Use small pliers to carefully straighten the lever while holding the base. I fixed mine like that, just go slow so you don't snap the spring.

My friend had chronic knee pain from running and her coach finally pointed to her quads. She started doing those stretches twice a day and called me a week later SHOOK. Said her knee felt completely different and she could actually walk without wincing. It was a total night and day situation for her. Now she texts me reminders to stretch my own legs.

Totally get that! My version was trying to befriend the quiet owner of a local bakery by going every Tuesday. It took a month before he even smiled, but now we chat about the weather. Your story, @rayross, makes me feel better about my slow progress. Sometimes the quiet spots work, just on a longer timeline.