The Joys of Spreader Bars, Stocks & Immobilization Play

Bondage is fun, for the top it brings control and for the bottom, complete surrender to their partner/s.  There is far more to bondage than cuffs and rope, so Victoria Blisse introduces you to the joys of spreader bars, bondage stocks and all sorts of fun immobilization play.  Get ready for some extreme restraints! 

Spreader Bars

Spreader bars are usually made of metal but can be made of wood too. Often they have cuffs attached or rings to attach your own cuffs. Different lengths are available so you can fasten a subs hands behind their back or spread their legs or arms wide. Some material covered ones are available, where the cuffs are part of the bar itself. These are good for ease of attachment but leave very little room for manoeuvre for the bottom.

If you’re starting out, spreader bars that enable you to attach your own cuffs are probably best as this gives a little wiggle room. Great for starting out when you might not know your own limits or that of your sub. 


Wooden spreader bar
 

Stocks

Now here’s a little history fact for you. The item of medieval punishment torture stood on legs, or a column and where your head and arms are trapped between two big planks of wood is actually called a pillory. Stocks are more generally used for restraining legs and sometimes arms and can be attached to the floor or not fixed to anything. So now you know! 

These are especially good for anyone with an immobilization fetish as there’s no give in bondage stocks whatsoever. They're perfect for holding someone still for all kinds of BDSM fun including impact play, humiliation play and even indulging your exhibitionist streak if you place them outside.  If anyone asks you can just say it’s a historical re-enactment! 

Stocks and Pillories do need to be made to measure though because everyone has different dimensions. It’s not something that is one-size-fits-all and therefore can be an expensive thing to add to your kit. However, your stocks will last for a long time, and they’re great for control in all kinds of kinky role plays and sexual encounters. 


Bondage stocks fun!

Bondage of all kinds is a risky activity. You have to be aware of these risks and do all you can to mitigate them. There are several important rules to follow if you’re using extreme restraints:

• Safe Word: Make sure a safe word is in place and if the sub is tied, arrange some other way to convey their need to stop. This can be an object like a ball to hold in-hand that can be dropped or a precise rhythm of moans that acts as a warning. 
• Check Circulation: There are all kinds of nerves in the body, and you certainly don’t want to get on them. As a top, make sure you check there is a finger’s worth of 'give' in your restraints and keep checking for signs of circulation being cut off (cold limbs, skin turning blue etc.) and make sure you know the spots to avoid restraining.  As a sub remember to communicate the moment something feels wrong.
• Check Stability: When your sub is restrained they’ll be unable to do anything to break their own fall. So be sure that they are stable and balanced. This includes checking if the pillory you're using is safely anchored to the ground and checking that a sub in a spreader bar isn’t going to fall over/fall off anything. 
   

As with anything, start cautiously. You might want to be hogtied straight away, but it is essential to work out how flexible you are.  If you’re the one in charge, be sure to check with your bottom about things such as flexibility. Also, ask about any injuries that may cause discomfort. And Subs make sure your Doms know if you have any medical problems like poor circulation, heart problems, diabetes or Asthma that could cause you problems when restrained. Make sure the people you are playing with know how to administer your medicine/inhalers in an emergency.  

Restraint is a wonderful way to play with control, which is an essential part of BDSM. Spreader bars, pillories and stocks are un-giving pieces of kit that add rigidity to bondage. This makes them more extreme and perfect for taking the next step in your BDSM journey. Share your bondage experiences with us in the fetish.com forum, don’t be restrained about that! 

Want to meet a playmate for immobilzation play?  Join Fetish.com! 


Cover image and spreader bar image: Alex Pappajohn. Flickr Creative Commons.  Bondage stock image: Emma Wylde. Flickr Creative Commons.