PRF Knee Injections

What Are PRF Knee Injections?

PRF or Platelet-Rich Fibrin is an advanced form of regenerative therapy that builds on the benefits of PRP but provides a longer-lasting and more sustained release of healing factors.³ PRF is created from a simple blood draw, but instead of adding anticoagulants or synthetic agents, the sample is processed at a lower centrifuge speed. This allows the platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin matrix to remain intact, creating a thicker, more potent injectable rich in growth factors.⁴

Once prepared, the PRF is injected into the affected knee joint to help restore balance, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing response.⁵

How Do PRF Knee Injections Help?

PRF therapy is especially beneficial for soft tissue and joint repair. It offers:

• Long-lasting pain relief: The fibrin matrix in PRF allows for a slow, continuous release of growth factors over several days, extending the therapeutic effect beyond traditional PRP.³
  
• Enhanced joint mobility: PRF can reduce joint stiffness and promote smoother, easier movement.⁶
  
• Regenerative healing: Platelets and leukocytes stimulate tissue regeneration in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.⁷
  
• Autologous and biocompatible: Because PRF is 100% derived from your blood, there’s no risk of rejection or allergic response.⁸
  
• Minimal downtime: Most people resume regular activity the same day or the next.⁹
  

Who Should Consider PRF for Knee Pain?

PRF is an ideal option for individuals who:

• Suffer from mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Have chronic tendon or ligament discomfort
  
• Are active and wish to avoid steroid or surgical interventions
  
• Want a more natural, drug-free solution
  
• Are not candidates for surgery due to age or health conditions
  

Have tried other therapies without success

What to Expect on Your PRF Injection Day

Step 1: Personalized Consultation: Your visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your knee pain with Dr. Khezri, including physical examination, review of any imaging (if available), and discussion of treatment goals.

Step 2: Blood Collection & PRF Preparation: A small sample of blood is drawn from your arm and processed immediately in a specialized centrifuge. Unlike PRP, no anticoagulants are added, which allows the natural fibrin matrix to form. This process takes about 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Injection Into the Knee Joint:  Your knee is numbed with local anesthetic. Dr. Khezri then uses a precise technique, often with ultrasound guidance, to inject PRF directly into the joint.

Step 4: Observation & Discharge: After the injection, you’ll be observed briefly before being discharged. No sedation or lengthy recovery is required.

Aftercare & Recovery Timeline

• First 48 hours: Expect some swelling or soreness. Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) as they can blunt the healing response. Light walking is encouraged; avoid heavy use or strenuous activity.
  
• Days 3–7: You may return to most normal activities, including office work. Gentle exercises such as stationary cycling or swimming may be introduced.
  
• 1–3 months: Improvements in pain, stiffness, and mobility become more noticeable. This period reflects the peak healing response from collagen and tissue remodeling.

Cost of PRF Knee Injections

At PRP in Seattle, PRF injections are priced between $700–$900 per session, depending on how many syringes are needed and whether ultrasound guidance is used. Insurance typically does not cover regenerative therapies like PRF, but we offer transparent pricing and treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Interested in the PRF Knee Injections?

Fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation or ask any questions you may have.

Ready for a Natural Alternative to Knee Pain?

If chronic knee pain is keeping you from living fully, PRF therapy may provide the lasting relief you need—naturally. Contact PRP in Seattle to schedule your consultation and find out if PRF is the right fit for you. Call (206) 279-2112 or request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does PRF therapy cost?

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) knee injections typically range from $700-$900 per treatment, depending on the number of syringes required and whether ultrasound guidance is used.

Is PRF really better than PRP?

PRF may offer longer-lasting effects due to its slow release of growth factors⁹, but it’s not always better for everyone. Some patients respond better to PRF, while others do just as well with PRP. The best option depends on your condition and treatment goals.

Does insurance cover PRP injections for knees?

At present, most U.S. insurers classify both PRP and PRF knee injections as experimental. Therefore, they are not covered, and treatment is self-pay⁸.

What are the disadvantages of PRF?

Some of the disadvantages of PRF include a slightly higher out-of-pocket cost than PRP, a thicker, more viscous injectate that can cause transient stiffness, fewer published clinical trials, so long-term success rates are still being established, and not advisable for patients with bleeding/clotting disorders or active systemic infection.

Who is a good candidate for PRF?

Ideal candidates are adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or ligament sprains who want a drug-free, autologous option, have realistic expectations, and can avoid anti-inflammatory medications during recovery. Non-smokers with healthy platelet counts and no autoimmune or bleeding disorders generally respond best.

References 

1. ¹ Zhang JY, Xiang XN, Yu X, et al. Mechanisms and applications of the regenerative capacity of platelets-based therapy in knee osteoarthritis. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024;178:117226. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117226
2. ² Cheeva-Akrapan V, Turajane T. The 36-Month Survival Analysis of Conservative Treatment Using Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhanced With Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis. Cureus. 2023;15(3):e35632. doi:10.7759/cureus.35632
3. ³ Kobayashi E, Flückiger L, Fujioka-Kobayashi M, et al. Comparative release of growth factors from PRP, PRF, and advanced-PRF. Clin Oral Investig. 2016;20(9):2353–2360. doi:10.1007/s00784-016-1719-1
4. ⁴ Miron RJ, Fujioka-Kobayashi M, Bishara M, Zhang Y, Hernandez M, Choukroun J. Platelet-rich fibrin and soft tissue wound healing: a systematic review. Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2017;23(1):83–99. doi:10.1089/ten.teb.2016.0233
5. ⁵ Lei L, Yu Y, Han J, et al. Quantification of growth factors in advanced platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factors and their clinical efficacy as adjunctive to the GTR procedure in periodontal intrabony defects. J Periodontol. 2020;91(4):462–472. doi:10.1002/JPER.19-0290
6. ⁶ Miron RJ, Gruber R, Sorensen RG, et al. Ten years of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF): A systematic review of its biology, technology, and clinical indications. Periodontol 2000. 2024;94(1):92–113. doi:10.1111/prd.12538
7. ⁷ Andia I, Maffulli N. Platelet-rich fibrin: a second-generation platelet concentrate. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2019;27(1):e2–e10. doi:10.1097/JSA.0000000000000222
8. ⁸ Choukroun J, Diss A, Simonpieri A, et al. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part IV: clinical effects on tissue healing. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2006;101(3):e56–e60. doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2005.07.011
9. ⁹ Sclafani AP. Safety, efficacy, and utility of platelet-rich fibrin matrix in facial plastic surgery. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2011;13(4):247–251. doi:10.1001/archfacial.2011.3

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