Coordination and Balance in Children: How Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh Helps Build Strong Foundations

Does your child often trip, bump into things, or struggle to catch a ball? Are they avoiding playground equipment or having difficulty riding a bike? These could be signs of motor coordination and balance difficulties—which can affect not only physical activity, but also confidence, classroom focus, and daily routines.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy services support children with poor coordination, helping them improve strength, posture, and body control for everyday success.

Why Coordination and Balance Matter

Good balance and coordination allow children to:

• Sit still with proper posture

• Move confidently and safely

• Play with peers without fear of falling

• Participate in PE and sports

• Complete classroom tasks like writing and cutting

When motor skills are delayed, children may struggle with both physical and academic tasks. They may avoid movement-based play, feel left out socially, or have trouble sitting upright long enough to complete assignments.

Also read: Benefits of One-on-One Teaching

Signs Your Child May Need OT for Motor Coordination

Watch for these indicators:

• Frequent tripping, bumping into objects, or falling

• Difficulty with stairs, climbing, or balancing

• Trouble with catching, throwing, or kicking

• Awkward or stiff movements

• Challenges with bilateral coordination (e.g., tying shoes, using scissors)

• Poor posture or fatigue from sitting

These difficulties are often associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or sensory-motor delays, which occupational therapists are trained to treat.

Learn more: What Is Occupational Therapy?

How OrbRom Center Supports Coordination Development

At OrbRom, we begin with a thorough motor assessment, including balance testing, posture analysis, and movement observation. Based on findings, we design a custom therapy program that may include:

• Balance activities (stepping stones, balance beams, wobble boards)

• Core-strengthening games (crawling, wheelbarrow walks, yoga)

• Cross-body coordination drills (ball games, marching, animal walks)

• Bilateral motor tasks (jumping jacks, stringing beads, climbing ladders)

• Visual-motor exercises for spatial awareness

Therapy is always playful and motivating, using obstacle courses, relays, and pretend play to keep children engaged while building vital skills.

Explore: Shape Puzzles to Build Coordination

The Role of Sensory Integration

Many children with coordination issues also have sensory integration difficulties, such as poor body awareness (proprioception) or fear of movement (vestibular issues). Our occupational therapists use sensory-based techniques to improve:

• Balance confidence

• Movement tolerance

• Spatial awareness

• Self-regulation during physical activity

We often work in tandem with a sensory room or outdoor motor equipment to provide safe, structured movement experiences.

See also: Sensory Diets to Support Movement and Focus

Parent and School Collaboration

We involve caregivers and teachers in the therapy journey by:

• Providing simple motor activities to try at home

• Recommending classroom seating or posture supports

• Advising on safe playground use or sports inclusion

• Monitoring progress through ongoing reviews

With regular therapy and support, even highly uncoordinated children can become stronger, steadier, and more confident.

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Motor Skills Therapy?

Located in central Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers:

• Licensed occupational therapists with motor development expertise

• Khmer-English bilingual sessions

• Fully equipped therapy spaces for gross and fine motor work

• Integration with speech therapy or special education if needed

• A team approach that includes family and school support

We help children move better so they can play, learn, and grow with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Every Step Counts

Balance and coordination affect far more than sports—they shape how children interact with the world. If your child struggles with movement or posture, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can help build the strength and skills they need to succeed—step by step.

Book a motor coordination therapy consultation at OrbRom Center