Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance. A device manipulates a foot of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to an ankle of the user, and includes a footplate positioned at a pre-determined distance from the user and adapted to pivot about an axis defined by the ankle as the foot extends or flexes about the ankle; and a force application system comprising a force applicator connected to the footplate, and a force application mechanism, wherein the force application mechanism is configured to apply a force to the force applicator, thereby providing the extension or flexion assistance to the foot about the ankle.