218: Making RestoreX (traction) More Comfortable for Men with Peyronie’s Disease

218: Making RestoreX (traction) More Comfortable for Men with Peyronie’s Disease

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett April 8, 2026 Duration: 37:47
Host: Melissa Hadley Barrett  Guest: Richard Connell   Category: Men’s Sexual Health | Peyronie’s Disease | Penile Rehabilitation | Erectile Dysfunction   Episode Summary:   Peyronie’s disease can affect much more than the penis. It can impact confidence, intimacy, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Many men suffer in silence or give up on treatment when it feels too hard, too uncomfortable, or too embarrassing to talk about.  Episode Description:  In this follow-up episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett welcomes back Richard Connell, inventor of the Comfort Grip, to talk about what’s changed since his first appearance on the show (Episode 194).  If you’ve ever struggled with the original RestoreX clamp (or any traction device) slipping, pinching, bruising, or simply being too awkward to use consistently, this episode is packed with practical insights. Melissa and Richard discuss why so many men give up on traction therapy too early, and how small design changes can make a huge difference to comfort, confidence, and long-term results.   Richard explains how the Comfort Grip helps men who find the standard clamp too painful, too fiddly, or too difficult to reach in a flaccid state. The conversation also explores his newer innovation, the Comfort Bend, which is designed to make counter bending more comfortable by reducing pressure points and improving the way force is distributed during treatment.   Melissa also shares what she’s seeing in clinic, including how these add-ons are helping men stay consistent with traction therapy, especially those with Peyronie’s disease, penile shortening, or difficulty tolerating the original setup. The episode finishes with a broader discussion about innovation in men’s health, the lag between clinical evidence and real-world problem-solving, and why practical, low-risk solutions matter so much in this space.   In this episode we cover:  Why some men find penile traction therapy difficult to tolerate  Common problems with the standard RestoreX clamp, including slipping and discomfort  How the Comfort Grip may help improve comfort and usability  What the Comfort Bend is and why it may help with counter bending  Why consistency matters in Peyronie’s disease treatment  The challenges some uncircumcised men may experience with traction devices  Why practical solutions in men’s health can make a real difference  How better support and better design may help men stay engaged in treatment  About  Richard Connell:  Richard Connell is the inventor of the Comfort Grip, an accessory designed to improve comfort and usability for men using the RestoreX penile traction device. His work has focused on solving the real problems men report when trying to use traction therapy consistently, including pain, slipping, awkward setup, and difficulty with counterbending.   Need support with Peyronie’s disease?  At Restorative Health Clinic, we support men with:  Peyronie’s disease  erectile dysfunction  Premature ejaculation  Phimosis  penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment  sexual recovery and confidence  men’s health concerns affecting intimacy and wellbeing  We offer telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live.  Resources & Links:  Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic  For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com  Listen & Subscribe  If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app.  Connect With Us  We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to

For anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
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