In the milder forms of rope bondage — where things are not too tight and/or where your partner can still adjust their position somewhat — the risks are normally quite low.

By contrast, any form where your partner is truly helpless, or in which the bondage is very tight bondage or is anchored in such a way that it may become tighter if they move or struggle, the risk is higher.

There are many possible risks and concerns, running from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common:

(More Mild)

• Rope marks
• Bruising
• Rope burn
• Musculoskeletal stress or damage
• Stains, sprains, etc.
• Breathing issues
• Positional asphyxia
• Fainting
• Injuries sustained during a fall
• Breaks or dislocations
• Compression injuries

(More Severe)

Some kinds of damage heal very slowly and can therefore accumulate over time. Nerve damage is one of these, as are certain injuries to muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Small amounts of damage that you might not even feel at first may not be fully healed when the next injury occurs and thus, damage can build over time to something more serious.