Gross Motor Skills and Occupational Therapy: Helping Children Move with Confidence in Phnom Penh

Running, jumping, climbing, balancing—these are more than just playground activities. Gross motor skills form the foundation for everyday functioning and academic success. When a child struggles with these movements, it can impact their confidence, safety, and ability to participate in school or social play.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists help children improve their gross motor coordination, core strength, and postural control through targeted therapy sessions that are both fun and functional.

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso. These skills are essential for:

• Sitting upright in class

• Walking, running, and navigating stairs

• Climbing, throwing, and catching

• Maintaining balance and posture

• Participating in physical education and group play

When these skills are delayed, children may appear clumsy, tired, or hesitant to join physical activities.

Learn how occupational therapy supports gross motor development.

Signs of Gross Motor Challenges

Your child may benefit from OT if they:

• Trip or fall frequently

• Avoid playground equipment or sports

• Struggle with balance and coordination

• Have difficulty sitting still with proper posture

• Become easily fatigued during movement

• Show poor hand-eye or foot-eye coordination

These issues are not just physical—they affect confidence, attention, and social development.

Discover how one-on-one instruction supports motor learning.

How OT Helps Develop Gross Motor Skills

At OrbRom Center, we design personalized activities that strengthen the core, improve coordination, and increase body awareness. Sessions may include:

• Obstacle courses for balance and agility

• Core-strengthening exercises with balls, swings, or climbing

• Jumping, hopping, and animal walks for body control

• Throwing and catching to improve coordination

• Yoga and stretching for flexibility and motor planning

Learn how movement-based therapy supports special needs children.

Importance of Core Strength and Posture

Poor posture in children can result in:

• Inability to sit upright during class

• Poor handwriting from lack of shoulder stability

• Discomfort or fatigue during seated tasks

• Reduced participation in sports or physical tasks

Through targeted core exercises, OT builds endurance and strength that support both movement and academic performance.

Explore how scissor skills are linked to shoulder and trunk strength.

Encouraging Active Participation

Many children with gross motor delays avoid physical play out of fear or embarrassment. Our therapists use motivating games and supportive coaching to:

• Increase participation in group activities

• Improve motor confidence and willingness to try

• Reinforce safety and coordination

• Build resilience and reduce anxiety in movement settings

Whether it’s navigating the playground or keeping up in PE class, we help kids feel successful in motion.

Support Beyond the Clinic

At OrbRom, we don’t stop at sessions. We guide parents and teachers on how to:

• Set up movement routines at home

• Use everyday items for strength-building (e.g., stairs, cushions, balls)

• Support gross motor skill-building in school environments

Our goal is for every child to carry their gains into real life.

Read how sensory tools like vibrating pillows aid in body awareness.

Let’s Get Moving Together

If your child struggles with movement, posture, or coordination, don’t wait. Occupational therapy can unlock the skills they need to run, jump, climb—and succeed in both play and learning.

OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh is here to help your child move with confidence and joy.

Click here to learn more about our occupational therapy services.