Let’s talk a little about rope. *smiles* (my happy place 😁).
When people speak of rope, the most conditioned thing we hear them repeat that they’ve been told, is that rope is dangerous. And you know what? They’re absolutely right.
But, why?
What makes it so dangerous?
“Nerves.”
That’s the most common answer.
“There are certain points in the body where the nerves are closer to the surface of the body, so they’re more susceptible to damage…. so, know your anatomy,” is the common mantra.
Yes, all well and good, however…
Did you know that nerves can be damaged anywhere in the body?
Did you know that there are different ways in which those nerves can be damaged?
And what then, are the consequences of that?
I recently attended a rope bottom workshop, which was incredible. The wisdom in that room took my ropey-hearted breath away 💕
We spoke of many, many things.
What I want to speak of here though is something I believe is absolutely imperative if you want to play with rope (or any play for that matter):
Your Risk Profile.
Risk Profile? You ask. What is a Risk Profile?
Glad you asked…
Your Risk Profile is determined by sitting down with yourself and establishing what consequences you’re able/willing to live with should you sustain some kind of injury or harm.
Huh?
Wrist drop is a very high possibility when it comes to rope, not just from misplaced ropes… nerve compression can simply occur over time (cumulative compression- a very real factor in long-term rope bondage). Wrist drop means that for a period of time, until it heals, you will be unable to use your hands. You heard that right… can’t wipe your bum, can’t drive, can’t work. If you work with your hands in an everyday capacity, as most of us do, this becomes a “real world” problem.
Can you afford to not work? Do you have someone willing to help you should this occur? Is the Top willing to help? Is that negotiated into your agreement?
Breath play is a more extreme example. There are consequences to having oxygen supply shut off from our brain… short-term perhaps, long-term (cumulative) more likely. Who will care for you should you experience brain damage? Is it worth the risk to you?
Basically put, it’s a very real sit down with ourselves to determine what injuries we are able/willing to potentially sustain within our personal lifestyle. That is a Risk Profile.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to determining this for yourself. However, it’s very important to be realistic and honest.
Rope isn’t just dangerous because it has the potential to compress some nerves. It’s dangerous because it can have life altering consequences. It’s great to take heed and listen to advice when given by others, however, more than just parroting what we’re told, it is very important to learn why we’re told these things. It’s more than just choosing someone we think will keep us safe. It is about learning for ourselves, and for those who play with us. Being a responsible play partner, regardless of whether you’re Topping or bottoming, is what helps to mitigate things going wrong. Rope is never “safe.” We can have ways to make it “safer,” however, there are no practices that completely erase the possibility for harm. It is your responsibility to negotiate well, know your partner, know yourself, and communicate all of those things in an ongoing capacity from the beginning of negotiations, through the scene, to parting ways after the negotiated later ending of a scene (including aftercare).
As I said above though, there is always risk… you’ve just got to choose which risks you’re willing to accept the possible consequences of.
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*Don’t know what R.A.C.K is?
Here’s some reading 😊:
SSC vs RACK by Justin Medlin:
http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/23
Origin of RACK by Gary Switch:
http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/138
RACK and SSC from within Reality:
http://www.withinreality.com/rackssc.html
