A WOMAN has died and another is fighting for her life after a cryotherapy session.
The tragedy occurred in Paris on Monday evening at a small sports centre located in the 11th district of the French capital.
The wellness practice is used by celebrities and athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, and reported benefits include improving muscle soreness, stress, rheumatism and skin conditions.
During a session in a walk-in chamber a person is exposed to temperatures below -100° Celsius for a recommended time of no more than three minutes.
According to initial investigations, a nitrogen leak from the cryochamber is thought to have caused the poisoning.
Nitrogen is a colourless, odourless gas that is commonly used in cryotherapy.
An employee at the sports centre, who was in her late 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a client, in her 30s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
“An investigation into the cause of death has been launched,” the Paris public prosecutor’s office said.
Three people who were in contact with the victims and provided first aid also received treatment.
The gym, where 150 people were present at the time of the tragedy, was evacuated shortly afterwards.
Star athletes and celebrities have used whole body cryotherapy as an alternative to ice packs and cold water baths.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Preview episode two of Incredible Medicine: Dr Weston’s Casebook Medicine with iceman Wim Hof” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”5569803238001″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But many experts warn the treatment has not been proven to be medically sound and are urging further research to determine the short and long-term effects.
Diego Brisset, 26, said he planned to work out at the gym but was told it was closed on Monday evening.
He said he didn’t practice cryotherapy.
“I was always told it was dangerous”, he said.
While cryotherapy has ancient roots, its popularity as a modern health trend has surged in recent decades, particularly for athletic recovery and wellness purposes.
It’s generally considered a safe and effective treatment option when performed correctly and under professional supervision.
Most people experience minimal side effects, such as redness, swelling, or numbness, which are usually temporary.
But the treatment did come under scrutiny in the United States in 2015 after a woman froze to death at a Las Vegas spa.
The 24-year-old woman was believed to have entered one of the spa’s cold chambers after business hours to relieve some aches, and was discovered the next day by a co-worker.
[boxout headline=”What to consider before undergoing cryotherapy”]CRYOTHERAPY is generally considered safe when performed correctly, but is not suitable for everyone.
It can be effective for various conditions, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks.
Proper supervision: Cryotherapy should always be performed under the supervision of trained professionals.
Medical conditions: Be sure to disclose any medical conditions, especially those that might be affected by cold exposure like Raynaud’s disease, diabetes, or claustrophobia.
Medications: Inform your provider about all current medications, particularly blood thinners or those affecting circulation, as they might need to be adjusted before the procedure.
Pregnancy: Cryotherapy is generally not recommended during pregnancy.
Mild side effects: Some individuals may experience redness, shivering, or dizziness.
Rare, more serious complications: Very rare complications, like cerebral bleeding or frostbite, have been reported.