Difference between jelqing and traction in your opinion?

[Tristan74]

So, I've noticed that there is a lot of overlap between how jelqing is described and how traction is described- both are supposed to involve manually stretching the penis in order to lengthen it (and in many of our cases, to straighten it out).

Jelqing is cited as a strong risk factor for injury and Peyronie's itself, while on the other hand, traction is viewed much more (although not 100%) positively.

What would you all say differentiates jelqing from traction- the use of hands vs. device? The degree of force? The direction? The degree of erection?*

*Personally, I think the evidence is strongest for this point, since a couple of jelqing tutorials I've seen refer to the penis needing to be half-erect or erect, while this site, traction device manufacturers, and guides here say never to manipulate the penis unless flaccid (which I agree) But some other "jelqing" tutorials also tell people not to jelq except while flaccid...

[Pfract]

What you should have noticed is that you should avoid doing jelqing at all costs. That and manipulating your penis in a forceful way or bending it while erect. A lot of guys are giving themselves penile fractures because of jelqing and then thinking that they have venous leak. It's been a recurring theme online in this board, unfortunately.

AGAIN: avoid jelquing at all costs!

[NeoV]

The mechanism of action is completely different. And traction by hand is great and what I used to get rid of my symptoms. Jelqing is more forceful and unnatural, don't do it.

[Bill2020]

Neo, I know that you have promoted manual traction on this forum and in your videos (thank you so much for all the helpful insight).

Would you be able to explain (specifically) the difference between jelquing and the manual traction that you have described as a Peyronie's treatment?

I'm honestly getting a little confused and want to make sure I am doing it right.

[NeoV]

Traction involves a grip by hand or device under or around the glans and pulls directly outward to stretch the penis in a static manner. The grip does not move. Jelqing is when you slide your grip up or down the penis in order to force blood into it and expand the tissue.

[Bill2020]

Thanks Neo

[LuisFernandez]

Personally i advice against manual traction because you cannot gauge the amount of tension you're applying. You should only do this if you cannot afford a device.

A traction device applies a certain amount of controlled tension on the whole penis.

Jelquing is dangerous because again you cannot control the amount of tension you're applying. Furthermore, you're localizing the tension to more specific points alongside the penis. If you're penis is not conditioned for it there's a high risk for injury.

Think of a balloon. You can stretch the balloon gently or you can inflate the balloon a bit and pinch bubbles of air alongside it. If you overdo it you will pop the balloon. However if you stretch the balloon while it's not inflated as long as you only apply a certain amount of tension, the balloon will not break.