About Us
SPIO® Stands Alone
At SPIO® our bottom line is both financial and social:
• All SPIO, Core-Max, and FabriFlex products are made in the USA
• We pay a livable wage, not just minimum wage
• We believe in fair labor practices
• We participate in our local community by sponsoring and volunteering for local non-profit fundraising events
We use a high quality, specially milled fabric that is lightweight, wick-able and breathable. The unique SPIO® fabric has high rebound and strong neutral memory that assists the wearer in returning their body to mid-line. Custom-made SPIO® orthoses are available by request.
SPIO® orthoses provide a stronger compression ratio than other products, and:
• Look good
• Feel comfortable
• Fit like a second skin
• Move when the wearer moves
• Work for patients of all ages
• Give the best possible results
SPIO® is constantly developing and improving. We cooperate closely with clinics, orthotists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and doctors.
SPIO® orthoses are protected under U.S. Patents #5782790, #5957873, 29/581,245, 29/581,246, 29/581,248, D820991, D8215901, and D813,403S and are registered with the FDA as a Class 1 Medical Device. Because it is an orthotic - not a garment - it may be reimbursable through insurance if ordered by an orthotist or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider.
How SPIO® Began
Our earliest experiences in flexible compression bracing began in the mid 1980’s. In 1994, thanks to seamstress Cheryl Allen and Nancy Hylton, PT, LO, we began a deeper exploration of this therapeutic tool.
Cheryl's son Brian was receiving physical therapy treatment from Nancy, who was providing hands-on deep pressure that helped Brian. Cheryl began a quest to find a material that could “mimic” Nancy’s deep pressure, eventually creating Lycra compression shorts for Brian. Wearing the shorts significantly improved Brian’s ability to control movement and bear weight through his trunk and lower extremities.
Cheryl’s second son, Ian, had early sensory-motor difficulties, including abnormally rigid posture, impaired postural control, movement difficulties, and marked hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli. When he was 3 months old, Ian began physical therapy with Nancy Hylton. By 10 months, Ian could sit alone for several seconds but did not have any transitional movements or a means of floor mobility.
One morning during therapy, Nancy wrapped Ian several times with a four-inch wide Ace Wrap diagonally from one shoulder, between his legs, and up to the other shoulder, finishing off with circular wraps around his trunk. When she placed Ian on the floor, he immediately began to commando crawl. Cheryl went home and made Ian a Lycra body suit that duplicated the effect of the Ace Wrap. Within a week, Ian was rocking on his hands and knees and crawling reciprocally.
Wearing his body suit, Ian was less easily over-stimulated by environmental noises. He began to explore his environment in a much more secure and meaningful way. When the Lycra was removed, Ian began to lose function. With the Lycra, a more organized motor plan emerged, and Ian gradually began to show more carryover in function when the Lycra body suit was off. Today Ian can function with his suit off. However, he continues to function better with it on.
By 1996 SPIO® orthoses were being custom made by Cheryl for many of Nancy’s patients. Today, schools, hospitals and therapy centers in dozens of countries are using SPIO® orthoses. What started as a small company in Kent, WA has grown into an internationally respected business.
SPIO’s parent company, Children’s Therapy Center, is the largest and most comprehensive independent nonprofit pediatric therapy program in Washington State. Since 1979, they have provided essential services for children with special needs including physical, occupational and speech therapy; early intervention services; and parent education and support. Last year, Children’s Therapy Center served over 3,000 children in Western Washington. All proceeds made through the sales of SPIO® are used to help fund Children’s Therapy Center’s mission of serving children with special needs, and their families.
President's "E" Award for Export Excellence
In 2020 SPIO® was one of only 2 companies in Washington State, and one of only 28 manufacturers in the US, to receive the President’s "E" Award for Exporting Excellence. The President’s “E” Award was created in 1961 by Executive Order of the President and is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
The award recognizes the hard work US companies must do to have export growth year over year for the previous 4 years. Award winners must also demonstrate an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in American exports.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross honored the winners, recognizing their contributions to American export growth by stating, “With American companies like these awardees successfully exporting to some of the most challenging markets around the world, we can continue to rebuild and reclaim free, fair, and reciprocal global trade opportunities.”
For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.trade.gov.
Certifications, Memberships, and Awards
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