Pat l'Huillier
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Pat l'huillier
Physiotherapist
Pat is a physiotherapist based in Highett with a strong focus on running injuries, long-term rehab, and helping people stay active. Read below to find out more about Pat.
Meet Pat - Physiotherapist at Base Physio + Performance in Highett
Pat L’Huillier is a physiotherapist at Base Physio + Performance in Highett who works closely with runners, athletes, and anyone dealing with long-term pain or injury. He combines hands-on treatment with structured, strength-based rehab to help people build resilience and get back to the things they love. Pat’s background in marathon running and community sport gives him a deep understanding of what it takes to recover well, and stay there.
Clinical focus and Philosophy
Pat works with all types of injuries from acute sporting trauma to long-term pain that’s been hanging around for months (or years). He has a particular interest in running injuries, persistent pain, and athlete rehabilitation. What draws Pat to these cases is the detective work. He believes that every injury has a story, whether it’s related to training load, movement patterns, lifestyle factors or past history. Solving the root cause is what leads to lasting results, and Pat aims for that with his patients.In the early stages of rehab, Pat often uses in-room physiotherapy techniques like information gathering, manual therapy, movement assessment and targeted education to reduce pain, restore confidence and set a clear plan. His sessions balance hands-on treatment with clear guidance on what to expect next, both in the clinic and beyond.
As progress builds, Pat transitions clients toward structured, strength-based programming in the gym. Every plan is tailored and progressive, built around your goals and timeline. His aim isn’t just short-term relief, it’s long-term physical resilience and return to performance, whether that’s sport, running, or everyday life.
Education is a key part of his approach. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of why each step matters, how the exercises fit into your broader recovery, and what’s ahead. Whether you’re just starting rehab or need a plan to break through a plateau, Pat builds buy-in by keeping the whole process transparent and personalised.
Sport and Exercise Background
Pat grew up playing a mix of sports, mainly football, basketball and cricket with his junior highlight being a Peninsula League U17 premiership with Langwarrin. Over time, he shifted his focus from team sport to long-distance running and gym-based strength training, which now form the backbone of his personal training routine.He’s completed four marathons (so far) and knows first-hand how running, load management and recovery all interact, especially when balancing a training plan with work, life and injury niggles. That lived experience helps shape how he works with active people in the clinic today, particularly runners and gym-goers.
Physio for Runners Who Want to Stay Running
As both a physiotherapist and a long-distance runner, Pat understands what it’s like to be told to stop running and how frustrating that advice can feel when it lacks a plan or purpose. That’s why his approach to running injuries goes beyond just rest or pain relief. Pat helps runners in Highett and the Bayside area recover from injury, build long-term strength, and return to training with structure and confidence. He works with runners of all levels, from casual weekend joggers to those deep in marathon prep.When injury happens, Pat believes any recommendation to pause running needs to come with three things:
1. A clear explanation of why and the risks of continuing
2. A substitute activity like bike or pool sessions to stay active
3. A timeline and plan for return with specific progressions and targets
In the clinic, Pat uses a combination of manual therapy, movement assessment and education to address the root cause of running injuries. From there, he builds individualised rehab programs that blend structured gym-based strength training with realistic run reloading strategies.
He also uses objective testing such as strength and endurance benchmarks. He'll factor in a runner’s training history and preferences to make sure the plan is both specific and sustainable.
Whether you’re managing a flare-up or planning your next race, Pat’s aim is to help you stay in the sport, build resilience, and run stronger for longer.
Professional Background
Professional Background
Pat began his physiotherapy career in Gippsland, where he gained experience treating a wide range of general and sporting injuries. This early work helped lay the foundations for his interest in sports rehab and long-term injury management.
Since returning to Melbourne, Pat has built strong ties to the local sports community. He has worked with athletes across multiple levels, including in the National Premier League (Oakleigh Cannons), as head physio at Woodside Football Netball Club in the North Gippsland Football League, and now as the head physiotherapist for Beaumaris Soccer Club.
Pat also plays an active role within the Base Physio + Performance community. He co-founded Base Run Club in 2024 alongside Exercise Physiologist Jazz Speight, creating a space for local runners to stay consistent and connected — rain, hail or shine — every Wednesday morning in Highett.
He also works closely with young athletes through Base’s partnership with Parkdale Secondary College and Beaumaris Secondary College, running gym sessions twice a week that focus on strength, coordination and injury prevention. Whether he’s working with school athletes, club players or weekend warriors, Pat thrives on building relationships and helping people stay active for the long term.
Professional Background
Outside of work, Pat is a footy tragic and a long-suffering Essendon supporter. You’ll often find him at the game with his dad and brother or deep in fantasy footy strategy. He’s been a committed Supercoach player since high school.
He’s also a keen runner and has completed four marathons so far. Most of his spare time is spent running around Bayside, in the gym, or checking out new restaurants, cafes and pubs with friends and family. When he slows down, he’ll usually have his Kindle in hand with a good mystery or thriller novel.
What to Expect When You Work With Pat
Pat’s sessions are practical, thorough and built around helping you understand your body, not just treating the symptoms. Whether you’re coming in for a new injury, something long-term that won’t go away, or you just need direction in your training, Pat will meet you where you’re at.In your first appointment, you can expect a deep dive into your history, movement patterns and goals. He’ll use a mix of in-room physiotherapy techniques like manual therapy, movement assessment and education to get a clear picture of what’s going on and why.
From there, Pat builds a structured plan that fits your life. Whether you’re managing a running injury, returning to sport, or dealing with persistent pain, you’ll leave each session with a clear next step and the knowledge to back it up.
Ready to Work With Pat?
If you’re looking for a physio who takes the time to understand your injury, your sport and your goals, Pat’s ready to help. Whether you’re getting back into running, rehabbing a stubborn issue or just want a clear plan moving forward, you’ll be in good hands.
Book your session with Pat below and get started on a rehab plan that actually makes sense.
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