A Guide for Rope Bottoms & Bondage Models

Introduction

This guide provides fundamental information for the safety of models in rope bondage, enabling riggers and models to make informed choices, and sensitizing individuals new to the world of ropes.

One of the most important points to keep in mind regarding rope bondage is that beyond the play, danger is always present. Every bondage scenario carries risks, even when practiced by the most skilled riggers and models.

It is crucial to evaluate and understand these risks. If you cannot define these risks, it signifies that you need to increase your knowledge.

To limit risks, it is essential to be aware of them, but also of yourself. By being informed and working with a competent rigger who is also aware of the risks, you will significantly reduce the risks associated with bondage, without eliminating them entirely.

This is a collection of general recommendations, meaning it may not suit all situations, models, or body types. In some cases, your preferences might contradict the elements presented in this guide.

It is important to remember that each of us has a different body, and what is suitable for you may be dangerous for another person. As you gain experience and self-knowledge, you will realize that your personal preferences and your body's needs may vary from the general guidelines in this guide.

It is the rigger's responsibility to ensure that what they do is suitable for you. Conversely, it is your responsibility to communicate with them. Both parties must be responsible towards each other.

Communication is key to reducing risks in rope bondage. It is your responsibility to communicate and provide feedback before, during, and after your rope session. When starting out in bondage, one may not yet fully understand their sensations or reactions. Communicate your doubts to your rigger out of prudence when you are unsure. If you communicate openly and freely, your rigger will gain confidence, knowing you are a reliable model.

Conversely, if you hide things from your rigger when you feel signs of insecurity or danger, it could lead to disastrous consequences and a loss of trust from your rigger towards you as a responsible model.

Before breaking rules, understand them first. Sometimes experienced, competent, and risk-aware riggers may bend these rules with your consent for risk-taking. This can be done cautiously, keeping risks, safety, and consequences in mind. Regardless, a rigger must be aware of the rules they are breaking and why they exist before deciding to deviate.

Never hesitate to ask your rigger any questions. Remember that during play, your safety comes before any D/s protocol. Remember that during a photoshoot or performance, your safety takes precedence over your modeling work.

Responsibility

You are responsible for yourself, but also for deciding who you allow to tie you. It is up to you to inform yourself about the risks associated with what you are about to practice. Sometimes risk stems from a lack of knowledge about what will happen. It is important to speak up without hesitation if you are uncomfortable with what is happening during a session.

Educate yourself, inform yourself, discover yourself, as well as your limits and those of your partners.

Discover your own anatomy and your personal vulnerabilities.

It is important to share your health issues or anything else you believe your partner should be informed about. For example, any mental or physical condition or injury that could impact your rope moment.

Do not forget to ask your rigger if they have anything to tell you that might impact your experience with them in ropes.

The Rigger

Ideally, your rigger should be a good communicator, possess a strong knowledge of anatomy, be aware of potential risks, and know how to react in an emergency.

Your rigger should have good skills, experience, and be open to learning to continue improving. Regardless, rope bondage can be something new for both of you, and it is also fantastic. We hope this guide will be useful to both of you.

It can be difficult to identify a good rigger. There are indications for recognizing a good rigger, but unfortunately, they do not always apply. A rigger may have "well-tied" many people, but having tied many people is not always an indicator of quality for a rigger.

They might be involved in organizing events and be well-known in the rope community, but again, this does not automatically make them a good rigger.

The decision to accept sharing a rope moment with someone is solely your judgment. You will never know how compatible you are until you have done ropes with them. Therefore, it is recommended to start slowly, negotiate your play well, and practice many of the points expressed in this guide.

Below, you will find several points to consider to help you make a decision when interacting with a potential rigger.

What experience do they have in bondage?

Many experiences may seem fun, and for some, they are. However, always remember that years of experience do not always equate to years of quality bondage. It is entirely possible that they have practiced risky bondage for many years and have been lucky enough not to injure any models. Nevertheless, after considering all other factors, experience remains a general indicator of quality.

How confident are they in their bondage skills?

Some riggers are entitled to feel confident in their skills, while others are not. Confidence in one's rope work is not a very reliable indicator, and it must be taken into account when making your decision.

Even if the rigger shares many years of experience, mentions names, and talks about the number of people they have tied, do not necessarily take it as a guarantee of quality. Make sure to perform all other checks to get an objective view of your potential rigger.

Ask around, check references, talk about it in local places and communities to get the most representative image of their reputation and the type of partner they are.

Do they have references?

It is always good to try to verify the references of someone who will tie you for the first time. Try to get feedback from people they have already tied.

It is necessary to get more than one feedback, and if possible, feedback from someone you consider an experienced model or rigger.

If you know someone who would not let themselves be tied by this person, try to find out why. There can be many reasons for this.

Do not let anyone tell you that you should not inquire; it is for your own safety, and it is your responsibility to do so.

Does the rigger know the main risk zones when placing ropes, as well as the main causes of accidents?

When you ask this question, it is necessary that you are familiar with the correct answer. Try to learn as much as possible about bondage and anatomy. At that point, it can be useful to discuss personal vulnerabilities you are aware of. If you are not aware of your vulnerable zones or think you do not have any, it is good to inform your rigger that you will share any problems as they arise.

Does the rigger have the necessary equipment to cut ropes in case of emergency?

For example, safety scissors or cutters, etc. This is a controversial topic because I know several good riggers who think that untying someone in a controlled and efficient manner is preferable to putting a knife or scissors in the ropes when the model is already in difficulty and thus prone to panic.

For your own peace of mind, it may be good to have a pair of safety scissors readily available and hand them to your rigger in case the situation requires it.

This type of emergency case is extremely rare for experienced riggers, but it can be very beneficial for a learning rigger to have a pair of safety scissors when needed.

These scissors should only be used in case of emergency, otherwise the blades risk becoming dull.

How do they behave in practice?

As much as possible, watch your potential rigger practice to see how they interact and simply ask yourself if you would enjoy a similar interaction.

Why not offer to be their model for private lessons, workshops, or training to see if it can work for more intimate or intense sessions.

Anatomy

By possessing basic knowledge of human anatomy and the main risk zones, you will make your bondage experiences safer and more enjoyable.

Compressed nerves can lead to loss of sensation and/or movement in certain limbs. This is why it is crucial to do everything possible to avoid nerve damage. Unfortunately, this is not always the case; nerve damage represents one of the main causes of accidents in rope bondage, especially in suspension.

Nerve and Circulatory Symptoms

Tingling sensations like needles in the hands or any other part of the body should alert you; something is wrong. The two main causes of these tingling sensations are loss of blood circulation and nerve compression.

There are a few symptoms that help identify the cause of the problem, but they will not always be perceptible.

Nerve compressions are usually distinguished by the fact that only a part of the hand will show symptoms of numbness or tingling. One of the characteristics of nerve problems is that these sensations do not affect the entire hand.

Here are some ways to identify nerve problems when you are tied or suspended:

Your rigger may ask you to squeeze their hands, which helps assess your grip strength.
They may also position their hands behind yours and ask you to push against them. This is very important because with certain nerve damage, you may have no problem closing your hand and squeezing, but still have a nerve problem. This test helps determine if a nerve problem has occurred.
They may slide their nails on the back of your hand to isolate areas of sensation loss.
You can sometimes perform these checks yourself by trying to touch your fingers one after another, by squeezing your hands, and by pushing against your body or ropes with the back of your hands.

If you experience these symptoms for more than two hours, go to the emergency room or see a doctor. Social networks do not replace a medical professional, so seek appropriate help. Furthermore, seeking information on social networks may significantly increase your stress level.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrating the distribution of nerves in the hand: Radial, Ulnar, Median, and Musculocutaneous nerves, showing their pathways on the back and palm of the hand.

Circulation Problems

Blood circulation problems in rope bondage result from an impediment to blood flow to or from a limb or body part. These are not as urgent problems to manage as nerve problems, but they are still alerts not to be ignored. The more experience and practice you have in ropes, the better you will be able to judge the degree of urgency they represent for you.

Loss of blood circulation can be recognized by a change in skin color. For example, if the skin turns blue or purple. This color change differs for each person; some models will see their skin color change very quickly and still be comfortable in ropes, while others will need to be untied.

This is where communication becomes essential. If you know this, it is useful to inform your riggers before they tie you.

Another symptom indicative of a circulation problem is that the entire hand, arm, leg, or body part is numb or tingling. The following actions can help relieve a circulation problem:

The rigger adjusts the ropes by sliding their fingers under the rope wraps.
If your hands are tied in a parallel position, reverse the position of your forearms.
Contracting your muscles can help blood circulation, and bending and extending your fingers can relieve tingling sensations.
Once untied, the symptoms should disappear almost immediately.

Blood circulation problems do not automatically mean nerves are affected. The main concern is that a circulation problem can mask the symptoms of a nerve problem. Indeed, if your entire hand is numb or tingling due to a loss of circulation, it is impossible to perceive the tingling related to nerve compression in a part of your hand.

If you are unsure of the symptoms and experience tingling in a part of your body during bondage, it is time to untie. You can always do ropes again later.

Nerve injuries happen very often instantaneously, which makes them particularly dangerous. Indeed, by the time you identify the problem, the nerve damage is already done, and it will need time to recover. Conversely, with circulation problems, symptoms appear well before they become dangerous.

This is why it is truly important to communicate with your rigger when something is not right. If they act immediately, it can reduce or eliminate the potential danger.

Nerve injuries can be cumulative and result from a succession of risky bondages. If you have a nerve accident, it is recommended not to place ropes on the damaged areas for 6 months to allow for complete recovery and prevent cumulative accidents.

Chest Harnesses

There are several variations of the classic chest harness, and they go by different names. Some people are particular about these names, while others are not. I will explain which attachments I am referring to and illustrate them with images for clarity.

Typically, a chest harness is composed of ropes around the chest; the arms may or may not be integrated into the harness. A harness that incorporates the arms is commonly called a Box Tie, Gote, or Takatekote (TK).

Box Ties

Each of them presents different variations that make them unique. These variations have different aesthetics, functions, and degrees of risk. You will find the one that best suits your body and may like several or all of them for different reasons. Remember that none is better than another, that none is the ultimate harness, but you must find "yours".

A chest harness with free arms can expose all the nerves in the armpit area (Brachial Plexus). This includes the radial, median, ulnar, and auxiliary nerves. It is preferable to avoid ropes, upper kanukis, and rope connections in this area for this reason. It is common to see Box Ties without an upper rope kanuki, often for aesthetic reasons, but mainly to avoid pressure risks in this area.

Each variation has its reasons. Each is constructed in a certain way and presents different functions, but also different risks. Generally, we will avoid making a slip knot around the wrists, as this greatly increases the risk of blood and/or nerve problems.

Box Ties are often criticized as a cause of radial nerve accidents. The radial nerve controls sensation and motor function in certain parts of the hand. If damaged, you may lose some hand movement and sensation. The placement of ropes on your arms and forearms will play a predominant role. Learning to place rope wraps correctly can take time. It is generally recommended to avoid the lower half of the arm above the elbow. This is a very vulnerable area where many nerves are exposed just below the surface.

It can be difficult to determine the exact placement on the arm where the radial nerve is exposed. Ropes should be positioned with attention and adapted to the model's physiology. It is up to you to provide feedback to your rigger and be aware of how your body reacts to ropes in this area. You should not notice anything until you are suspended or pressure is applied to the area. Remember that nerve problems in the arm often manifest as symptoms in the hand.

If the rope wraps of your Box Tie cause you discomfort, or if you immediately feel nerve-related sensations, adjusting the rope wraps can make a significant difference. Feedback and communication play a predominant role in finding the rope placement that will suit you best.

Image Description: A person tied in a "Box Tie" configuration, with ropes around the wrists and forearms.

Image Description: A person tied in a "Box Tie" configuration, with ropes around the wrists and forearms, showing a relaxed hand position.

Box Ties with Parallel Arms

In a Box Tie with parallel arms, the wrists, forearms, and arms are vulnerable areas, especially the forearms and the hollows between the wrist bones and the hand, where nerves are close to the skin.

As you gain experience, you will find your preferred hand and arm placements. There is nothing wrong with having preferences.

The harness begins with a wrist knot; depending on your flexibility, this loop should be around your wrists or forearms. The forearm area is quite exposed as the radial nerve runs along the back of your forearm. If pressure from the harness presses on the lower part of the loop, it can press on the radial nerve.

People generally think that only rope wraps on the arms can cause radial nerve damage, but often the cause of the injury comes from the area near the wrists.

If you experience tingling in your hands, ask your rigger to slide their fingers into the lower part of the wrist knot and check if it makes a difference. This may allow you more time in the ropes, or simply be more comfortable while your rigger finishes untying you.

If you are a beginner, I recommend positioning your wrists face-to-face to protect the vulnerable part of the inside of your wrists. This way, the ropes will pass over the outer parts of your wrists, and the vulnerable parts of the inner sides will be protected. Do not be afraid to move your arms to find the most comfortable position for you. However, do so with caution and delicacy. It is important to communicate any problem or feeling of insecurity to your rigger.

Some models hook their thumb around their arm, as shown in the image on the left. Find the position that feels right for you. It is worth noting that the position with the thumb hooked around the arm can sometimes cause problems. It happens that in suspension, it makes it difficult to change hand positions. This is because the arms tighten, making it complicated to invert your hands if the position becomes uncomfortable.

Some reports indicate that this position can cause nerve problems. If you are affected, I recommend leaving your hand free so as not to be blocked in this position, as shown in the image on the right.

Gote or TK High Hands

The Gote presents the same risks as the Box Tie, but it requires more arm flexibility to position the hands correctly. It is generally tied tightly around the wrists and without a kanuki (loops that pass under the arms and take the upper wraps). It is also important that you have confidence in your rigger's skills. As soon as any tension is applied to a Gote, the model's hands will be pulled higher up the back.

This position can be very restrictive depending on the flexibility of your arms and shoulders. Given the additional rotation involved in hand positioning, you should find a different placement for the rope wraps.

You may feel more vulnerable due to the hand positioning, the angle of the back, and the fact that your hands are more constrained.

You will not be able to invert your hands in this harness if you have blood circulation problems, but you may find this harness more comfortable in positions where the torso is vertical.

TK Low Hands

This harness is good if you prefer to have your hands tied quite low behind your back. It can also be very useful if you have difficulty placing your hands behind your back in a Box Tie position, or if you lack the flexibility for a Gote or TK High Hands. It presents fewer risks than other harnesses, but you will likely need to find a different rope wrap placement for this position.

Additional rope wraps can be added, as shown in this photo, which is great for those who like more rope around them.

Due to its construction, this position can create a shearing effect on the hands and cause excessive pressure. You can relieve your wrists by slightly raising your hands.

Image Description: A person tied in a "TK Low Hands" configuration, with their hands bound low behind their back.

Image Description: A person tied in a pelvic harness, showing the rope work around the hips and groin area.

Pelvic Harnesses

As you can imagine, there are various types of pelvic harnesses. Just like chest harnesses, they all have different functions and aesthetics. You may have preferences for some of them and even like several.

Generally, the more ropes in their construction, the more comfortable they will be, as there will be more wraps to support your weight. Some will only wrap around the hips, while others will cover the waist and hips. Some harnesses will only wrap around one leg, and other freestyle variations can take any shape.

A waist harness will generally consist of two wraps around the waist, secured by a non-slip knot. This type of harness can be very intense, especially if used as the sole suspension point, as your entire weight will be distributed over only a few rope wraps.

Futumomo

There are a few bondage styles that are generally very stressful, requiring a high level of skill from the rigger and the ability to manage pain for the model. The Futumomo tsuri (suspension) is sometimes considered one of them. As it is a quite popular bondage style, I have decided to write a few words about it.

Several points need to be considered with this bondage. If you try it and it doesn't work, remember that this suspension is meant to be painful, and your rigger's skill level is paramount for you to be able to endure it and even enjoy it. Not enjoying it or enduring it does not make you a bad model.

Making a kanuki between the ankle and the thigh is a good way to prevent the Futumomo from sliding completely if the ropes slip. You will find that there are different variations of this harness, and the more rope in its construction, the more comfortable it will be.

Uneven tension in the rope wraps can cause pain or injury, and rope crossings on the shins create unnecessary discomfort.

Rope placement is specific to each model. Some will prefer it closer to the top of the thigh, while others will prefer it closer to the knee. Some variations incorporate the waist or hips, which can help relieve tension in the Futumomo. Try different placements and find your preferences. Perhaps you will be one of the lucky few who do not have a preferred placement.

Image Description: A person in a "Futumomo" suspension, with ropes around the thighs and possibly ankles, suspended in a dynamic pose.

Single Column Ties

Single and double column ties are quite similar, but they are used to tie one or two limbs, or a limb to an object. They are very important, and some details need to be clarified. Slip knots that could tighten on the limbs and cause blood or nerve problems must be avoided. You must try to avoid vulnerable areas, especially the hollow between the wrist and the hand, where veins and nerves are exposed. Ideally, good rope placement should be above the wrist bones.

Strappado

There are many ways to tie a strappado, the name referring more to the arm position than the method of tying them. The arms are along the back; the hands and elbows can be close together, but this is not necessarily mandatory. It is very common to have blood circulation problems with this position, often caused by the placement and tension of the ropes at the elbows. A Strappado does not need to be very tight. Below are two examples of very different strappados.

Image Description: A person in a Strappado tie, arms bound behind their back, suspended.

Image Description: A person in a different Strappado tie, arms bound behind their back, suspended.

Tips for Photo Shoots

If you are a model working with a photographer for a rope shoot, it is advisable to ensure a competent rigger is present, either by hiring one yourself or by asking the photographer to do so.

A competent rigger can ensure that the bondage is safe, secure, and aesthetically pleasing for both the model and the photographer. This allows the photographer to focus entirely on capturing the desired images.

Communication

I cannot stress enough how crucial communication is in bondage, whether it is before, during, or after the session. Verbal and non-verbal communication are more than necessary.

Before

It is important to inform your rigger of your health problems before bondage:

Information about your condition, such as respiratory problems, heart issues, nerve damage, or a pacemaker.
Mobility issues.
Psychological or emotional problems that could impact your session.
Any other thing that could impact bondage or increase the risk level.

This list is not exhaustive. If you have any doubts about something, you must talk about it.

During

It is important to communicate during bondage, and you must communicate the following information:

How you feel in the ropes. Are you experiencing pinching, is it stressful for your body, are you enjoying it? This can be verbal or simply subtle signs. A moan of pleasure, heavy breathing, a cry, or saying "I want you to untie me when you're done" or your gaze can be examples.
If you feel a pinch, inform your rigger, as a small adjustment can change everything.
Let your rigger know as soon as you feel the slightest tingling in your fingers, which will give them more time to react to the problem. The sooner you report a problem, the better the outcome will be.

After

It can be positive to provide feedback after a session:

Share your feelings about the moment, how you felt emotionally or physically. This will not only help you grow but will also allow your rigger to improve their skills and awareness.
If something did not meet your expectations or if something went wrong, it is important for both of you to discuss it.

Self-Knowledge

Self-knowledge can be developed over a long period of personal reflection, when you take the time to develop and reflect on your experiences. You will then begin to make connections between your body's responses to stress and your emotional reactions.

It can be very useful to keep a journal, in which you record your experiences in ropes, as well as your sensations, much like athletes keep training journals. Over time, this could allow you to form a precise picture.

Stress

Rope bondage will bring different degrees of stress to your body. Stress mostly stems from suspensions and partial suspensions, but also sometimes from ground bondage.

It is useful to ensure you are sufficiently fit and healthy to withstand the physical demands of rope play. A healthy person will be more enduring in ropes, recover from bruises more quickly, and have less difficulty holding their breath in ropes. In case of nerve damage, the fitter you are, the faster you will recover.

Bondage can be emotionally stressful, as well as physically. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are mentally prepared to practice it.

Before agreeing to be tied, ask yourself if you have the right mindset. Most people are more comfortable in ropes when they are calm and relaxed, but also alert and present during the session.

Bondage, unless specifically intended to be painful, should not cause pain, unless the rigger does so knowingly. You should not experience pain resulting from poorly executed bondage.

If you are in pain and your rigger did not do it intentionally or is unaware, then the session is not controlled. The cause of the model's pain is the rigger's lack of experience or skill.

Stretching

Your flexibility will not improve overnight; it must be worked on and maintained. If you wish to become more flexible, I recommend attending classes given by a recognized instructor.

Bondage, like any physical activity, requires warm-ups to limit the risk of injury. It is good to move and gently stretch your muscles before a session.

By performing calm and measured movements, and by contracting your muscles in the ropes, you will help improve blood circulation throughout your body.

If your fingers start to tingle, inform your rigger immediately. Clenching and unclenching your fist can help alleviate the tingling.

Working on your resistance will be beneficial in ropes. It will help you breathe more easily and allow you to hold certain particularly difficult positions, especially in suspension.

I recommend stretching your arms, shoulders, back, legs, and any other part of your body you deem necessary.

Assisted Stretching

You can perform arm stretches with the assistance of your rigger. Over time, this should allow you to improve their flexibility for Box Ties. This is a good way to prepare for your session and get into the right mindset before ropes.

Position yourself in front of your rigger, sitting or standing, with your hands parallel behind your back in the Box Tie position, and ask them to gently pull your elbows towards each other.

Tell them when you are at your limit, and ask them to hold the position for 10-20 seconds. Concentrate on your breathing and ask them to pull a little more before gently releasing the pressure. Repeat the maneuver a few times.

The advantage of assisted stretching is that you can go further than you could on your own. It is interesting to stretch further than your final position in the ropes, so you will be more comfortable when tied.

Be patient with yourself; becoming more flexible takes time.

These techniques are very useful for preparing you for Box Ties, TK High Hands, and Strappado. See photos.

Temperature

If you are cold, you will not resist as long as if you were warm. This is because the fluids in your joints will be thicker, and your muscles will be colder, which will directly affect your flexibility.

Ensure that the ambient temperature is sufficiently warm, especially if you are naked.

If you are preparing for an outdoor session, or in a cool place, wear something warm between sessions, keep your feet warm, and drink hot beverages. If you have a heater available, use it.

If possible, have a blanket available for after the session, as you will generally feel cold. It is best to avoid extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold.

Nutrition

Do not skip any meals before bondage. Also, avoid large, heavy meals. Over time, you will learn what you need before and after a session. Have snacks and sugary drinks readily available to consume between or after sessions.

Being in ropes may seem static, but simply being tied consumes a large amount of energy and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful. Dynamic transitions sometimes demand even more effort. Ensure you drink enough water and go to the toilet before your session.

Negotiations

Negotiations should always take place before a session. The more you do them, the better you will be able to express your needs. Your wishes can change depending on the day and the person. You have every right to decide what you want to do or not do during a session by discussing it with your rigger.

You can negotiate everything: training sessions, workshops, home play, club play, performances; remember that even the smallest detail can be discussed. The goal of these discussions is not to break the mood, but to frame the play time by setting expectations and basic rules for the upcoming moment. These discussions can also be made enjoyable and used to build anticipation and prepare for the session.

Negotiation is a two-way street, and it applies equally to the rigger and the model. Any rigger who pressures you to obtain something you have told them is a problem for you is likely not trustworthy. It is best not to let this person tie you.

There is no guarantee that you will be safe the first time you play with someone. Regardless of the precautions you take—checking references, calling to know if you are okay, someone knowing where you are, online reputation checks—all of this can give you an insight into the person you are dealing with, but it will never be a guarantee.

It is necessary that you use your own judgment and trust your instinct. I recommend that when you tie up with someone, do not immediately go to their place to be tied. Take the time to get to know them well enough to feel confident. This may seem obvious, but sometimes people are persuaded to do ropes with someone they have just met and in whom they should not have total confidence. At the risk of regretting it or worse...

Negotiations can cover all subjects, including whether you want aftercare or if you need something afterward.

Detachment

When you are about to be untied, you may twist and put your forearms in a "scissor" position, or even try to wriggle. These reactions can be natural at the end of a rope session.

These reactions can pose some problems, firstly because they complicate the task of untying you, and secondly because by putting your hands in a "scissor" position, you risk nerve damage, or more simply, cutting off blood circulation in the forearm and wrist areas.

Like any physical exercise, some stretching after a session will be effective and help with recovery and prevention of potential injuries.

Gentle and slow movements after a session are recommended. Conversely, abrupt movements can be dangerous for your muscles and joints.

I hope this guide has provided you with useful information to enjoy rope bondage with full awareness of the risks.

Credits

V4.1

Author: Clover

Model: Adreena Winters

Editor: WykD Dave

Reviewer: Kitty Sprite

Rigger: WykD Dave

Photographer: Clover Brook

Cover Illustration: Singing Tree

Translator: Docvale

URL: http://kinkyclover.com/resources/rope-bottom-guide/