In this lesson, we'll focus on the key anatomical risks involved in practicing shibari and how to prevent them.
Having a basic understanding of first aid is highly recommended. In the event of an injury or accident, acting quickly is crucial.
Regardless of the situation, if an injury occurs, seek medical attention so professionals can assess the damage and prescribe the necessary treatment for a full recovery.
Injuries in Restriction
When applying anatomical restraints, it's essential to remember that this practice carries a high risk of injury. Joints can be easily damaged, and if we're too rough, we might even break a bone.
Not understanding human anatomy or the specific restraint techniques we're using is reckless and irresponsible.
Joints
Joints are complex structures made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that provide mobility.
There are many ways to classify joints, but for the purposes of shibari, we can break them down into two types: mobile joints and stable joints, which follow a mobility-stability pattern throughout the body.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Mobile joints: Toes, ankles, hips (where the femur connects to the pelvis), thoracic spine, shoulders, wrists, and fingers.
- Stable joints: Midfoot, knees, lumbar and cervical spine, scapulohumeral joint, elbows, and hands.
Understanding that these joint types respond differently and serve different purposes in shibari is critical.
Mobile joints allow for movement and progression in restraint through circular motion, while stable joints provide structure and should remain stationary to maintain the integrity of the position.
If we don't recognize this distinction and handle them incorrectly, we run a high risk of injury and joint damage.
Arms Behind the Back
One of the most common positions in shibari involves bringing the arms behind the back, particularly in "gote"-style ties.
To do this safely, it's crucial to understand how the shoulder joint is structured. The humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a socket and rotates on a much smaller surface than the bone itself.
A good visual comparison is a golf ball sitting on a tee—the ball is significantly larger than the contact point.
Inside this joint, various muscles and tendons (such as the rotator cuff and supraspinatus) help facilitate movement. If the humerus rotates incorrectly, it can press against these structures, leading to discomfort, pain, inflammation, or even injury.
Always ensure you create enough space to allow for proper arm rotation.
Dynamic Range
Exceeding a person's active dynamic range during restraint can cause their muscles to disengage. When this happens, all the force and pressure shift to the joints and surrounding structures—areas that are not designed to bear such loads.
Soft tissue injuries, particularly to tendons and ligaments, are cumulative. This means that while improper restraint may not cause immediate pain, it can create micro-damage that builds over time.
If this poor technique is repeated or combined with bad posture in daily life, the damage will continue until pain, discomfort, or a serious injury occurs.
Therefore, always keep the restriction within the person’s current active range.
This may result in positions that are less extreme or dramatic than those seen in online photos, but the safety and well-being of the bound person must always come first.
As a result, ties and figures should always be adapted to the bound person's physical condition.
Hyperlaxity/Hypermobility
Hyperlaxity is a condition where collagen fibers have a different composition, making the affected person's range of motion much greater than average.
At first glance, this might seem like an advantage in shibari, as it allows for extreme flexibility and striking visual poses.
However, it's important to understand what’s actually happening in the body of someone with hyperlaxity.
Their joints are significantly less stable than those of the general population. To achieve these extreme positions, their bodies rely on passive structures—tendons and ligaments—rather than actively engaging muscles to stabilize them.
This isn't a conscious choice; their body automatically compensates in this way.
If you're tying someone with hyperlaxity, you must be acutely aware of these risks, focus on joint stabilization, and closely monitor their range of motion to avoid unintended strain.
Folds
Folds occur when spinal movement is concentrated in one or two vertebrae while the rest of the back remains relatively straight.
Typically, the weakest, least stable vertebrae will fold, which tends to happen in the lumbar and cervical regions depending on the type of twist.
This happens when stable sections of the spine are forced to provide mobility beyond their natural range.
Folds create a more dramatic visual effect, as they allow for greater movement than evenly distributed spinal twists.
Why This Is Risky
The spine houses the central nervous system, with nerves branching out through intervertebral spaces to the entire body.
When we fold a part of the spine, we significantly widen the space on one side while greatly compressing the other. If we then apply force or weight, nerve pinching is highly likely.
Repeated folding increases the risk of vertebral structure injuries over time.
Special Note on Cervical Folds
The cervical spine contains arteries and veins responsible for supplying blood to the brain. Folding this area can restrict blood flow, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea once the neck returns to its normal position.
This isn't a "rope high" or a subspace effect—it's your brain telling you to stop before it becomes dangerous.
Folds are easy to spot visually—a sharply bent section of the spine while the rest remains straight is a red flag.
Pain and Safety
At our dojo, we strongly emphasize avoiding unnecessary force, violence, or pain in erotic shibari.
Note: This does not invalidate BDSM dynamics or pain-centered play.
If you want to incorporate pain into your erotic experience, that's perfectly fine. But use techniques specifically designed for it.
Sekibaku techniques are meant to enhance pleasure, not to cause suffering or pain. If performed incorrectly, they can cause serious injury, but pain is not their intended outcome.
There are far more effective and controlled ways to introduce pain safely.
A muscle in pain will deactivate, making the restriction ineffective and increasing risk. The load will shift to passive structures, which are not built to handle it.
Hydration and Body Temperature
Shibari involves intense muscular activation, which can lead to dehydration. Stay hydrated before and after a session.
Similarly, body temperature fluctuates—the combination of excitement and physical exertion can cause overheating during a session, while a sudden drop afterward can lead to chills. Have a blanket or warm clothing ready.
Fatigue and Physical Condition
Erotic shibari demands both physical and emotional energy. The more intense the session, the more it drains both partners.
It's important to adjust duration and intensity to the capabilities of the least physically fit person, ensuring an enjoyable experience without unnecessary strain.
Ultimately, practicing shibari safely means understanding the body, listening to its signals, and respecting its limits.
Many of the most striking, dramatic poses are also the most dangerous. If an injury occurs, the responsibility lies with the rigger, as their technique and awareness determine the outcome.
Good communication, feedback, and respect for physical limits are the foundation of safe and enjoyable shibari.