Avoiding Nerves and Other Injuries in Shibari

Shibari is a fun activity that will bring you closer to yourself and to your partner/s however, it is not without risk.

Understanding what those risks are, how to mitigate them, and how to respond when they happen will ensure you have a safer and more successful Shibari session.

The most common types of injuries in Shibari are:

1. Rope burn
2.Circulation problems
3. Nerve damage

Nerve injuries Shibari

General Tips

  1.  Your first line of defense against any potential injury is CONSTANT and HONEST COMMUNICATION. Make sure to check in with your partner regularly.

  2. Don't perform ties you are not ready for. Shibari is not a race and there is nobody you need to impress. Start with simple ties and slowly work your way towards more complex ties. Take the time to understand how the ropes work and how the body responds to them.

  3. Have safety shears close at hand in case you need to cut the ropes


Please note that the information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional medical advice. In case of an emergency or if symptoms persist, please consult a licensed healthcare professional immediately.

Now let's go over the most common injuries in Shibari.

Rope Burn

Causes

Rope burn occurs due to excessive friction between the rope and skin, leading to irritation and burns.

Effects

Rope burns typically appear as reddened, swollen abrasions or scrapes on the skin, with potential blistering and striation marks that reflect the rope's texture. They can vary in severity, leading to pain and sensitivity in the affected area.

Prevention

As the person tying, consider these preventive measures:

  1. Tie and Untie Gently: Perform both tying and untying actions slowly to minimize friction and prevent burns.

  2. Create a Barrier: When drawing a lengthy section of rope across your partner's skin, use your fingers as a shield to reduce direct contact and protect against burns.

  3. Select Quality Rope: Opt for high-quality rope materials specifically designed for Shibari. Avoid untreated or climbing ropes, as they can increase the risk of skin irritation.


Treatment

  • Cool the Burn: Immediately run cool water over the burn area for several minutes to reduce the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues.

  • Clean the Area: Gently clean the burn with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol which can irritate the burn further.

  • Cover the Burn: Use a sterile gauze bandage to loosely cover the area, protecting it from infection and reducing pain by avoiding friction against clothing or other surfaces.

  • Pain Relief: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.

  • Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.

Circulation loss

Causes

Circulation loss is typically caused by overly tight knots or binding that restricts blood flow to certain areas of the body.

However, it's worth noting that the human body can typically tolerate up to 30 minutes of reduced circulation to a limb without adverse effects. (This is not necessarily true for individuals that have high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and heart problems. If you are a high risk person, consult your doctor before practicing Shibari.)

Effects

  1. Numbness or tingling sensations

  2. Coldness in affected area

  3. Pain or discomfort

  4. Skin discoloration

    1. If the skin turns red or even purple, you are still on the safe side even if it looks a little bit scary.

    2. If the skin becomes pale, adjust the tie to increase blood flow to the affected limb.


Prevention

Circulation loss happens frequently in Shibari but usually isn't a cause for concern. However, it's important to note that it can conceal nerve injuries. As a precautionary measure, ensure that the person being tied does not stay in the same position with the same tie for more than 30 minutes.

Treatment 

  • Loosen or Remove Rope: Loosen or carefully remove the rope to restore circulation. Avoid pulling or tugging sharply.

  • Drink lots of fluid

  • Monitor for Recovery: Watch for the return of normal color and temperature. Sensation should gradually return. If circulation does not appear to be restoring or the individual experiences severe pain, seek medical attention.

Nerve Damage


Causes 

Nerve damage occurs due to prolonged compression, excessive force, and/or repetitive strain on nerves. 

This usually happens during suspensions which is why at Shibari Academy we strongly recommend avoiding them. 

Effects

  1. Tingling sensation in only part of the limb

  2. Numbness or loss of sensation

  3. Sharp, shooting pains

  4. Weakness or difficulty moving affected area


Prevention

Practicing suspensions increases risk of nerve injuries exponentially while the benefits of trust, honesty, and communication remain the same. If you are using Shibari as a tool to get to know yourself and your partner better, suspensions are a  high-risk low-reward activity that can have long-term repercussions on your health.

The limited scientific literature about nerve injuries in Shibari recommends avoiding suspensions. 

  1. https://www.cureus.com/articles/155296-acute-radial-compressive-neuropathy-the-most-common-injury-induced-by-japanese-rope-bondage#!/
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388245719306935?via%3Dihub


That said, even if you are not practicing suspensions, it is important to know about potential injury sites and best practices. 

Potential injury sites

  • All joints

  • Armpits

  • The middle section between the elbow and shoulder (This is where the radial nerve in the upper arm is located. 81% of all nerve injuries studied caused by suspensions were located here)

  • Crotch fold


Treatment 

  • Immediate Release: Carefully remove any bindings to prevent further pressure on the affected nerves.

  • Immobilization: Keep the affected limb in a neutral position that feels comfortable, avoiding unnecessary movement that could exacerbate the injury.

  • Cold Packs: For acute swelling, apply a cold pack to the area for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours. Ensure there’s a barrier, like a cloth, between the cold pack and the skin.

  • Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms continue for more than 24 hours consult a healthcare professional.

Best practices

  1. Check in with your partner regularly! A constant flow of communication is your number one tool to avoid injury.

  2. Place the ropes flat against the skin, making sure they do not cross one another to avoid pressure spots.

  3. Make sure the tension is distributed evenly across your tie.

  4. Higher density ties with multiple strands of rope distribute the pressure exerted over a limb, reducing the chance of damage due to too much pressure being exerted by a single strand.

  5. Avoid tying your partner in extreme angles for an extended period of time.

  6. Make sure the person being tied is in a comfortable position.

  7. Watch our lesson on knot tightness and position in our Free Shibari 101 course before you begin tying. We go over tests you can do to check on your partner's wellbeing, tips when tying, and review common injury sites.

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