by vahavta Edge Player

All the risks below are possibilities of the listed activity. They are listed in no particular order. Please do not consider it to be exhaustive or use it as your sole determining factor when it comes to your safety. Some risk possibilities must nearly always be considered; a few of these can be found here. Additionally, please note that the list below does not account for acts of intentional malice or for every complicating medical condition.

Possible mitigation strategies or more information sometimes appear under risks when given. These should not be considered solutions that bring a risk to 0%, nor should they be considered the only possible solutions or information. Likewise, lack of a mitigation strategy or research being listed does not mean none exists.

Rope bondage is a highly-specialized skill with many of its own specific and nuanced risks, and this does not intend to apply to rope alone. Please the Rope Incident Report group for many other possibilities linked to their specific causes.

Loss of circulation and tingling

“Rope burn” or skin abrasions

Ligature marks (can lead to temporary or permanent discoloration or scarring)

Headache

Damage to nerves in the arm (“wrist drop”, can be temporary or permanent)

Cumulative nerve damage over time

See here for advice on first aid for nerve injuries.

Breathing difficulties from ribcage compressjon

Shoulder issues (incl. torn muscles, dislocation) from strappado ties, sustained wrist elevation, sustained reverse prayer hands or TK positions

Neck rope: all issues seen in breath play

Harness Hang Syndrome

Postural asphyxia (inability to breathe caused by position, most commonly face-down positions e.g. hog ties)

Increased risk with higher BMIs or when additional weight is added on top of bottom