Sporlastic
Holistic Treatment Options for Musculoskeletal Problems

Medicine and fashion are disciplines that rarely associates with one other. But the story of Baden-Württemberg-based medical devices company, Sporlastic, exemplifies otherwise. A subsidiary of Southern Germany textile dynasty, Hauber Group, Sporlastic was founded in 1970 as a firm that develops and manufactures a wide range of flat knitted orthopaedic products. Hauber came up with the idea to expand his fabric business into the healthcare industry after realizing the immense potential fabric-related medical products heldHauber decided to leverage his long-standing textile knowledge and experience in producing knitted fabric products to manufacture orthopaedic supports and orthotics such as braces and bandages. Today, Sporlastic presents itself as a leading provider of innovative medical solutions and products for musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthrosis, and neurologically-caused diseases. Torsten Schweizer, head of marketing and international sales, Sporlastic, says, “As a family-owned business with a 150-year tradition, we stand for the highest quality, well thought-out products, and innovative treatment concepts. Working with doctors, therapists and technicians, we develop products and solutions for the holistic treatment of the musculoskeletal system.”



In combination with medical and physiotherapeutic measures, Sporlastic’s orthopaedic supports and braces offer a holistic treatment approach that takes into account the causes of the underlying indications. . “The fabric for each product is carefully selected and tested for micro-climate values, and thus, guarantee excellent skin compatibility,” informs Kathrin Maier, international sales manager, Sporlastic. The innovative latex-free 3D flat-knitted fabrics adapt optimally to the physiological movement of the body. This allows functional compression, with a proprioceptive mode of action and an ideal fit for the patient. What’s more? Sporlastic uses advanced knitting technology—with intarsia comfort zones and 3D flat knits—as well as seamless bonding of various textile materials, state-of-the-art sandwich constructions, and a wealth of sophisticated solutions in the details to manufacture all of its products. The extensive range of orthopaedic products offered by the firm includes, but are not limited to, superior, high-quality knee, ankle, shoulder, wrist, and elbow braces, foot stabilisation and hip bandages, as well as heel cushions and inlays, for the conservative treatment of gonarthrosis, neurologically-caused diseases, and post-operative orthosis. Physiotherapeutic exercises are also part of this approach. “We also integrate digital innovation into our care offerings.

For instance, Sporlastic provides -information brochures or QR codes on selected products that enables the patients to access important product information as well as guided therapy exercises via their smartphones or table to promote faster recovery,” asserts Maier. Sporlastic’s combination of orthopaedic aids and indication-related therapeutic exercises make a valuable contribution to supporting an optimal healing process. Patients can also access the professional exercise portal—online—at all times via their laptop, tablet, or smartphones.

As a family-owned business with a 150-year tradition, we stand for the highest quality, well thought-out products, and innovative treatment concepts

Another aspect of Sporlastic that sets the firm apart is its increasing focus on the sensor and app-supported therapy concepts. Sporlastic recently rolled out GENUDYN OA SMART—a new knee brace that comes with two digital sensors—that combines the supporting effects of a dynamic hard frame orthosis with an app-supported training programme. The app uses sensors to display motion sequences in real-time and 3D animation. In case of faulty exercise performance, the patient is informed via audio feedback and can adjust their exercise performance. The app comprises a 12-week, indication-specific training programme for gonarthrosis patients; it also creates a training protocol that can be shared with the doctor or physiotherapist. In addition, the company offers SP AIR WALKER SMART, a lower leg foot orthosis for immobilisation, which has an integrated sensor sole that emits an audio-visual signal via the corresponding app when the individually set maximum load is exceeded. This allows the patient to react more quickly and dose the load more effectively. “We also offer REHAGO - a virtual reality training with digital mirror therapy and cognitive exercises for neuro patients,” mentions Schweizer. Virtual reality opens up completely new exercise possibilities, as the movements are not limited to the area of the mirror. The gamification aspect increases the motivation of the patients and thus, ensures better adherence.

That being said, at a time when the world is grappling with the impact of the coronavirus, in order to fight against the shortage of trustworthy, certified FFP2 masks, Sporlastic has developed a certified CV-19 pandemic protective mask in accordance with the FFP2 standard (based on EN 149). Furthermore, together with the Federal Guild Association for Orthopedic Technology (BIV-OT), Sporlastic has developed the campaign “We sew for Germany” as a concept partner and offers certified mask sewing kits with which medical supply stores and orthopaedic companies can produce appropriate masks for their staff. “The success of our work is based the dedication of our retail partners, who deliver expert advice and first-class care. When skills complement each other: we have had a unique combination of textile, fashion and orthopaedic knowledge at our fingertips for generations. These skills and our partnership with the health care supply sector confirm our motto: Together. Better in motion,” states Schweizer.

With such cutting-edge solutions and pioneering engineering approaches, Sporlastic indeed has a significant edge over others in terms of innovation, quality, skills, and knowledge. Talking about their plans for the future, Schweizer shares, “We want to be “the provider” of solutions for muscular skeletal problems. We are very confident that our products and concepts will continue to grow significantly in the international market. Through these nuanced efforts, in line with our mission, we will continue to provide optimised rehabilitation and guide people back to mobility more effectively.”