Can i fix bent Bumper Reinforcement?

[NICAT]

Hi.
Not sure if this is correct forum for this type of question. Sorry if not
When i removed bumpers i found out that rear bumper reinforcement bar was bent. Seemingly, it successfully protected body of the car from the damage in the past. But if it is hit again, it wont have enough room for protection.
So my question is, Can that be bent back ? By hammering it to straighten it, would we loosen its structural strength and make it weaker ( so even worse) ?
i made google research, some claimed that steel doesn't weaken if it is bent several times. But also in many forums i read about how unsafe frame straightened cars are.
I would normally replace it, but the problem is that, it is welded to the frames, (body on frame)
Regards.

 

[Trav]

You can straighten it if its not a pretzel.

 

[eljefino]

Pictures would help.

If it's a c-frame and you bent it, there's likely a buckle that will be hard to undo 100%. It'll bend at this spot next time.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Yes if everything fits I would try to keep the original part. I straightened a bent rear bumper on a 69 Camaro and you couldn't tell it was previously in a slight accident.