The booming industry of cryotherapy is under scrutiny in the United States after a woman "froze to death" at a Las Vegas spa.
Earlier this month, Chelsea Ake-Salvacion only wanted to feel relaxed, so she went to a beauty salon to receive the deep freeze therapy. It is the kind of therapy that reduces pain and boosts muscles tissues and skin. Unfortunately, instead of relaxing her, the therapy took her life. The 24-year-old woman was believed to have entered one of the spa's cold chambers after closing hours to soothe some aches, and was discovered the next day by a co-worker.
According to her uncle Albert Ake, his niece's body was found frozen like a rock inside the chamber the size of a phone booth. Police said, however that there was no foul play done to cause her death and closed the case.
Authorities in Nevada said they would investigate the safety and other concerning matter linked to cryotherapy, which celebrities and star athletes use as their therapy for aching muscles, but is not regulated by any specific body.
In a statement, Steve George, administrator of the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, which oversees job safety, said that based on gathered information, doubts about public and workplace safety inside this nearly new industry has already been going around. He also said that the investigation would help the state of Nevada to update their safety standards and practices related to cryotherapy.
The two of the Rejuvenice salon locations in Las Vegas have been shut down, not because of Ake- Salvacion's dearth, but for failing to obtain proper insurance for its employees.
As explained by people who support whole body cryotherapy, which subjects the body to temperatures that can reach minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 151 Celsius), is effective in reducing muscle soreness, stress, rheumatism and various skin conditions. A three-minute session inside a cold chamber would cost a person up to $100 dollars. Users wear gloves and slippers to prevent frostbite and chilblains.
Athletes also turning to cryotherapy are common these days. Star athlete, basketball player LeBron James, have highly recommended whole body cryotherapy as a substitute to ice packs and cold water baths. Freezing centers have opened in New York, Los Angeles and almost all over the country.
