Building Gross Motor Skills Through Play-Based Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

Gross motor development isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about giving children the freedom to explore, gain confidence, and interact with their environment in meaningful ways. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists use play-based strategies to help children build the strength, balance, and coordination needed for everyday tasks.

Why Play-Based Therapy Works

Children learn best through play. It’s natural, fun, and highly motivating. When kids engage in play-based therapy, they:

• Improve muscle tone and balance

• Strengthen their core and limbs

• Develop better motor planning and body awareness

• Gain confidence in navigating new environments

For children with developmental delays, autism, or sensory integration issues, structured play becomes a powerful tool to support physical and emotional growth.

The Power of Crawling and Climbing

In the photo above, a toddler is crawling up a slide—an activity that might look simple, but it’s working wonders behind the scenes. Crawling and climbing:

• Engage both upper and lower body muscles

• Improve bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body)

• Encourage sensory input through pressure and resistance

• Build persistence and confidence in movement

Therapists at OrbRom Center use outdoor spaces and indoor sensory gyms to replicate real-world challenges in a safe, supportive setting.

Our Approach at OrbRom Center

Every child is unique, so our OT sessions are personalized to meet each child’s developmental needs. We use:

• Gross motor obstacle courses

• Climbing structures, crawling tunnels, and slides

• Balance beams and scooter boards

• Interactive games that encourage movement and problem-solving

Each session blends therapeutic goals with fun, so kids stay engaged and motivated.

The Long-Term Benefits

As gross motor skills improve, so does a child’s:

• Ability to participate in classroom activities

• Social interaction during group play

• Independence in daily tasks like walking, dressing, and sitting upright

• Emotional resilience and self-esteem

Play-based occupational therapy lays the foundation for lifelong learning and independence.