Manual osteopaths use this technique to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, ease neurological irritations around a joint, and make joints more mobile to minimize pain and discomfort. The articular technique involves gently moving two joint surfaces. Before doing this, Manual osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area. They also move the patient into a position that minimizes or eliminates the energy and force needed to perform the maneuver. Many patients find this technique less forceful than joint manipulations.