rubber band is a good for me. I have recently started using 2 bands with the 4 inch rod by applying the device tensioning it wetting the second rubber band slipping it through the hole and attaching it to the anchors then releasing the set screw. I also move the rod up and down inside the skin tube to get everything positioned just right. The 6 inch rod will increase the tension of the rubber bands by stretching them further, so I am not too eager to create a penis slingshot and hurt myself.

This is what I have learned by my efforts, best wishes.

[calixto]

Ok FIRST I want to say, keeping a journal/log is a GREAT idea. I am logging my hours everyday and I am surprised how FEW hours I get, even getting 6 a day, I have only gotten 566 total hours on my DTR since February, and when I get on that site that shows the Coverage Index, and that guy that wore that 24/7 device that was getting over 100 hours in a week, it just disappoints me.

I have had my DTR since early December 2008, and I have used it pretty consistently, only having taken a few weeks for breaks.

The main reason for the interrupted pauses was because I have a very pronounced frenulum and I keep tearing it (minor tears, nothing major, just makes a scabby layer and then I have to wait anywhere from 2-10 days before I can begin again).

For the first 9 months I only used elastic tension, because I didn't want to break a plastic screw. Then I realized 1) I had gotten pretty much ZERO RESULTS from 9 months of elastic tension, amd 2) Now Chuck had metal ones.

Since February, I have used metal screws and the "set" tension, but it is the PUSHER PLATE that bothered me now, and I am unemployed and living with family so I don't have even $30 right now to order the notched plate, (sad I know) BUT I have found that when I use one of those "Swisspers" cosmetic rounds, by putting it under the pusher plate and on my glans while putting on the DTR, I can get by without pain.

Also, I push the pusher plate all the way down, but then I loosen the tension JUST ENOUGH so that its not MAX TENSION (on my frenulum). This seems to work, and I have only have a minor frenulum tear once since beginning this back in late March.

BUT!!! I must say, YES whoever said that Chuck's results are not typical is RIGHT, I was about a CI-1 when I started, I admit. BUT HELL, I am MAYBE a CI-3 now, after 17 MONTHS!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I am very discouraged, and I know this takes time, but good grief, I have really been putting in the time and I sometimes get 12 hour days, and I am really only a CI-2.

I also have had a TLC-Tugger for 4 years almost, and I have also been trying to use it more too. But I can only wear it for an hour at a time. I have worn it, in addition to my DTR, for 29.5 hours since March 29th this year.

It just BURNS MY SHAFT BAD after only an hour of mild mild tension. Maybe this is from trying to use both devices, and the DTR has sensitized my shaft skin. I don't know. BUT, I will keep on, because I want this so darn bad.

Why the hell did they cut it off in the freakin' first place?, UGHHHHHHHHH

[toobsnake]

I see a lot of people here who have very little results after 2 or 3 years.
It seems like they all say the same thing "I'm using the shortest rod with the lightest tension. I wonder why I'm not gaining???".
I came from the PE forums; and after 2 years of PE, decided to give this a try. Several points and observations, which apply to both PE and FR.
1. This is going to take a long time.
2. Consistency and Dedication are what's needed.
3. DONT FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST STARTED OR HAVE NOT GAINED. If they dont know what they are doing; they certainly cant teach you; and more importantly; if it didn't work for them, it probably wont work for you either.
4. Find people who have gained well; and try to do what they have done. It seems that these people all are consistent, dedicated, put the hours in, use as high a tension as they can get away with; while listening to their body and stopping before they injure themselves.
5.Dont use the CI#'s as a mark of improvement; use the FEC instead. If thats getting better, you are improving.

[Xamire]

You're not supposed to hurt yourself with the dtr.. however you will experience some sore skin, possibly stretch marks (not permanent) and even a sore from where the gripper edge is smashed down on.

Get yourself some triple antibiotic ointment, and some hydro-cortisone and use them on the areas you have trouble with, so you can keep using it more often (these 2 help you heal crazy fast)

If it's perfectly comfortable 24/7 you're being a bit too easy on yourself. moderate tension + consistency + fast healing (if you rubbed yourself raw, etc) = good outcome.
I find the 6 inch rod with one band works best for me. I make sure the skin is pulled fully onto the gripper plate - and everything feels "slightly stretched"

[Xamire]

Originally Posted by Xamire

You're not supposed to hurt yourself with the dtr.. however you will experience some sore skin, possibly stretch marks (not permanent) and even a sore from where the gripper edge is smashed down on.

Get yourself some triple antibiotic ointment, and some hydro-cortisone and use them on the areas you have trouble with, so you can keep using it more often (these 2 help you heal crazy fast)

If it's perfectly comfortable 24/7 you're being a bit too easy on yourself. moderate tension + consistency + fast healing (if you rubbed yourself raw, etc) = good outcome.
I find the 6 inch rod with one band works best for me. I make sure the skin is pulled fully onto the gripper plate - and everything feels "slightly stretched"

Coming up on (almost) 3 months since I wrote that, and I went from almost CI-3 to a almost CI-5 now. I think a lot of this depends on many things. Taking multivitamins, drinking enough water, and skin type. You can generally tell if your skin grows fast, by looking at how fast your hair/nails grow.. which for me is pretty fast. I also have warm moist skin, which also helps. Also, I've been taking Omega 3,6,9 ($6 bucks for a big bottle at walmart) as well as 500mg Vitamin C, and I really do believe these help. I've noticed faster gains since I've been on Omega, and Vitamin C along with Multivitamins.

Been using the same thing I was 3 months ago, but had to swap out the band because they get worn out. Doing great, and hopefully will continue to do so!

[bsidney]

I started in January wearing the DTR from 6AM to7AM until 12 to 2AM every day. I started with he 4 in rod and the fixed tension only. I used as much tension as I could and still be comfortable. I finall got to 1 rubber band. After about 2 to 3 weeks the skin adjusts to the tension. Then I tried 2 rubber bands. sometimes it would be fine and other times it would be too much. I just kept rearranging as often as I had to to keep it comfortable. Sometimes every hour. Then it gets better and it's every 2 hours or more. When it gets to this point I either add a band if I am only at 1 or if at 2 I use the manual bolts. I just try to keep gradually increasing the tension every 2 to 3 weeks if I can. Once the manual tension bolt has only 1 in of the current rod left I transition to the next size (6 in). Then back to manual bolt or 1 band if it will work. Then the same 2 to 3 weeks for an increase in tension. I use a ruller to measure my progress on the rods. It helps to know when you are ready to move on. After I went to the 6 in rod I got the large notched push plate. It adds another half in to the current rod. I have just continued the process until now I am using the 8 in rod and 2 rubberbands with 3 in left. I think I need 2 more inches to get to full erect coverage. So this rod should be my last. If that isn't enough I may need a longer rod. I started a CI0-1 and am now a CI6 to 7. The progress has been the best motivator for me.

[miamee]

I tug the hell out myself, as much as I can stand, 10-12 hours per day. If it hurts a little I push through it and it does go away. I think that's when I notice the most growth. When I say "hurts a little" I mean sore / uncomfortable - I don't mean pain. If I get a sharp pain I back off right away - it's not supposed to hurt like that. That's how I know I am tugging at my upper threshold. Several years ago when I started with T-tape I read something that stated "tug until it hurts, then back off till it doesn't hurt, but you know it's there." I did that for 2 years straight and made wild gains - CI3 to CI6. I'm doing it now and went up to CI7 from CI6 in 10 weeks. Tugging to just under your limit is key I think. I feel many guys are too gentle or inconsistent. I'm not saying go nuts with it and injure yourself, but you CAN beat your penis up a little and not hurt yourself. But you have to do a little homework first and figure out where your limit is. For me, I'm good until I get a sharp pain then I ratchet back from there. I have had 1 small abrasion on my frenulum in 3 years of pretty intense restoration. That's it. I've been sore as hell many times and that's okay. Give it a break for a day and the soreness goes away.

I also read something from a guy on here. I tried it, and it's good advice. Don't strap your kit on and go to full tension right away. Give yourself an hour or so to adjust and let the skin relax. Once that happens, ratchet up and you won't injure yourself, and you can usually sustain a higher tension. Hope that helps!

[scottishmuslim]

Hi everyone,

Could use some advice if anyone's been in a similar situation. I've been using the DTR for a week and I'm setting the tension quite high. I ratchet up the tension throughout the day and, although it can be a little uncomfortable it's not been painful. Now I'm starting to get a sharp pain and after a little inspection I've noticed I'm got a red frenulum

Has anyone else been in this situation? I'm using the standard plate. I'm planning to buy the notched plate but want to be sure it's the right solution before I go ahead and buy.

Thanks!