Building Gross Motor Confidence Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

Climbing, sliding, running, jumping—these aren’t just playground games. They’re essential activities that support a child’s development, especially in the area of gross motor skills. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping children improve coordination, balance, and body awareness through structured play.

The image above reflects one such moment: a young child engaging with a slide, developing upper body strength and core stability as part of a therapeutic experience. While it looks like fun—and it absolutely is—every movement here serves a purpose in promoting physical development.

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Gross motor skills involve the large muscles used for whole-body movement. These include actions like:

• Crawling and walking

• Climbing stairs

• Jumping, running, and balancing

• Sitting upright and maintaining posture

Children with delays in these skills may struggle with basic tasks at home or in school, such as sitting still, navigating playgrounds, or keeping up with peers during group activities.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Gross Motor Development

At OrbRom Center’s Occupational Therapy Program, our team uses a combination of sensory integration and physical play to help children master gross motor skills. Activities are always tailored to each child’s developmental level and individual needs.

Sessions may include:

• Crawling through tunnels to build coordination

• Swinging or climbing to develop upper body strength

• Balancing on beams to improve stability

• Obstacle courses to enhance planning and motor control

• Sliding, rolling, or jumping to support vestibular and proprioceptive processing

These activities help children feel more in control of their bodies, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall confidence in physical environments.

The Importance of Movement for Learning

Children who struggle with movement often experience secondary challenges in attention, behavior, or academic performance. A strong physical foundation supports school readiness by helping children:

• Sit for longer periods

• Transition smoothly between tasks

• Participate in group activities

• Focus and follow instructions

That’s why our therapists often coordinate with other service areas, including developmental assessments and early learning support, to create a full developmental profile and tailor therapy accordingly.

Outdoor Play and Therapy—A Natural Match

At OrbRom, we believe in taking therapy beyond the therapy room. Slides, swings, and natural movement equipment are incorporated into our sessions when appropriate. This encourages kids to generalize their skills in outdoor or school settings.

As seen in the photo, gross motor therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical—it can be exciting, motivating, and empowering for the child.

When to Seek Help

If your child avoids movement activities, seems uncoordinated, or fatigues quickly during play, it may be time to consider an occupational therapy evaluation. Early intervention makes a big difference—and at OrbRom, we’re here to guide you each step of the way.

📍 Based in Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers flexible scheduling, multilingual staff, and a warm, professional environment for your child to thrive.

🔗 Learn more about our Occupational Therapy Services and how we help children gain strength—inside and out.