Human joints have to withstand considerable forces day to day from compression, shearing and tension. To do this they have evolved layers of tissues and mechanisms to protect against and dissipate the forces that daily activities generate. Movement and stress always result in mechanical deformation of tissues and structures in the body because tissues undergo an elastic deformation when they are stretched. This deformation allows the tissue to rebound to its original shape and length if it is stretched within its normal limits. If the tissue is stressed beyond its physical limitations of elastic phase, it will fail to return to its original structure and will be lengthened (called the plastic phase of deformation). Stressing the tissue beyond its maximum capacity will result in a tear of that tissue. Not undergoing a healthy deformation within the elastic phase because of lack of activity or immobilization will inhibit joints from regenerating optimally. The end result is tissue thickening, insufficient water in the tissue matrix, loss of tissue elasticity, collagen cross-bridging and shortening of tissue. There will be a loss of range of motion of joints and the patient will experience joint stiffness and difficulty in moving. Healthy movement through the joint tissue can aid tissue repair and recovery. Joint articulation is commonly used as a technique in manual therapy that has been shown to be effective at reducing musculoskeletal pain. Articulations are often used with the objective to increase the range of motion of the joint through stretching of fibrous tissue and by affecting the stretch reflex excitability. Manual therapy can aid mechanotherapy by enabling the patient to return to physical activity as quickly as possible and promoting healthy cellular homeostasis.